In one of the most bizarre sequences of the MLB postseason, the Milwaukee Brewers pulled off an astonishing double play during Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, despite the thrilling defensive play, the Brewers couldn’t capitalize on their momentum, as the Dodgers held on to secure a narrow 2-1 victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The game, which took place at American Family Field in Milwaukee, saw its fair share of highs and lows for both teams. While the Brewers demonstrated some spectacular defense, including the rare double play, it was the Dodgers’ ability to capitalize on the few opportunities they had that ultimately made the difference. Freddie Freeman’s home run in the sixth inning was the game’s only source of offense for Los Angeles, and it would be all they needed to edge out the Brewers in a tightly contested opener.
The Strange Double Play That Stunned Fans
The defining moment of the game came in the fourth inning, with the Dodgers’ bases loaded and only one out. With the heart of their order at the plate, Los Angeles had an excellent chance to break open the game. Max Muncy stepped into the batter’s box and smashed a long fly ball to deep center field. Brewers center fielder Sal Frelick raced back, tracking the ball as it sailed toward the wall.
The crowd held its breath as Frelick leapt to make the catch, but in a twist of fate, the ball slipped off his glove and ricocheted off the outfield wall. In a split-second, Frelick recovered the ball and made a quick throw toward the infield. What followed was nothing short of spectacular: the Brewers executed a rare and unexpected double play.
Frelick’s throw found second baseman Luis Urias, who quickly fired the ball to home plate. There, catcher William Contreras was able to tag out Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who had attempted to tag up and score from third base. What made the play even more bizarre was the confusion in the Dodgers’ dugout. With the throw heading to third, Los Angeles catcher Will Smith failed to notice the situation unfolding and never made his way to third base to cover the bag.
In a stroke of luck for the Brewers, Contreras jogged to third base and tagged the bag, recording the third and final out of the inning. The stunned look on Frelick’s face and the bewilderment of the Dodgers’ players showed just how unlikely and chaotic the double play had been. The inning ended with the Dodgers still scoreless, and it was an unforgettable defensive highlight of the game.
“The whole sequence was like a whirlwind,” Frelick said after the game. “I didn’t even think I had a shot at the catch at first, but after it hit the wall, I just reacted. I think we were all just kind of lucky that everything lined up the way it did. It was a strange play, but I’ll take it.”
Despite the miraculous defensive play, the Brewers’ offense struggled to capitalize on the momentum. They went down in order in both the fourth and fifth innings, failing to generate any significant offensive pressure against Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. It was clear that, despite the thrilling defensive stop, the Brewers would need to find a way to break through offensively if they hoped to take the lead.
Freddie Freeman’s Heroic Moment
While the Brewers’ defense dazzled, the Dodgers’ offense would eventually find a way to break through in the sixth inning. With the game still tied 0-0, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman stepped up to the plate and turned the tide with one swing of the bat. Freeman crushed a pitch from Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff, sending the ball soaring over the left-field fence for a solo home run.
The shot gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead, and it would prove to be the game’s first—and only—run of the game until late. The home run was a signature Freeman moment, a clutch hit that seemed to spark the Dodgers’ dugout and put the Brewers on their heels. Freeman’s power at the plate has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success all season, and in this critical moment, he delivered once again.
“It was a huge swing for us,” Freeman said. “I know the game was tight, but sometimes in a playoff series like this, one big hit is all you need. I’m just glad I was able to help us take the lead.”
Brewers Struggle to Answer Back
The Brewers had their chances, especially following the bizarre double play. But as the game progressed, it became evident that they were struggling to find their rhythm at the plate. Milwaukee’s offense, which has been inconsistent throughout the regular season, couldn’t put together the type of sustained offense needed to threaten Kershaw and the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Despite their best efforts, the Brewers were unable to score in the bottom of the sixth or seventh innings. And when Los Angeles added another insurance run in the eighth inning, thanks to a clutch RBI single from Mookie Betts, it looked as though the Brewers’ hopes were all but dashed.
However, Milwaukee refused to go down without a fight. In the bottom of the ninth, with the Dodgers’ closer on the mound, the Brewers rallied. A pair of singles put runners on first and second, but with the game on the line, Kershaw’s replacement, Brusdar Graterol, entered the game and shut the door with a strikeout to end the game. The Dodgers celebrated their 2-1 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the NLCS.
The Brewers’ NLCS Journey Continues
The Brewers’ hopes of advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1982 now hinge on their ability to bounce back in Game 2. Despite the tough loss, the team showed resilience, and their defense, highlighted by the incredible double play, proved they have the potential to compete with the best. However, it’s clear that the Brewers will need to find more consistent offense if they want to avoid another early exit from the postseason.
“We played great defense, and the double play was a huge momentum swing,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “But in the postseason, you have to put runs on the board. We’re going to have to find a way to get some big hits in Game 2.”
Dodgers Aim for Another World Series Title
For the Dodgers, the victory was a solid start to their quest to defend their 2024 World Series title. While their offense was held in check for much of the game, Freeman’s timely home run and the pitching staff’s dominance were enough to give Los Angeles the upper hand. As the defending champions, the Dodgers are looking to continue their march toward another title, with Game 2 on the horizon.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Freeman said. “We know what we’re capable of. We’ll take the win, but we’re not satisfied. There’s a lot more work to be done.”
Conclusion: A Tense and Thrilling Opening Game
Game 1 of the NLCS between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers was filled with drama, memorable moments, and tense action. From the rare double play that had fans in awe to Freeman’s clutch home run, this game had everything. The Dodgers took the victory, but the Brewers remain a formidable opponent, and the series is far from over. With Game 2 set to take place in Milwaukee, both teams will look to continue their push toward the World Series.
