The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the 2025 National League Championship Series. They survived a dramatic, extra-innings battle with the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS.
This one was all about pitching and nerves. The Dodgers pulled out a 2-1 walk-off win in the 11th when Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering threw wildly to first, letting the winning run score.
Meanwhile, over in Chicago, the Cubs kept their postseason alive. They blanked the Brewers and forced a winner-take-all Game 5.
Dodgers Outlast Phillies in Pitching Duel
Postseason games often hinge on who cracks first. In Los Angeles, both starters looked rock solid early.
Tyler Glasnow put on a show, striking out eight in six shutout innings. He mixed in fastballs and breaking balls, and Phillies hitters just couldn’t get comfortable.
Sánchez Matches Glasnow Pitch for Pitch
Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sánchez matched Glasnow step for step. He kept the Dodgers’ bats quiet and worked out of trouble when he had to.
Sánchez lasted six and set the stage for a tense, low-scoring affair. The first run didn’t come until the seventh.
The Phillies grabbed a 1-0 lead after a Dodgers defensive miscue. Suddenly, momentum swung to the Philadelphia side.
Betts’ Patience Turns the Tide
The Dodgers needed something, and Mookie Betts delivered with a bases-loaded walk to tie it in the eighth. Sometimes, a walk really does feel as big as a hit.
Sasaki and Duran Keep the Game Tight
Nine innings weren’t enough. The bullpens took over and just kept putting up zeros.
Roki Sasaki for Los Angeles and Jhoan Duran for Philly each got big outs. Every pitch felt like it could decide the season.
In the 11th, Kerkering’s wild throw ended it. Dodger Stadium erupted, and the Dodgers moved on.
Phillies’ Postseason Woes Continue
For the Phillies, it’s another bitter end. They’ve built a roster that should go deep, but October keeps tripping them up.
Key Factors Behind Elimination
Why did it fall apart again?
- Costly errors at the worst moments
- Hot-and-cold offense, even with strong pitching
- Missed chances with runners ready to score
Cubs Stay Alive with Shutout Win
Back in the Midwest, the Cubs came out swinging against the Brewers. Ian Happ set the tone right away, blasting a three-run homer off Freddy Peralta in the first inning.
Boyd’s Redemption on the Mound
Cubs starter Matthew Boyd had struggled earlier in the series. This time, he looked sharp, tossing 4â…” scoreless before handing it off to a steady bullpen.
The Cubs tacked on runs thanks to Kyle Tucker and Matt Shaw, stretching the lead to 5-0. Milwaukee, who once led the series 2-1, now faces elimination. Game 5 decides who moves on—and who packs up.
What’s Next in the Postseason
The Dodgers have locked in their NLCS spot. The Cubs, with some grit, just forced a Game 5.
The National League playoffs are still wide open and honestly, anything can happen. October baseball never really lets you relax—one pitch, one wild bounce, and everything changes.
Fans should brace for more drama and tension. Maybe a new October hero pops up before this is all over.
The Dodgers still have a long road to the pennant. For the Cubs and Brewers, it all comes down to the next game.
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Here is the source article for this story: MLB playoff live updates: Dodgers vs. Phillies score, analysis of NLDS Game 4
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