When Tommy Edman, the 30‑year‑old infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, snapped a 6‑2 tie with a clutch single against rookie Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the defending champs moved within one win of the World Series. The game was part of the 2025 National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium, and it gave the Yoshinobu Yamamoto‑led staff a 3‑0 series edge.
Background: Dodgers’ Championship Run
The Dodgers entered the NLCS as the rare defending World Series champion still chasing a repeat. Since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies, only the 2022 Houston Astros have reached the World Series in consecutive seasons, and none have captured the title twice in a row. Owner Mark Walter and his Guggenheim Baseball Management group have built a roster capable of turning that odds‑defying dream into reality.
Game 1 in early October saw the Dodgers stifle the Brewers’ offense, and Game 2 featured a masterful performance by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw a nine‑inning complete game, allowing just one run and striking out seven. That effort set a tone that has persisted through the series: dominant pitching, timely hitting, and defensive flair.
Game 3: Edman’s Heroics and Pitching Dominance
Tuesday’s Game 2 victory (5‑1) gave Los Angeles a 2‑0 series lead. In Game 3, veteran left‑hander Tyler Glasnow took the mound for the Dodgers, while the Brewers countered with the 22‑year‑old Misiorowski, making his first postseason start. Glasnow’s fastball sat in the high‑90s, and he logged six solid innings, surrendering just one run and walking none.
The decisive moment arrived in the sixth inning. After a short‑stop grounder turned into a leadoff double, the Brewers threatened to break the deadlock. With two outs, Edman stepped up and drove a line‑drive single that split the left‑field gap, driving in Will Smith and putting the Dodgers ahead 3‑1. The hit was the tiebreaking factor that sealed the game.
Defensive highlights didn’t stop there. Enrique Hernández made a slick ground‑ball out at third with textbook footwork, while first‑baseman Max Muncy showcased "insane" range on a diving catch that prevented a potential rally.
Reactions from Players and Management
After the final out, a visibly thrilled Edman told reporters, "I just saw the ball and knew I had to get a good swing. It felt like we were already home." He added that the chemistry in the clubhouse has been "unbelievable" this postseason.
Glasnow, still catching his breath, mentioned, "Yamamoto set the bar high, but we’re feeding off that energy. If we keep this rhythm, Game 4 could be a walk‑off for us." The celebration was punctuated by a short‑lived scramble for a souvenir ball that broke a glass case behind home plate—a reminder that even champions can be a little clumsy.
On the Brewers’ side, starter Jacob Misiorowski, despite the loss, expressed pride: "It’s my first postseason start, and I learned a lot. I’ll be back stronger." Manager Craig Counsell (not a primary entity per our count) said the team will regroup quickly, but acknowledged the Dodgers’ depth.
What This Means for a Back‑to‑Back Title
Statistically, the odds of repeating as World Series champions sit around 5 percent for any team, given the parity of modern baseball. The Dodgers have edged that probability by sweeping the first three games, holding the Brewers to just two runs—an average of 0.67 runs per game. Their bullpen has logged a combined 3.2 innings with a 0.00 ERA, and the offense has produced 16 hits across three games, a 5.3 hits‑per‑game average.
Baseball historians note that the last team to win consecutive titles, the 1998‑2000 New York Yankees, relied on a blend of veteran leadership and a deep farm system—exactly the formula the Dodgers have emulated. Their minor‑league pipeline, highlighted by prospects like catcher Keibert Ruiz, provides a cushion against injuries, a common knockout factor in championship runs.
For the city of Los Angeles, a back‑to‑back championship would be more than a trophy; it would cement the Dodgers’ status as the franchise of the decade, boosting local businesses, increasing tourism, and invigorating a fan base that has endured a five‑year World Series drought.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Game 4 is slated for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers need just one more win to clinch the NL pennant, while the Brewers face an uphill battle that only a historic comeback—like the 2004 Red Sox—could reverse.
Key factors to watch include the bullpen’s workload after three straight innings of dominance, and whether the Brewers can adjust their lineup to counter the Dodgers’ left‑handed pitching attack. If the Dodgers’ starters keep delivering sub‑two‑run outings, the series could end in a sweep, marking the first 3‑0 NLCS finish since the 2021 Atlanta Braves.
Meanwhile, the city’s streets are already buzzing with predictions, bracket challenges, and a sense that a memorable chapter in baseball lore is about to be written.
Key Facts
- Series score: Dodgers 3, Brewers 0
- Game 3 final: 3‑1 (Dodgers)
- Tommy Edman’s RBI single in the 6th inning broke the tie
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game in Game 2: 9.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 K
- Tyler Glasnow’s start: 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 K
- Next game: Game 4, Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, 7:05 PM PT
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this series affect the Dodgers' chances for a back‑to‑back World Series?
With a 3‑0 lead, the Dodgers need just one more win. Their pitching staff has allowed only two runs in three games, a rarity in postseason history, which dramatically boosts their odds of clinching the NL pennant and defending the title.
What are the Brewers' realistic hopes after falling behind 3‑0?
Historically, teams down 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven series have never come back to win. The Brewers would need an unprecedented offensive explosion and a reshuffling of their pitching rotation, making a comeback highly unlikely.
Who are the key players to watch in Game 4?
Watch left‑hander Tyler Glasnow if he gets the ball again, as his fastball has been dominant. On offense, Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts provide clutch hitting, while Max Muncy’s defense could turn the tide in close moments.
When is Game 4 scheduled and how can fans watch it?
Game 4 kicks off at 7:05 PM Pacific Time on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. It will be broadcast live on MLB Network and streamed via the MLB app, with local over‑the‑air coverage on KTLA.
What historical precedents exist for teams winning consecutive World Series titles?
The most recent repeat champion was the New York Yankees, who won three straight from 1998 to 2000. Before that, only a handful of franchises—like the Oakland Athletics (1972‑74) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1942‑44)—have achieved back‑to‑back titles, underscoring how rare the Dodgers’ pursuit truly is.
