In a closely contested matchup, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. The victory highlighted the performance of Blake Treinen, who secured the final out with a strikeout, preserving the win for the Dodgers. This game took place on October 14, 2025, and marked an important moment in the postseason after a challenging season for the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Blake Treinen’s Impact
As the game’s closing pitcher, Treinen faced a critical situation with the potential tying run just 90 feet away. Despite missing the intended location of his pitches, Treinen managed to strike out Brice Turang, delivering a much-needed moment of relief for the team. His emotions mirrored the intensity of the situation as he celebrated the crucial save.
Concerns Surrounding the Dodgers’ Bullpen
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a topic of concern throughout the postseason, largely due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite these challenges, Los Angeles has only lost one game so far. Manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism about the bullpen’s ability to navigate high-pressure situations, noting that not every game would come easy.
- Dodgers’ bullpen has faced injuries and poor performance.
- They have lost only one game in the postseason so far.
- Manager Dave Roberts emphasizes the need for perseverance.
Blake Snell’s Strong Start
The victory for the Dodgers was also fueled by a stellar performance from Blake Snell. He dominated the Brewers, pitching eight innings and allowing just one hit, while recording ten strikeouts—a new postseason career high. Roberts was hesitant to name Roki Sasaki as the team’s closer, although he warmed up in the ninth inning due to Snell’s high pitch count.
The Challenge for Roki Sasaki
Sasaki entered the game aiming to maintain the Dodgers’ lead but struggled with command. His prior success raised expectations, but he faced difficulties during the outing, leading to his quick replacement. Roberts noted that Sasaki’s recent lack of sharpness affected his performance and offered insight into the mental and physical demands of postseason play.
| Player | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| Blake Treinen | Saved the game with a critical strikeout |
| Blake Snell | Eight innings pitched, one hit allowed, ten strikeouts |
| Roki Sasaki | Struggled in relief, faced command issues |
In conclusion, while the Dodgers secured a vital win, there remains a palpable tension surrounding their bullpen’s reliability as they progress in the postseason. With Treinen stepping up when needed, and Snell delivering a strong start, the team continues to navigate its way through October’s challenges, aiming to maintain momentum in the NLCS.
