Blake Snell Leads Dodgers to Game 1 Victory Over Brewers

MILWAUKEE — The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the National League Championship Series with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night, thanks to a stellar pitching performance from Blake Snell.

Snell dominated the game, going eight innings and striking out 10 batters without allowing a walk. He surrendered only one hit, a soft liner by Caleb Durbin in the third inning, and picked him off shortly after. No other batter reached base as Snell faced the minimum through eight innings, a feat not accomplished in the postseason since Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956.

“That was just so good from the start,” Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy said, whose sixth-inning home run broke a scoreless tie. “Sometimes it takes an inning or two for someone to settle in. [Tonight] it was from the get-go.”

With this performance, Snell improved to 3-0 in the postseason, making him the second Dodgers pitcher to win his first three playoff starts, joining Don Sutton from 1974. Snell’s 0.86 ERA in his three postseason outings is the second best for a Dodgers left-hander, just behind Sandy Koufax‘s legendary 0.38 ERA from the 1965 World Series.

“To be here now, it’s a dream come true,” Snell commented, reflecting on his time with the Dodgers after signing before the season.

The Dodgers have relied heavily on their starting pitching throughout the postseason, with a combined 1.65 ERA across their playoff games. Snell’s consistency has been vital for the defending champions, who are seeking another World Series title despite facing some offensive challenges in the playoffs.

In the ninth inning, the Dodgers faced a challenge when the Brewers threatened to rally. However, Snell’s performance laid a firm foundation for the team’s success, and they held on for the win.

“Our starting pitching for the last seven, eight weeks has been amazing. They seem to feed off each other,” Muncy said.

The series continues as the Dodgers aim to extend their lead, and fans are eager to see how Snell will perform in his next start.