When Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a 5‑1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium on October 17, 2025, the Dodgers completed a historic 4‑0 sweep and booked their ticket to the World Series. Shohei Ohtani, the two‑way phenom for the Dodgers, delivered what many are calling a performance for the ages, while veteran right‑fielder Mookie Betts added a crucial triple‑in‑scoring position. On the other side, former NL MVP Christian Yelich could only watch as Milwaukee’s offense sputtered, and pitcher Freddie Peralta struggled to find the backyard.
Series Overview: From Regular‑Season Shock to Postseason Dominance
The NLCS was a study in contrast. In July 2025, the Brewers had swept the Dodgers in a six‑game regular‑season set, winning all six contests and leaving Los Angeles bruised. Yet the postseason is a different animal. The Dodgers entered the championship series riding the momentum of a 2025 World Series title, while the Brewers rode a franchise‑record 97 wins, the most in the majors that year. That regular‑season firepower evaporated in Los Angeles – the Brewers managed just one run per game, a total of four runs across four games, and a paltry 14 hits overall.
Statistically, the Dodgers out‑hit Milwaukee 45‑14, walked 12 times compared to the Brewers’ six, and left 21 runners on base versus a miserly four for the Brewers. Pitching depth was the decisive factor: starter Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers) shut the door in Game 4, while reliever Kenley Jansen closed out the series with a clean ninth.
Game 3 Recap: The Turning Point
The swing began on October 16, 2025, when the Dodgers edged the Brewers 3‑1. Early on, Max Muncy of Los Angeles said, “That’s kind of what they thrive on – creating chaos on the infield. We just tried to keep things clean.” That philosophy translated into a tight defensive effort that stifled Milwaukee’s speed‑centric game plan. Ohtani opened the scoring with a line‑drive triple that Betts drove home, giving the Dodgers an early lead.
Milwaukee answered in the fourth inning with a solo shot from William Contreras, but the Dodgers’ bullpen, anchored by Victor González, held firm. The final out came on a strikeout by Julio Urías, sealing a win that shifted the series momentum.
Game 4: The Sweep
Game 4 was a masterclass. Ohtani delivered a double, a single, and a run‑batted‑in single, amassing three hits and two RBIs. Betts added a triple that turned a double‑play into a run, and Muncy’s clutch double in the seventh inning made it 5‑1. The Brewers’ lone run came courtesy of a solo homer by Khris Davis, but it was too little, too late.
After the final out, Brewers left‑fielder Yelich, ever the optimist, told reporters, “We aren’t that far. Not as far as it seems. I still believe one day that’s going to be us out there.” The sentiment captured a season that began 0‑4 and spiraled into a record‑setting 97‑win campaign, only to fall short at the final hurdle.
Brewers’ 2025 Season: A Tale of Peaks and Valleys
Milwaukee’s path to the NLCS was nothing short of remarkable. After a dreadful 0‑4 start, the club rallied, stringing together an eight‑game winning streak in May, an 11‑game surge dubbed “Misiorowski Mania” in July, and a record‑breaking 14‑game streak in August that some fans cheekily called “Uecker Magic.” The Brewers clinched the National League Central title for the third straight year and secured the NL’s top seed.
Yet the postseason exposed cracks. Across the NLDS, the Brewers swept the Chicago Cubs, snapping a six‑series postseason skid. In the NLCS, however, their signature speed‑and‑steal style – often called “Brewers ball” – was neutralized by the Dodgers’ disciplined pitching and defensive positioning. The Brewers recorded just 16 at‑bats with runners in scoring position, converting only one run.
What the Sweep Means for the Dodgers
For Los Angeles, the sweep cements their status as a dynasty in the making. It’s the first time a defending champion has swept a postseason series after being swept by the same opponent during the regular season. Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s ability to adapt, saying, “We knew their speed; we set our pitchers up to attack the corners and keep the ball low. The guys executed.”
Looking ahead, the Dodgers now face the American League champion – a matchup that could pit Ohtani’s dual‑threat against a heavy‑hitting lineup. If the Dodgers maintain the same level of pitching dominance, the 2025 World Series could become another chapter in a storied franchise history.
Key Facts
- Series result: Dodgers 4‑0 over Brewers
- Final Game score: 5‑1 (Oct 17, 2025)
- Dodgers hits: 45; Brewers hits: 14
- Milwaukee’s 2025 regular‑season record: 97‑65 (franchise best)
- Ohtani’s NLCS line: .400/.500/.800 with 3 RBIs
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers’ sweep affect their chances in the World Series?
The clean sweep gives Los Angeles a huge morale boost and lets their ace pitchers rest, which could be decisive against a powerful American League opponent. Historically, teams that finish a championship series with a shutout win have a higher winning percentage in the World Series.
What were the main reasons the Brewers struggled offensively?
Dodgers pitchers consistently attacked the middle of the plate, limiting the Brewers’ speed‑based strategy. In addition, Milwaukee went 1‑for‑16 with runners in scoring position, and their usual aggressive base‑stealing was curbed by precise defensive positioning.
Who were the standout performers for the Dodgers in the NLCS?
Shohei Ohtani (3‑hit, 2 RBIs), Mookie Betts (triple and key run), and reliever Kenley Jansen (3 saves) were the main contributors. Max Muncy’s defensive leadership also earned praise.
What does the Brewers’ 2025 season tell us about the team's future?
Despite the NLCS loss, Milwaukee’s 97‑win season shows the roster is competitive. With core players like Yelich and Peralta still in their prime, the Brewers are poised to contend again, provided they adjust their approach against elite pitching.
When is the 2025 World Series scheduled to begin?
The World Series is set to open on October 24, 2025, with Game 1 at the home venue of the American League champion. The series runs through early November if it goes the full seven games.