The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a Game 1 win in the 2025 NLCS over the Milwaukee Brewers, but it was manager Dave Roberts ’ decision that became the biggest talking point. Despite Blake Snell’s dominant eight-inning performance , Roberts made the surprising call to bring in rookie closer Roki Sasaki for the ninth inning.

Snell was in complete control, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out 10 on 103 pitches. His command was sharp, his rhythm unshaken. Yet Roberts opted to pull the southpaw after eight innings, following his long-standing approach of limiting workloads and trusting his bullpen. Sasaki, however, quickly ran into trouble, loading the bases before veteran reliever Blake Treinen secured the tense 2-1 series opening win.

The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya took t

See Full Page