NLCS Game 3: Dodgers vs. Brewers – Live Updates and Early Significance
In a sun-soaked showdown at Dodger Stadium, the NLCS swing shifted in a matter of innings as the Dodgers built an early lead before the Brewers mounted a charge. The game, marked by sharp pitching, timely hitting, and a few missteps on defense, showcased the urgency both teams brought to a pivotal Game 3 with the series tied 0-0 entering the day.
Early Highlights: Ohtani, Betts and the Dodgers Jump Out
The Dodgers struck first when Shohei Ohtani jumped on the scoreboard with a leadoff triple to right, followed by Mookie Betts driving him home with an RBI single. It was a welcome sign for a lineup that has felt the pressure of a tough NLCS with the top portion of the order seeking consistency. Ohtani’s speed and Betts’ ability to come through with runners on base set a confident tone for Los Angeles.
Misiorowski on the Mound: Brewers’ Bulk Arm Emerges
Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski worked efficiently through his first appearances, delivering quality innings while keeping the Dodgers at bay. His workload built steadily, with pitch counts climbing in each outing (54, 57, 58). By the sixth inning, Misiorowski had logged 59 pitches and looked to be nearing his limit, signaling the bullpen would be required to bridge further into the game.
Back-and-Forth: Brewers Tie the Game on Durbin’s Triple
Caleb Durbin, acquired from the Yankees in the Devin Williams trade, continued to be a growing factor in this series. In the second inning, Durbin ripped a triple with one out, setting up a big opportunity. Jake Bauers followed with an RBI single to bring Durbin home and tie the game at 1-1. Durbin’s baserunning and timely hits have become a recurring storyline for Milwaukee in this NLCS clash.
Brewers’ Defensive Moment and a Coaching Note
Kiké Hernández attempted an ill-advised dive on Durbin’s triple, allowing Durbin to reach third with one out. The smart play would have been to stay on the ball and preserve a potential out at second. The Dodgers defense leaned on a quick pivot, cutting down Bauers at home as he tried to score on a grounder, underscoring the series’ theme: the little things matter in a tight playoff game.
Dodgers Strike Back: Lead Reclaimed in a Shifting Sixth
As the game reached the later innings, the Dodgers regained the lead. With the score 1-1 in the sixth, Will Smith singled and Freddie Freeman drew a walk ahead of Tommy Edman’s RBI single, bringing in a run and giving Los Angeles a 2-1 edge. Abner Uribe entered in relief for Milwaukee, but a miscue on a pickoff attempt allowed Freeman to score from third, boosting the Dodgers’ advantage to 3-1. It was a snappy sequence that illustrated the pressure on relievers in a high-stakes NLCS game.
Glasnow’s Start and the Bullpen Puzzle
Tyler Glasnow pushed into the sixth with more than 80 pitches, delivering an ace-like performance while working with a bullpen that is both rested and potentially vulnerable. The Dodgers opted to piece together innings, aware that the bullpen would be critical in a short series. Glasnow handed the ball to the bullpen with six innings of work effective enough to keep Milwaukee in the game but not without risk of a late collapse.
Current State and What Comes Next
Entering the late innings, the Dodgers held a 3-1 lead, but the Brewers showed they aren’t out of it. Milwaukee’s lineup, featuring stars like Jackson Chourio and William Contreras, will need to manufacture more runs and crack the Dodgers’ late-innings bullpen to extend the series. The two teams now head to the later frames with everything to play for, in a playoff environment that rewards both meticulous defense and timely hitting.
Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
- Durbin’s multi-hit impact continues to be a storyline for Milwaukee; his triple and subsequent runs helped set the table for the tie.
- Misiorowski’s workload and efficiency are crucial for the Brewers’ plan; the bullpen needs to be ready for a long outing if the game tightens.
- Glasnow’s stamina and command will be tested as the Dodgers look to close out innings with minimal bullpen exposure.
With the series moving to Los Angeles, both teams will attempt to tilt the balance in a must-see NLCS rematch. For now, the Dodgers grab a 3-1 lead in Game 3, and Brewers fans will hope their squad can mount a comeback on the road.
