Blake Snell Shines in NLCS as Dodgers Continue Pitching Legacy

Introduction to Snell’s Dominance

In the world of Major League Baseball, few franchises boast a tradition of exceptional pitching like the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the 2025 postseason unfolds, Blake Snell is adding his name to this illustrious lineage, showcasing why he was a coveted addition to the team.

Game 1 Against the Brewers

In a thrilling Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Snell delivered a masterclass performance, leading the Dodgers to a narrow 2-1 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. At American Family Field, he mesmerized the crowd over eight flawless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out an impressive ten batters. Snell’s control and intensity set an early tone that electrified both the players and fans.

Freddie Freeman, Dodgers’ first baseman, remarked on Snell’s performance, highlighting how he hit the ground running. “That was just so good from the start,” he said. Indeed, Snell seemed fully engaged from the outset, eliminating any doubts about his readiness in such a high-stakes matchup.

Historical Context of Snell’s Performance

What made Snell’s outing even more significant was its historical precedent. He became the first pitcher since Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series to face the minimum number of batters through eight innings in a postseason game. Only once before had Snell gone eight innings in his career—during a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants in 2024. Reflecting on his performance, Snell humbly acknowledged, “The no-hitter, yeah,” when asked if he’d ever felt as locked in as he was that night.

Postseason Success and Legacy

With this victory, Snell improved his postseason record to 3-0, becoming one of only two Dodgers pitchers to achieve this in their first three postseason starts, joining the ranks of legendary pitcher Don Sutton. As he continues to impress on the mound, Snell has secured a stellar 0.86 ERA in his postseason career thus far, just shy of Sandy Koufax’s remarkable 0.38 ERA from the 1965 World Series.

The Dream of Wearing Dodger Blue

For Snell, joining the Dodgers has been a dream come true. “Even playing against them, watching, it was just always in the back of my mind, like, I wanted to be a Dodger and play on that team,” he shared. Now that he’s living that dream, it adds a layer of motivation as he seeks his first championship ring, especially after falling short with the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series.

Dodgers’ Pitching Resurgence

Snell’s contribution comes amid a broader narrative of dominance in Dodgers’ pitching. Over their last seven games, the starters have been nothing short of stellar, accumulating a collective 1.65 ERA and a record of 6-1. This level of consistency has allowed them to remain formidable contenders in the postseason, despite moments when their offense has struggled to generate runs.

Freeman noted the synergy among the starting pitchers, saying, “They seem to feed off each other.” Snell’s performance serves as a benchmark and incentive for his teammates, and it’s clear that the rotation has developed a formidable rhythm that supports their playoff aspirations.

Challenges Ahead in the Series

Despite their strong showing, the Dodgers remain fully aware that the road to the World Series is fraught with challenges. The Brewers are a resilient team, and they made a push in the ninth inning, reminding the Dodgers that no game is truly over until the final out.

As the series progresses, Snell hopes to add more accolades to his impressive playoff résumé, striving for historic contributions that might echo legends like Sandy Koufax, Clayton Kershaw, and Orel Hershiser. He mentioned feeling consistently “locked in” throughout the postseason, suggesting that his journey for both personal and team success is only just beginning.

In wrapping up this interview, Snell’s confidence comes across as not just hope but a belief in his skills and in the collective strength of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. The stage is set for continued excellence, and fans are eager to see if this season can unfold into a narrative of triumph and legacy for both Snell and the Dodgers.