When Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a 3‑1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium, the atmosphere in Los Angeles turned electric. The win gave the defending champions a commanding 3‑0 series edge and put them within a single triumph of a chance to repeat as World Series champions – something no team has done since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies.
Why this game mattered
Friday night, October 16, 2024, at 7:08 PM PT, the stage was set at Dodger Stadium. A 3‑0 lead in a best‑of‑seven series is rare; it forces the opponent into a do‑or‑die scramble. For the Brewers, a loss meant their season would end a day early, while the Dodgers were just one win away from becoming the first defending champion to reach the Fall Classic in 15 years.
Key moments and the players who made them
A leadoff triple by Shohei Ohtani, the 30‑year‑old Japanese two‑way phenom, set the tone. Ohtani had been 3‑for‑29 in his last at‑bats, but a flailing pitch that ‘dribbled down the right‑field corner’ found his glove, and he sprinted to third.
Right behind him, Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ 31‑year‑old captain, ripped an RBI double to right‑center, pulling Ohtani home and delivering the game’s first run.
Midway through the sixth inning, Tommy Edman, recently acquired from St. Louis, smashed a tiebreaking single off Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski. The hit brought home Freddie Freeman and, after a throwing error by catcher William Contreras, extended the lead to 3‑1.
Milwaukee’s lone reply arrived in the seventh when Christian Yelich drilled a double that drove Willy Adames home.
Pitching duel and bullpen work
Misiorowski, a 6‑foot‑5 right‑hander drafted in the third round of 2021, logged 5.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out six. He kept the Dodgers’ offense honest, but the error‑laden sixth shifted momentum.
Enter Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers’ ace acquired from Tampa Bay in December 2023. Glasnow delivered 5.2 solid innings, surrendering just one run on four hits and fanning seven. He set the stage for the bullpen.
Closer Evan Phillips sealed the win with 1.1 scoreless innings, earning his second save of the postseason.
Managerial perspectives
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts praised his club’s focus: “We’re locked in on closing this out tomorrow. Tommy came through in a huge spot and our pitching staff has been nails throughout this series.”
Brewers interim manager Pat Murphy admitted the pain of missed chances: “Misiorowski battled hard but we made critical mistakes at the worst possible times. We’re facing elimination, but Brandon Woodruff is ready to give us a chance tomorrow.”
Why this could be historic
Should the Dodgers win Game 4 on October 17, they’ll join the 2009 Phillies as the last defending champion to make the World Series. A back‑to‑back title would be their eighth franchise championship and the first repeat since the legendary 1963‑65 Dodgers teams.
Conversely, the Brewers would fall short of a first World Series appearance since 2018, when they fell to the Dodgers in the NLCS. It would be a bitter reminder that, despite a potent lineup featuring 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich and rising star Willy Adames, they still lack the depth to survive a 3‑0 barrage.
Key facts at a glance
- Final score: Dodgers 3, Brewers 1
- Series lead: Dodgers 3‑0 in NLCS
- Winning pitcher: Tyler Glasnow (5.2 IP, 1 run)
- Save: Evan Phillips (1.1 IP)
- Key offensive spark: Tommy Edman (tiebreaking single)
Looking ahead
Game 4 is set for Friday, October 17, at 7:10 PM PT. If the Dodgers clinch, they’ll be the first team since the 2000 Yankees to win consecutive World Series titles. That would raise the bar for payroll efficiency, given the franchise’s $2.3 billion payroll—still modest by the era’s standards.
For Milwaukee, the focus shifts to starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who will need to silence the Dodgers’ potent lineup. A win would keep their hopes alive and set up a dramatic Game 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers’ 3‑0 lead affect their chances of back‑to‑back titles?
Historically, teams that jump to a 3‑0 lead in a best‑of‑seven series win the series over 95% of the time. For the Dodgers, winning Game 4 would guarantee a Repeat, making them the first repeat champion since the 2009 Phillies. Their deep rotation and elite hitters give them a statistical edge of roughly 85% to secure the title.
Which Brewers players could still swing the series in Milwaukee’s favor?
Veteran slugger Christian Yelich and shortstop Willy Adames remain the offensive anchors. If starter Brandon Woodruff can limit the Dodgers’ power and the bullpen holds the lead, a single swing hit could flip the momentum.
What does Tommy Edman's performance mean for his future with the Dodgers?
Edman’s clutch single in the sixth underscores his value as a versatile second baseman. After his mid‑season trade from St. Louis, he’s shown he can deliver in high‑leverage moments, likely cementing his role as the everyday second baseman for the rest of the postseason.
How important was Shohei Ohtani’s leadoff triple to the Dodgers’ strategy?
The triple set the tone early, putting an immediate runner in scoring position and putting pressure on Milwaukee’s starter. Ohtani’s ability to affect the game both on the mound and at the plate gives the Dodgers a strategic flexibility few teams possess.
When is Game 4 scheduled and where can fans watch?
Game 4 tips off at 7:10 PM Pacific Time on Friday, October 17, 2024, at Dodger Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on Fox Sports and streamed live via the MLB app.
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