Dodgers Edge Brewers 2-1 as Frelick Turns Potential Grand Slam into Double Play in NLCS Game 1
When Max Muncy, first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers lifted a 104‑mph, 404‑foot fly ball that seemed destined for a grand slam, Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers sprinted across center, snatched it, and fired a throw that turned the moment into a double play. The improbable sequence on the fourth inning of Game 1 of the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium in Los Angeles swung win probability from an 88 % Dodgers‑favor to a 56 % Brewers‑favor, setting the tone for a tightly contested series.
The Unlikely Double Play
Statcast confirmed the ball would have cleared the fence at eight other major‑league parks. Instead, Frelick planted his glove just inside the warning track, spun, and launched a bullet to third where William Contreras—the Brewers’ catcher—tagged Muncy out. Brewers manager Pat Murphy called it "one of those plays in baseball" and praised the heads‑up defense.
How the Game Unfolded
Opening pitcher Aaron Ashby kept the Dodgers modest early, but the Dodgers’ offense scraped a run in the second when Evan Phillips struck out a leadoff batter and later induced a double play. The game stayed 1‑0 after the strange fourth‑inning double play, then the Dodgers added a second run in the fifth on a single by Muncy that nudged a runner home.
In the ninth, with the Dodgers up 2‑0, the Brewers rallied. Jackson Chourio doubled, loading the bases. A sacrifice fly by Garrett Mitchell nudged a run across, making it 2‑1. The Brewers attempted a pinch‑run move with Robert Gasser, but the Dodgers held the line. Veteran reliever Blake Treinen walked Brice Turang, re‑loading the bases, then struck out Rhys Hoskins on a full count to seal the win.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
"He made an incredible play in center field," Muncy admitted, still sounding bewildered. "I'm not really sure what happened after that… definitely the worst fielder's‑choice double play I've ever hit into."
Frelick, modest as ever, shrugged: "Just did my job. The ball was there, I grabbed it, and threw it home. Anything can happen in October."
Murphy, meanwhile, emphasized the momentum shift: "That play gave us belief. We knew we could win this series if we stay disciplined."
What the Numbers Reveal
- Exit velocity: 104 mph; projected distance: 404 ft.
- Win probability swing: Dodgers 88 % → Brewers 56 % after the play.
- Second‑longest ball resulting in a double play since 2015 (Statcast).
- Brewers’ regular‑season record: 97‑65 (best in MLB 2025); Dodgers: 93‑69.
- Series odds post‑Game 1: Dodgers 57 % to win NLCS, Brewers 43 % (according to baseball‑reference).
Looking Ahead: Series Implications
If the Brewers can replicate the offensive spark from the ninth, they’ll force a Game 2 showdown. The Dodgers, however, now own a façade of confidence; a 1‑0 lead in a best‑of‑seven gives a psychological edge. Pitching depth will be tested—Dodgers rely on Treinen and a back‑end that proved resilient, while the Brewers must lean on their ace rotation beyond Ashby.
Should the series shift to Milwaukee for Games 3‑5, the Brewers will enjoy home‑field advantage, but the Dodgers have already stolen a moment that could haunt the Brewers’ clubhouse. As the NLCS unfolds, every error, every heads‑up play like Frelick’s could be the deciding factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sal Frelick’s defensive play affect the Brewers’ chances in the series?
The play shifted win probability dramatically in Game 1 and gave the Brewers a morale boost. Statistically, teams that generate a defensive swing of that magnitude improve their series win odds by roughly 5‑7 %, according to recent postseason analytics.
What made the fourth‑inning ball the second‑longest double‑play ball since 2015?
At 404 feet, the ball traveled farther than almost any other that resulted in a double play. The only longer instance recorded was a 416‑foot line drive that turned into a double play in 2019. The rarity comes from the combination of distance and the need for a precise fielding throw.
Why was the play scored as a fielder’s choice groundout instead of a catch?
Because two runners were forced out on the same play, official scorers classify it as a fielder’s choice. Even though the ball was initially caught, the resulting outs fulfill the groundout criteria under MLB rules.
What are the key matchups to watch in Game 2?
Expect a showdown between Dodgers right‑hander Blake Treinen and Brewers left‑hander Chris Stratton. Additionally, the middle of the Brewers’ lineup, featuring Frelick and Contreras, will test the Dodgers’ bullpen depth.
How does the Dodgers’ regular‑season performance compare to the Brewers’?
The Brewers finished the 2025 regular season at 97‑65, the best record in MLB, while the Dodgers posted a 93‑69 mark to win the NL West. The Brewers’ higher win total gave them a statistical edge, but the Dodgers have a proven playoff pedigree, making the series a toss‑up.
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