Dodgers edge Brewers 2-1 in NLCS Game 1, historic double play

When the National League Championship Series kicked off on Monday, October 13, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers seized a 2‑1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. The quick strike came from a first‑inning three‑run blast by Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ first baseman, while left‑hander Blake Snell tossed seven solid innings, racking up nine strikeouts.

Game 1 Recap: How the Dodgers Took the Lead

Freeman’s homer came on the very first pitch he saw, launching a deep ball over the left‑field wall and instantly putting the Dodgers up 3‑0. Snell followed with a masterclass performance: two hits, one earned run, and a tidy strikeout tally that kept the Brewers off balance. The only Brewers run arrived in the seventh inning, when Freddy Peralta surrendered a single and a run‑scoring error on the basepaths.

What made the night unforgettable, though, was the defensive gem in the fourth inning. With the game knotted at 0‑0, Max Muncy lofted a deep fly that glanced off Sal Frelick’s glove and ricocheted into the wall. Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández and third‑baseman Enrique Hernández mistakenly thought the ball was caught, prompting a chaotic tag‑up attempt that set the stage for baseball’s first postseason 8‑6‑2 double play.

Historic Double Play: Brewers’ Defense Makes History

Here’s the thing: the sequence unfolded like a well‑rehearsed ballet. After the ball bounced, Joey Ortiz fielded the errant throw, fired it to catcher William Contreras, who tagged home for the first out. Ortiz then turned and threw to first, completing the 8‑6‑2 double play in a matter of seconds. The move preserved the Dodgers’ slim lead and gave Brewers fans a moment to savor amid the disappointment.

“I saw it floating there. So, I grabbed it and fired it in to Joey because I saw Teoscar was going back to third to tag,” Frelick said in the post‑game interview. Ortiz added, “I was just listening to what Brice was telling me. He was doing a good job, letting me know to go for home plate.” Those quotes captured the split‑second communication that made the play possible.

Series Outlook: What Comes Next for Both Clubs

Game 2 is slated for Tuesday, October 14, at 8:08 p.m. Eastern on TBS, again at American Family Field. The Brewers will need to bounce back quickly; a win would even the series and shift momentum back to Milwaukee. For the Dodgers, the challenge will be to keep their pitching staff fresh while their offense leans on Freeman’s power and the clutch hitting of Teoscar Hernández.

Should the series drift to Los Angeles for Games 3‑5, the Dodgers will enjoy a familiar backdrop at Dodger Stadium, a venue that has hosted 22 NLCS appearances for the franchise. The Brewers, meanwhile, will rely on manager Pat Murphy to keep his roster focused and maybe pull another surprise defensive play out of the bag.

Venue Spotlight: American Family Field and Dodger Stadium

American Family Field, located at 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214, seats roughly 41,900 fans for baseball. Since its opening in 2001, the stadium has become known for its fan‑friendly amenities and the iconic beer‑pouring fan‑zone. Dodger Stadium, at 1000 Elysian Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, boasts a capacity of 56,000, making it one of the largest venues in the majors. Both ballparks will be buzzing with high‑stakes energy as the NLCS unfolds.

Player Spotlights: Freeman, Snell, Frelick, and More

Freeman, now 35, continues to defy age with his power game. His three‑run shot not only set the tone but also reminded everyone why he’s a perennial All‑Star. Snell, 32, proved that his move from the AL to the NL was worth it, delivering a near‑perfect outing that silenced the Milwaukee crowd.

On the Brewers side, 25‑year‑old Frelick emerged as a defensive maestro, while 26‑year‑old Ortiz and 27‑year‑old Contreras showed poise under pressure. Their combined effort produced a play that will be replayed in highlight reels for years.

Managers also deserve a nod. Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts has guided his team to a 1‑0 lead with strategic bullpen usage, whereas Pat Murphy is looking to adjust the Brewers’ lineup to counter the Dodgers’ heavy‑hitting core.

What This Means for the 2025 World Series

With the Dodgers now holding the series edge, the path to the 2025 World Series—scheduled to begin Thursday, October 24—looks a bit clearer for Los Angeles. The Brewers, however, are far from out of the fight. If they can rebound in Game 2, the NLCS could swing back and forth, turning the upcoming weeks into a must‑watch showdown for baseball fans across the nation.