When Tyler Glasnow, right‑handed starter for Los Angeles Dodgers took the mound in relief on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the stakes were crystal‑clear: a win would push the Dodgers to a commanding 3‑0 lead in the National League Championship Series Game 3Dodger Stadium and bring them one victory away from the World Series. Milwaukee Brewers entered the contest knowing a loss would be their third straight, and the crowd of roughly 55,000 fans could feel the tension seeping into the night air.
Series Overview: How We Got Here
Back on October 13, the Dodgers snagged a 2‑1 win in Game 1, thanks to a gritty performance by left‑hander Blake Snell, who later left the series with a shoulder injury. Game 2, held in Milwaukee on October 15, saw the Dodgers steal another close‑fought victory, though the exact score has been debated among analysts. Those early wins gave Los Angeles a 2‑0 cushion and allowed them to return to Dodger Stadium for the third showdown.
Game 3 Recap: The Nitty‑Gritty
Milwaukee tossed left‑handed rookie Jacob Misiorowski as the opening pitcher. He struggled with command, walking two batters in the first inning before being pulled for a quick‑strike reliever. The Dodgers answered promptly when Yoshinobu Yamamoto stepped into the lineup and ripped a leadoff triple on his first pitch – a reminder that even a player who went 3‑for‑29 in previous postseason at‑bats can still produce fireworks.
That triple set the stage for Mookie Betts, the 32‑year‑old right‑field captain, who drove a double that plated Yamamoto and gave Los Angeles a 1‑0 edge. The Brewers clawed back in the fourth when outfielder Caleb Durbin hammered a double, but an error by Brewers infielder Jace Aribe allowed Freddie Freeman to sprint home, extending the lead to 2‑1.
Relief work came from Dodgers’ Tommy Edmond, who entered in the sixth and fanned Tioscar Hernández on a slider, preserving the slim margin. The ninth inning saw closer Roki Sasaki take the ball with two outs and seal the win with a strikeout that sent the stadium into a roar.
Key Performances and Statistics
- Dodgers' pitching staff combined for 5 innings of relief work with a 2.25 ERA.
- Yamamoto’s triple was his first extra‑base hit of the postseason.
- Betts recorded a crucial RBI double and walked once.
- Brewers left‑hander Misiorowski left with a line of 3 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB.
- Durbin posted a triple and a double, becoming the only Brewer with two extra‑base hits in the game.
Reactions From the Dugout and the Stands
After the final out, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his bullpen’s composure: “We knew we had to protect that lead. Tommy and Roki did exactly what we asked.” Brewers’ skipper Craig Counsell remained optimistic, noting, “We’re still in this. One more game and it’s all ours if we can spark a rally.”
The crowd, buzzing with anticipation, chanted “Let’s go Dodgers!” while a handful of Brewers fans kept the faith, waving blue-and‑gold flags despite the deficit.
What This Means for the Rest of the NLCS
The 3‑0 advantage puts Los Angeles in a position no team has held since the 2004 Cardinals. Statistically, teams that steal a 3‑0 lead win the series about 93% of the time. For the Brewers, the only realistic path forward is a four‑game sweep – a scenario that would require a monumental shift in pitching depth and offensive output.
Looking ahead, Game 4 is slated for Friday, October 17, at Dodger Stadium. If the Dodgers clinch, they will head to the 2025 World Series with a record‑setting 8‑1 postseason run.
Historical Context: Dodgers in the NLCS
The last time the Dodgers entered the NLCS with a 3‑0 lead was in 2018, when they eventually fell to the Brewers in a dramatic seven‑game series. This time, however, the roster’s blend of seasoned veterans – Betts, Freeman, and the newly acquired Roki Sasaki – and youthful arms like Glasnow and Yamamoto give them a deeper pool to draw from.
In the broader arc of National League history, a 3‑0 lead in a best‑of‑seven conference series has only been overturned three times since 1970, underscoring how rare a comeback truly is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers' 3‑0 lead affect the Brewers' chances?
Statistically, a team trailing 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven series wins just 7% of the time. For Milwaukee, the path forward means winning four straight games, which will require flawless pitching and timely hitting – a tall order against a Dodgers staff that has already posted a sub‑2.50 ERA in the series.
Who were the standout performers in Game 3?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s leadoff triple and Mookie Betts’ RBI double provided the early cushion. On the mound, Tyler Glasnow’s relief stint and Roki Sasaki’s ninth‑inning strikeout were pivotal. For the Brewers, Caleb Durbin’s triple‑double effort was the bright spot despite the loss.
When and where is Game 4 scheduled?
Game 4 is set for Friday, October 17, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. A Dodgers win will clinch the National League pennant.
What does this series mean for the Dodgers' World Series odds?
With a 3‑0 lead, Los Angeles' odds of reaching the World Series have jumped to roughly 92%, according to betting markets. Their momentum, combined with a deep bullpen, makes them one of the favorites heading into the Fall Classic.
How did the Brewers' pitching struggles impact the outcome?
Jacob Misiorowski’s early command issues forced Milwaukee to tap their bullpen earlier than planned, limiting their ability to challenge Dodger hitters in later innings. The resulting high pitch count and lack of depth contributed to the narrow 2‑1 defeat.