By Harshit | October 14, 2025 | Milwaukee, Wis. | 6:45 AM EDT
Blake Snell Dominates Brewers in Postseason Showcase
MILWAUKEE — In a postseason performance that will be remembered for generations, Blake Snell of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered one of the most dominant pitching displays in MLB playoff history, guiding his team to a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
From the first pitch to the last, Snell controlled the game, retiring 24 of 25 batters over eight innings and striking out 10, leaving both fans and players alike in awe of his mastery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called it “pretty special” and among the best postseason performances he could recall.
“This is as good as I can remember in the postseason against a very gritty team,” Roberts said. “You’re not going to see too many performances like that, certainly in the postseason. This was pretty special.”
Historical Feat
Snell became the first pitcher in postseason history to allow no more than one hit, walk zero batters, and strike out 10 or more in at least eight shutout innings. He is also only the fourth pitcher to face the minimum number of hitters through eight innings in playoff history, joining legends like Don Larsen (1956 World Series), Bill James (1914 World Series), and Chief Bender (1910 World Series).
The only blemish on the night was Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin’s third-inning single, preventing Snell from a potential perfect game. Nevertheless, the Dodgers’ pitching ace showcased unmatched control and poise, leaving Milwaukee unable to generate any meaningful offensive threat.
“The kid is incredible,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “I think it’s the most dominant performance against us. We couldn’t get anything going. He was unbelievable.”
Command and Control
Snell’s performance was marked by pinpoint precision and an extensive repertoire. Only 51 of his 103 pitches were fastballs, with the bulk of his arsenal consisting of changeups, which kept Brewers hitters off balance throughout the night. Milwaukee swung and missed 22 times, including 14 whiffs on changeups, and managed just one hit and no walks until the ninth inning.
Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, a nine-year postseason veteran, praised the performance:
“That was electric, lights out. He suffocated the life out of a team from start to finish.”
Even Brewers players, typically unfazed by dominant pitchers, admitted their struggles. Second baseman Brice Turang, who struck out with the bases loaded in the ninth, described Snell’s command as “everything hitting the corners… it felt like the ball was just disappearing once it got to the box.”
Continuing a Historic Run
Snell has been in phenomenal form heading into the NLCS. Over his last six starts since September 10, he has posted a 0.68 ERA, giving up just 15 hits over 40 innings while recording 56 strikeouts. According to OptaSTATS, he is the only pitcher in MLB history to go 5-0 with a sub-1.00 ERA, at least 50 strikeouts, and allow 15 or fewer hits over six starts since ERA became an official stat in 1913.
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and former closer Blake Treinen also contributed, but the consensus among the team was clear: this was Blake Snell’s game, a night where the veteran left-hander defined postseason excellence.
“Sometimes it takes an inning or two to settle in. It was from the get-go. It was a masterpiece tonight,” Freeman said.
Looking Ahead
With Game 1 in the books, the Dodgers take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, setting the tone against a determined Brewers squad. Snell’s performance not only provided a decisive victory but also signaled the high bar the Dodgers will maintain throughout the series.
The Brewers will look to regroup and respond, but Snell’s historic night has left an indelible mark on this year’s postseason — a pitching performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest ever.
