Dodgers Fall to Brewers with Back-to-Back Home Runs in NLCS Game 3

Blake Snell took the mound confidently at Dodger Stadium, ready to move forward after conceding a lead-altering home run to Jake Bauers. But just two pitches later, Garrett Mitchell hit another home run, solidifying the Milwaukee Brewers’ 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. This win in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series put the Brewers ahead 3-0, pushing the Dodgers to the brink of elimination.

For most of the game, the Dodgers were optimistic. Snell controlled the early innings, yielding only one run off Jackson Chourio’s leadoff homer. He effectively used his fastball, curveball, and changeup, generating swings and misses. Unlike his previous postseason outing against the Atlanta Braves where he walked five batters, Snell pitched more efficiently. He lasted over six innings with only two walks, striking out nine batters. His fastball reached an impressive 97.3 mph.

After Chourio’s early home run, Snell retired 18 of the next 20 batters, maintaining control until the seventh inning. A leadoff walk to Andrew Vaughn set the stage for Bauers and Mitchell’s consecutive home runs, turning the game in Milwaukee’s favor. Prior to this, Snell had not allowed a home run all year in regular or postseason play.

The Dodgers struggled against Brewers starter Robert Gasser, managing only three hits. However, they saw an opportunity when right-handed reliever Abner Uribe entered in the sixth inning. Uribe issued two walks, allowing the Dodgers a chance to recover. Dave Roberts decided to pinch-hit Max Muncy for Andy Pages, but Muncy struck out. Shohei Ohtani then drew a walk, loading the bases for Will Smith. Smith hit a crucial two-run double, briefly giving the Dodgers the lead.

The rally was short-lived. Roberts replaced Josue De Paula with Kiké Hernández against lefty DL Hall, but Hernández struck out along with Tommy Edman to end the inning. Snell’s outing concluded with the Dodgers trailing 4-2 after the Brewers’ seventh-inning comeback.

In the eighth inning, the Brewers extended their lead with singles against Roki Sasaki and a wild pitch from Justin Wrobleski. Another run scored in the ninth added to their cushion.

With fans already leaving the stadium, the Dodgers were unable to put any pressure on the Brewers’ bullpen in the final innings. The Brewers now stand one game away from sweeping the series and advancing to the World Series.