When Max Muncy, first baseman of the Los Angeles Dodgers explained the club’s game plan, the stakes were crystal clear: a 3‑1 victory on at Dodger Stadium put the Dodgers a win away from the World Series. The National League Championship SeriesLos Angeles, California now sits at 3‑0 in favor of Los Angeles, a turnaround that feels almost cinematic after Milwaukee swept the regular‑season series.
Background to the NLCS
The Milwaukee Brewers entered the postseason as the league’s best‑recorded club (104‑58, .642), under the steady hand of manager Pat Murphy, age 65. Their regular‑season dominance over the Dodgers—winning all three matchups—made many analysts chalk up a likely upset. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the NL West with a 98‑64 mark, guided by veteran skipper Dave Roberts, age 52, who already led the club to a World Series title in 2024.
Financially, both franchises sit atop robust ownership groups: the Dodgers are owned by Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC, led by chairman Todd Boehly, age 51, while the Brewers are helmed by Mark Attanasio, age 67.
Game 3 Recap and Key Performances
The afternoon contest kicked off at 1:07 PM PDT. Right‑hander Tyler Glasnow, age 31, took the ball for the Dodgers. He posted a 4‑3 record and a 3.19 ERA in the 2025 regular season, backing those numbers with a 3.25 xERA and a blistering 32.1 % strike‑out rate.
Across the diamond, Milwaukee countered with left‑hander Jose Quintana, age 36. On paper he carried a respectable 3.96 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, but advanced metrics painted a bleaker picture: a 5.18 expected ERA and .280 expected BA, plus a walk‑rate hovering near 9 %.
Glasnow’s arsenal proved too sharp. He logged seven innings, surrendering just one run on three hits while striking out nine batters. The Dodgers’ offense, meanwhile, surged to three runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a two‑run single from Muncy and a clutch RBI double from Freddie Freeman. Milwaukee’s lone run arrived in the seventh after an unlikely leadoff single turned into a sacrifice fly.
Final score: 3‑1 Dodgers.
Strategic Matchup: Glasnow vs. Quintana
Historically, Glasnow has held an edge over Brewers hitters. The Dodgers’ roster collectively posted a .435 slugging percentage against Quintana in 183 career plate appearances, while the expected slugging, factoring in xBA and xSLG, sat at .464—indicating that even on paper Milwaukee’s pitcher struggles to contain Los Angeles power.
Quintana’s recent numbers raised eyebrows. His strike‑out rate sits at 19.2 %, well below the league average, and his hard‑hit rate of 41.3 % suggests batters are making solid contact more often than they should. By contrast, Glasnow’s 35.7 % hard‑hit rate, paired with a walk rate under 7 %, demonstrates why he’s been a reliable arm for the Dodgers when the stakes are high.
Reactions from Players and Managers
“That’s kind of what they thrive on—creating havoc, creating chaos on the infield,” Max Muncy said in the post‑game interview. “Just trying to play as clean baseball as we can, it’s been the difference, I think.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his pitching staff: “Tyler executed our game plan perfectly. He kept the Brewers off balance and gave our offense the room we needed.”
On the Brewers side, Pat Murphy remained upbeat despite the loss: “We know what we’re capable of. This series isn’t over until the final out, and we’ll adjust.” He also noted Quintana’s composure, adding, “Jose gave us a solid effort; the numbers don’t always tell the whole story.”
Implications for the World Series Run
With a 3‑0 lead, the Dodgers sit one win away from the World Series. Betting markets reflect that, listing Los Angeles as a -196 favorite on the moneyline for Game 4, while the Brewers sit as a +164 underdog. The total has been set at eight runs, suggesting bookmakers expect a tight, pitching‑dominated finale.
For the Dodgers, the win bolsters confidence heading into a potential sweep. Their performance when favored by -196 or better this season—35‑18—shows they thrive under pressure. Conversely, the Brewers must overcome both a statistical and psychological hurdle; their regular‑season success against the Dodgers (a 104‑58 record) now feels like a distant memory.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Game 4 is slated for at Dodger Stadium. Milwaukee will likely turn to veteran right‑hander Corbin Burnes (assuming health) to keep the series alive, while the Dodgers may give the ball back to Shohei Ohtani in a dual‑role capacity, depending on the line‑up shuffle.
Should the Dodgers close out the series, they’ll head to the World Series with a roster that just proved it can adapt, execute a clean‑hit approach, and dominate elite pitching. For the Brewers, the task will be to rediscover the dominance that earned them the best regular‑season record and perhaps rewrite their postseason narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Dodgers' chances in the World Series?
A 3‑0 series lead puts Los Angeles one victory away from the World Series, boosting both morale and betting odds. Historically, teams that sweep the NLCS win about 70 % of the time in the following World Series, giving the Dodgers a statistical edge.
What were the key statistical differences between Glasnow and Quintana?
Glasnow posted a 3.19 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 32.1 % strike‑out rate, while Quintana’s conventional 3.96 ERA hid a 5.18 xERA, a .280 expected BA and a walk rate near 9 %. The strike‑out to walk differential (32.1 % vs. 8.9 %) was the most striking gap.
Who are the standout players to watch in Game 4?
For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani offers a dual threat as pitcher and DH. The Brewers will likely rely on left‑hander Corbin Burnes to keep the Dodgers’ lineup in check.
What does the series say about the Brewers' regular‑season dominance?
While Milwaukee finished the season 104‑58, the NLCS highlighted a gap between regular‑season success and playoff execution. Their early‑round performance suggests they need to tighten pitching depth and reduce reliance on high‑variance offensive tactics.
When and where is Game 4 scheduled?
Game 4 kicks off at 8:07 PM EDT on October 17, 2025, back at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.