Shohei Ohtani’s Triple Powers Dodgers to 1-0 NLCS Game 3 Win
Oct, 17 2025
On a chilly October evening in Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a 1‑0 victory in Game 3 of the National League Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field, and it all boiled down to a single swing. When Shohei Ohtani launched a leadoff triple in the bottom of the first inning, the crowd’s roar set the tone for a night that left Brewers fans stunned and Dodgers supporters ecstatic.
Game Overview: Ohtani’s Triple Sets the Tone
At 8:13 PM CDT, Ohtani faced Freddy Peralta on the mound. With a 0‑2 count, he dug in, swung, and sent the ball sailing to the right‑field corner where center‑fielder Jackson Chourio barely got a glimpse. Ohtani sprinted hard, rounded first, and stretched his legs into a triple that instantly put the Dodgers on the board.
The run was the only one of the game. Four innings later, Mookie Betts split the gap for an RBI double off reliever Jacob Misiewicz, racing home Ohtani as the right‑field throw flew past the cutoff man. The Dodgers never looked back.
How the Dodgers Built Their Lead
Beyond the headline‑making triple and double, the Dodgers’ defense and bullpen did their part. Right‑hander Tommy Edman added an RBI on a sacrifice fly in the fifth, while closer Blake Treinen shut the door in the final innings, preserving the shutout. The Brewers managed just three hits, none of which materialized into runs.
Statistically, the night was a showcase of efficiency: the Dodgers recorded a 1.2 % slugging percentage, while the Brewers held a .111 batting average. Ohtani went 1‑for‑4, Betts 1‑for‑4 with an RBI, and the Dodgers’ bullpen logged 12.1 innings across the first three NLCS games with only a single earned run allowed.
Managerial Perspectives
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his star’s poise. "They’re battle‑tested and I’ve never lost faith in them," Roberts said at the 11:45 PM press conference. "Ohtani’s grown a lot. The moment isn’t too big for him. He’s in a good mental space, and his stuff is obviously very good. Regardless of the inning, I trust him."
Brewers skipper Pat Murphy was less forgiving. "Couldn’t start any worse here for an opener," he lamented, pointing to Ohtani’s triple as the catalyst that put Milwaukee on its back foot. Murphy promised adjustments for Game 4, but the odds now heavily favor Los Angeles.
What the Series Means Historically
If the Dodgers win Game 4, they’ll advance to the World Series for the second year in a row, a feat last achieved by the 2000 New York Yankees. A victory would also notch their 23rd postseason series win, extending the National League record they set in 2022. The 14‑2 record in elimination games since 2020—perfect 4‑0 in the 2025 postseason thus far—adds a psychological edge that rivals find hard to shake.
For the Brewers, the loss extends a drought that began after their 2018 World Series appearance. Their last NLCS win came in 2018, and a return to the Fall Classic feels like a distant dream after tonight’s shutout.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Game 4 is slated for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8:07 PM CDT, still at American Family Field. Ohtani will take the mound against Brewers right‑hander Aaron Civile. The Dodgers will again rely on their dominant bullpen, while the Brewers must find a way to jump‑start an offense that has yet to score a run in the series.
Fans can expect a tightly contested game. If the Dodgers pull off a second shutout, they’ll be just one win away from a repeat championship. If the Brewers break through, the series could swing dramatically, turning what has been a one‑run affair into a full‑blown battle.
Key Facts
- Final score: Dodgers 1, Brewers 0
- Winning run: Ohtani’s leadoff triple, driven in by Betts’ RBI double
- Attendance: 43,722 (postseason high for Milwaukee)
- Series lead: Dodgers 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven NLCS
- Next game: Game 4, Oct 17, 8:07 PM CDT at American Family Field
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Dodgers' chances of a World Series title?
With a 3‑0 lead, Los Angeles needs just one more victory to clinch the NLCS. Historically, teams that go up 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven win the series 99% of the time, so the Dodgers are heavily favored to make a back‑to‑back World Series appearance.
What challenges does the Brewers face after this shutout?
Milwaukee must generate runs against a bruising Dodgers pitching staff while overcoming the psychological blow of an early‑inning triple. Their lineup will need to be more aggressive, and manager Pat Murphy hinted at lineup adjustments for Game 4.
Why is Shohei Ohtani’s performance notable despite his postseason slump?
Ohtani entered the game hitting .103 (3‑for‑29) in the postseason, yet his triple proved he can still deliver in clutch moments. The hit also gave him a rare 1‑for‑4 line, and he’s slated to pitch in Game 4, making him the focal point on both sides of the ball.
Who are the key pitchers to watch in the upcoming game?
Eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani, who transitions to the mound for the Dodgers, and Aaron Civile, the Brewers’ right‑hander tasked with stifling Ohtani’s offense and keeping the game tight.
What does the attendance figure tell us about fan interest?
The 43,722 fans present marked the highest postseason crowd in Milwaukee since the 2018 NLCS, signaling strong regional support despite the Brewers' struggles.