Dodgers Claim Home-Field Advantage with Narrow Victory Over Brewers in NLCS Game 1
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a crucial 2-1 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on Monday night at American Family Field. This hard-fought victory gives the Dodgers home-field advantage in the best-of-seven series as they pursue back-to-back World Series titles, a feat not achieved since the late 1990s.
Blake Snell’s Near-Perfect Masterclass on the Mound
Dodgers’ pitching was led by a dominant performance from Blake Snell, who delivered eight scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. His mastery on the mound included 10 strikeouts and no walks, facing the minimum number of batters through eight innings – a postseason feat not accomplished since Don Larsen's perfect game in 1956. Snell’s devastating changeup was the key weapon, generating 22 swing-and-misses and keeping the Brewers hitters off balance throughout the game.
Snell’s precision and control effectively silenced Milwaukee’s potent offense and set the tone for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. His ability to keep runners off base, including picking off a baserunner early in the game, contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ tight control of the contest.
Brewers’ Bizarre Double Play Squashes Big Opportunity
One of the most bizarre defensive plays in postseason history occurred in the fourth inning when Max Muncy appeared to hit a grand slam. The ball was lofted deep to center field, where Brewers’ outfielder Sal Frelick made an incredible leaping attempt, causing the ball to bounce back into his glove after hitting the top of the wall. In a rare sequence, the Brewers turned an 8-6-2 double play — the first of its kind in MLB postseason — by catching Dodgers runners off guard as they mistakenly tagged up, leading to two crucial outs. This defensive miracle preserved the deadlock and momentarily shifted momentum.
Freddie Freeman’s Power Breaks the Deadlock
The game’s only home run came in the sixth inning from Dodgers’ star Freddie Freeman. On a 96 mph fastball, Freeman crushed the ball 361 feet to right field for his first postseason home run. The blast gave Los Angeles a 1-0 lead after several innings of stalemate pitching, showcasing Freeman’s clutch hitting ability as a 2024 World Series MVP.
The Dodgers further extended their lead in the ninth inning with a clever baserunning and walk combination, forcing in an insurance run without a hit. This two-run cushion ultimately proved critical as Milwaukee scored once late but could not overcome the deficit.
Nerve-Wracking Ninth-Inning Finish
Dodgers’ closer Roki Sasaki entered the ninth and faced immediate trouble, allowing walks and a sacrifice fly that brought the Brewers’ lone run. The bases became loaded, prompting a pitching change to Blake Treinen, who managed to strike out the final batter on a decisive high fastball, securing the narrow victory for the Dodgers.
Consequences and What Lies Ahead
This victory is a significant morale boost for the Dodgers, who were swept 6-0 by the Brewers in the regular season series. Taking Game 1 on the road puts Los Angeles in a commanding position early in the NLCS. The Brewers, despite their defensive heroics, will need to rebound quickly to avoid falling into a deep hole.
For the Dodgers, this win confirms their status as serious contenders to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the Yankees’ dynasty between 1998 and 2000. Strong pitching, clutch hitting, and strategic savvy are giving them momentum to continue their championship pursuit.
Both teams will now shift preparations as the series moves forward, with the Brewers aiming to even the score and regain home-field advantage, while the Dodgers look to build on their early lead and push closer to another title run.
This intense game of pitching duels, defensive feats, and timely hitting encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of postseason baseball, setting up an exhilarating battle between two evenly matched teams.