Dodgers Defeat Brewers and Move Closer to World Series
The Dodgers have taken a significant step towards the World Series after defeating the Brewers 3-1 in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. This win puts the Dodgers just one game away from advancing to the World Series.
Patient Dodgers Wait for Opportunity
During the first five innings Thursday afternoon, the Dodgers patiently waited for the right moment to strike. They waited for the impossible shadows to subside on a sunny afternoon at Dodger Stadium, for Milwaukee Brewers rookie star Jacob Misiorowski to lose steam amid an electric bulk-relief outing, and for the door to crack even slightly open.
Breakthrough in the Sixth Inning
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the moment finally arrived. And once the Brewers wavered, the relentless Dodgers pounced. With a two-run rally fueled by professional hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a little cat-and-mouse with the pitch clock, the Dodgers broke an early tie, took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and moved to the doorstep of the World Series.
Postseason Success
For a team that underwhelmed so drastically in the regular season, the Dodgers are 8-1 in these playoffs. According to Tommy Edman, who had the decisive hit in the sixth inning with a go-ahead single, "I just think we have guys who have a slow heartbeat, and that’s kind of what makes us successful in the postseason. We just do a good job of staying level-headed, even in the big situations."
Turning Point in the Sixth
The inning started with a one-out single from Will Smith, who got a rare mistake from Misiorowski and hit a hanging slider on a liner to left. Then, Freddie Freeman came to the plate and outwitted the rookie pitcher. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Misiorowski came set and held the ball on Freeman, waiting to make his throw until just before the timer expired.
Freddie Freeman celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring in the sixth inning against the Brewers in Game 3 of the NLCS on Thursday at Dodger Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Key Plays and Moments
Edman then adjusted to a slider on his first pitch from Misiorowski, and roped an RBI single into center that broke a 1-1 tie. Edman’s single included another heady — and ultimately rewarding — decision from Freeman, who aggressively charged for third base as the relay throw was cut off in front of the plate. The move paid off two batters later, when heavily used Brewers closer Abner Uribe fired an errant pickoff throw to first that got past Andrew Vaughn and trickled up the right-field line.
Tommy Edman hits an RBI single in the sixth inning of the Dodgers’ 3-1 win over the Brewers in Game 3 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Pitching Performance
The bullpen made the 3-1 lead stand up, getting 10 big outs from Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Anthony Banda, and Roki Sasaki in what was a return to form for the scuffling relief staff. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow delivered in the first inning Thursday against the Brewers.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Road to the World Series
And now, with Shohei Ohtani set to start in Game 4 on Friday night, the Dodgers are in position to sweep their way back into the Fall Classic. "We’re five wins away from what we really want," shortstop Mookie Betts said. Before the sixth inning, Game 3 was the first in this series that felt truly up for grabs.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ win over the Brewers has brought them one step closer to the World Series. With their strong pitching and timely hitting, they are poised to make a deep run in the postseason. As Edman said, "We’re really excited. It’s been a bit of a trying year. We didn’t play the best during the regular season. But we’re getting hot at the right time, and are just one win away [from the World Series]. Hopefully, we can finish off tomorrow."
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of the NLCS series between the Dodgers and the Brewers?
A: The Dodgers are leading the series 3-0. - Q: Who had the decisive hit in the sixth inning for the Dodgers?
A: Tommy Edman had the decisive hit with a go-ahead single. - Q: What is the Dodgers’ record in the playoffs so far?
A: The Dodgers are 8-1 in the playoffs. - Q: Who is scheduled to start in Game 4 for the Dodgers?
A: Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to start in Game 4.
