Brewers Stun Dodgers in Series Opener as Yamamoto Falters, Setting Stage for Pivotal Matchups
The highly anticipated three-game series between the National League-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers kicked off with a stunning upset on Monday, July 7, 2025, as the Brewers handed the Dodgers a decisive 9-2 defeat. The game, held at American Family Field in Milwaukee, saw Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto endure the shortest and arguably worst outing of his MLB career, just one day after being named an All-Star for the first time.
Entering the series, the Los Angeles Dodgers boasted the best record in the NL at 56-35, despite arriving on a three-game skid after being swept by the Houston Astros. The Milwaukee Brewers, holding a solid 50-40 record, were looking to capitalize on their home advantage and maintain their second-place standing in the NL Central and their grip on a Wild Card spot. (CBS Sports, Brew Crew Ball)
Yamamoto’s Uncharacteristic Struggle
Monday’s game was projected to be a compelling pitching duel between Yamamoto (8-6, 2.51 ERA pre-game) for Los Angeles and Freddy Peralta (9-4, 2.91 ERA) for Milwaukee. However, the Brewers quickly turned the tide in the first inning. Yamamoto, fresh off his All-Star selection, was chased from the mound after recording just two outs, allowing five runs (three earned) as Milwaukee batted through their entire lineup. The damage included a crucial three-run home run by Andrew Vaughn, who was recently called up to replace the injured Rhys Hoskins. A throwing error by Dodgers star Mookie Betts further compounded Yamamoto’s woes, allowing two more runs to score. Yamamoto threw 41 pitches, 25 for strikes, before being relieved, seeing his ERA jump to 2.77. (Yahoo Sports, ESPN)
Looking Ahead: Pitching Matchups and Team Dynamics
The series continues with two more intriguing matchups. On Tuesday, July 8, the Brewers are set to send Jacob Misiorowski (3.20 ERA) to the mound against Dodgers veteran Clayton Kershaw (3.43 ERA). Misiorowski, in his fourth career start, will face a formidable challenge against the 37-year-old Kershaw, who recently eclipsed 3,000 strikeouts and has seen the Dodgers win his last six starts. The series concludes on Wednesday, July 9, with Jose Quintana (3.44 ERA) pitching for Milwaukee against Dustin May (4.52 ERA) for Los Angeles. (Brew Crew Ball)
Offensively, the Dodgers boast a league-leading lineup, hitting .260/.336/.454 with 141 home runs and 500 runs scored. Shohei Ohtani leads the charge with 30 homers, 56 RBIs, and a .281/.384/.617 line. Freddie Freeman, with a .307 batting average and 90 hits, is also a consistent threat. The Brewers’ offense, while not as powerful, is efficient, ranking eighth in runs scored (420) and second in stolen bases (104). Christian Yelich leads Milwaukee with 17 homers and 61 RBIs, while Jackson Chourio has contributed 15 homers and 16 steals. (Brew Crew Ball)
Both teams are navigating significant injury lists. The Dodgers are particularly hit in their pitching staff, with Blake Snell, Blake Treinen, Tyler Glasnow, Michael Kopech, and others on the injured list, though some are nearing rehab assignments. Third baseman Max Muncy is also expected to miss all of July with a bone bruise. The Brewers recently placed first baseman Rhys Hoskins on the IL with a thumb sprain, and outfielder Blake Perkins suffered a groin strain setback. Despite these challenges, both bullpens have seen key contributors, with Trevor Megill leading the Brewers with 20 saves and Tanner Scott tallying 18 saves for the Dodgers. (Brew Crew Ball)
The Brewers’ dominant win in the opener sets a compelling tone for the remainder of the series, as they look to continue their strong first-half performance against the formidable Dodgers.
