Dodgers Take Control in NLCS Game 3: Live Updates & Early Drama
The NLCS shifted again as the Dodgers hosted the Brewers for Game 3 in Los Angeles under a sunlit sky. The early chapters featured a back-and-forth battle between two rising aces and a pair of teams hungry for a ladder-climbing advantage in the series. Shohei Ohtani’s legacy of big-game impact lingered in the backdrop as L.A. looked to seize momentum and extend its home dominance.
First-Half Action: Durbin Boots and Bats Highlight Brewers’ Early Pressure
Caleb Durbin continued to be a thorn for the Dodgers after his recent arrival from the Yankees in the Devin Williams trade. He delivered a trio of strong contact results—tripled, walked, and later doubled—showing the Brewers’ willingness to mix speed and power. Durbin’s aggressiveness set the table for Milwaukee’s early scoring chances, including a notable triple that helped spark a tie in the second inning.
In the same frame, Jake Bauers delivered a two-out RBI single off the glove of a shifting infield, threading the needle to bring Durbin home and knot the game at 1-1. The inning underscored Milwaukee’s philosophy of “do the little things right” to manufacture runs against a tough Dodgers pitching staff.
Misiorowski vs Glasnow: A Pitching Duel That Keeps the Score Close
Brewers opener Jacob Misiorowski faced the high-wire act of NLCS competition, displaying efficient velocity and command through five innings before running into trouble in the sixth. Misiorowski’s workload has been managed carefully, with pitch counts lingering in the high-50s, signaling Milwaukee’s plan to stretch him while preserving bullpen options. He exited with the game tied at 1-1, after another quality start with nine strikeouts in five frames and a run allowed in the sixth.
On the Dodgers’ side, Tyler Glasnow matched the urgency with a start that mixed power and precision. He carried a string of strikeouts—five in a row at one point—and logged six innings before being pulled as the Dodgers’ bullpen began to take shape. Glasnow’s performance was crucial in keeping Los Angeles within striking distance while the offense searched for late-game rhythm.
Dodgers Strike: Uribe Misplays, Then Seize a Lead
In a pivotal moment in the bottom of the sixth, Abner Uribe entered in relief for Misiorowski and delivered a miscue that changed the inning’s complexion. A wild pickoff attempt to first base allowed Freddie Freeman to score from third, turning a tied game into a 2-1 Dodgers lead. Will Smith then added a run-scoring single to extend the advantage, cementing a 3-1 edge through six innings.
The sequence illustrated the volatility of high-stakes playoff baseball, where a single defensive miscue can swing momentum. Milwaukee immediately began formulating bullpen plans, while Los Angeles leaned on its relief options to preserve the lead.
Brewers’ Resilience: Can They Rally in the Final Innings?
With the series returning to Los Angeles after a two-game set in Milwaukee, the Brewers face a 2-0 hole in the best-of-seven NLCS. Yet the 2024-25 narrative is rich with teams that refuse to fold when facing elimination. Milwaukee’s lineup—featuring Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Christian Yelich, and Caleb Durbin in the heart of the order—continues to show patience, power, and speed. If Milwaukee can piece together a late-inning rally, the series could tighten quickly.
What This Means Going Forward
Game 3 offered a snapshot of how both teams can win: the Dodgers’ depth and timely offense, paired with Glasnow’s strong early innings and a bullpen that can close the door, versus Milwaukee’s resilience, Durbin’s multi-hit day, and timely situational hits. The Brewers must find a way to limit Dodgers’ big innings while continuing to capitalize on opportunities with runners on and in scoring position.
Key Takeaways
- Durbin’s multi-hit night provides Milwaukee with a veteran spark in the lineup.
- Misiorowski showed stamina and strikeout capability, but workload management remains essential for Milwaukee’s plan.
- Uribe’s miscue briefly flipped the game, underscoring the margins in playoff baseball.
Stay Tuned for the Rest of NLCS Game 3
As the late innings unfold, expect bullpen battles, clutch hits, and the ever-present tension of postseason baseball in a sunlit ballpark. The Dodgers aim to ride the momentum to a series lead, while the Brewers seek to flip the script with timely hitting and disciplined defense.
