The National League Division Series reached a fever pitch on October 9, 2025, with two decisive Game 4 matchups that delivered a mix of nail-biting drama, unexpected twists, and the confirmation of one team’s path to the NLCS. The Los Angeles Dodgers punched their ticket to the next round with an extra-inning thriller against the Philadelphia Phillies, while the Chicago Cubs fought to keep their season alive in a crucial contest against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dodgers Outlast Phillies in an 11-Inning Epic, Advance to NLCS
In a game that will be etched in playoff lore for its bizarre and dramatic conclusion, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious over the Philadelphia Phillies with a 2-1 win in 11 innings, clinching the National League Championship Series berth. The victory was sealed in a manner few could have predicted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball.
The game was a masterclass in pitching and tension, with both starters, the Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow and the Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez, delivering stellar performances. Glasnow, in particular, started strong, averaging 97.2 mph on his fastball through three scoreless innings, showcasing an impressive velocity increase. The duel remained scoreless through six innings, a testament to the quality of pitching on display.
The deadlock was finally broken in the seventh inning when the Phillies managed to score the first run of the game. However, the lead was short-lived. In a pivotal moment, Dodgers’ outfielder Mookie Betts worked a bases-loaded walk against Phillies reliever Jhoan Duran in the eighth inning, forcing in the tying run. This sequence included a controversial 2-2 non-strike call on Alex Call that preceded the walk, a decision that would undoubtedly be a point of contention for Phillies fans. The strategic decision by Phillies manager Rob Thomson to intentionally walk Shohei Ohtani, who had struggled throughout the series, to load the bases for Betts, proved to be a critical gamble that did not pay off.
The game then entered extra innings, with both teams trading blows and maintaining the high level of defensive intensity. The tension reached its peak in the bottom of the 11th inning. With runners on base, Dodgers batter Andy Pages hit a tapper to the mound. In a moment of surreal confusion, Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering, after bobbling the ball, attempted to throw home instead of making the routine play to first base to get Pages out. With two outs already recorded, this miscue allowed the winning run to score, handing the Dodgers a dramatic and improbable victory.
Mookie Betts, speaking after the game, described the final innings as almost unbearable. He emphasized the toughness of the Phillies as an opponent and the mettle of this year’s Dodgers team, drawing parallels to their NLDS victory over the San Diego Padres the previous year. The Dodgers’ journey to repeat as champions remains alive, having overcome what many considered their toughest challenger early in the postseason.
Cubs Aim to Extend Season in Game 4 Against Brewers
Meanwhile, the second NLDS Game 4 saw the Chicago Cubs looking to stave off elimination against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs wasted no time in asserting themselves, striking early with a crucial three-run blast in the first inning. This early offensive surge provided a much-needed boost for Chicago as they aimed to force a decisive Game 5 and keep their championship aspirations alive. The outcome of this game would determine who would advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. The early offensive success for the Cubs set a positive tone, but the Brewers were expected to mount a strong challenge to defend their lead and secure their own path to the NLCS.
Key Moments and Takeaways from the NLDS Game 4s
The NLDS Game 4s provided a compelling conclusion to this round of the playoffs. The Dodgers’ victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, even in the most chaotic of circumstances. The bizarre ending, while unfortunate for the Phillies, will be a lasting memory of this series. The pitching duel between Glasnow and Sanchez showcased the talent in the National League, and the strategic decisions made by both managers underscored the high stakes of playoff baseball. For the Phillies, the defeat marked a bitter end to another season where they possessed the talent to contend for a championship, but ultimately fell short. Their consistent playoff appearances in recent years, coupled with these repeated close calls, will undoubtedly fuel their determination for the future.
The Cubs’ early offensive explosion in their Game 4 against the Brewers demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level. Their ability to generate timely hitting, as evidenced by the first-inning home run, will be crucial as they attempt to extend their season. The series between the Cubs and Brewers promised to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams desperate to advance. The outcome would hinge on their ability to maintain composure, execute their game plans, and deliver clutch performances under immense pressure. The Dodgers now await the winner of this series, ready to embark on the next chapter of their quest for a repeat championship.
