Pat Murphy’s Unusual Hit‑By‑Pitch Probe After Dodgers’ Game‑1 NLCS Win

When Pat Murphy, Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers stepped into the post‑game press room on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The Los Angeles Dodgers had just clinched a 5‑3 victory in Game 1 of the 2025 National League Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field, and Murphy’s comments would quickly become the talk of the clubhouse.

Why the "peculiar shot" mattered

Murphy didn’t just praise the Dodgers’ ace; he zeroed in on a moment that could have swung the game in Milwaukee’s favor. In the fifth inning, Max Muncy lofted a deep fly to right‑center that seemed destined to become a grand‑slam. Rhys Hoskins raced toward the wall, only to watch the ball ricochet off the top and trigger a double play. “We’ll learn from that situation,” Murphy said, adding, “but it’s hard to even if you try to maneuver yourself, it’s hard to get hit by the pitch because it’s just so reactionary.” The phrasing sparked headlines that called his observation a “peculiar shot,” highlighting the oddity of discussing intentional hit‑by‑pitch tactics in a postseason setting.

Blake Snell’s dominant outing

At the heart of the Dodgers’ win was the performance of Blake Snell. The right‑hander struck out nine, walked none, and limited Milwaukee to just one run over seven innings. “Incredible,” Murphy repeated during his October 14 media availability, a phrase that underscored both respect and the frustration of seeing a well‑executed game plan unravel.

Pre‑game moves that set the stage

Earlier that day, around 3:00 p.m. Central Time, Murphy held a pre‑game briefing where he unveiled several bold adjustments. He announced the removal of veteran reliever Nick Mears from the NLCS roster, a decision aimed at embracing an “opener” strategy that has become popular in recent seasons. He also praised Abner Uribe for his growing poise under pressure and outlined a defensive shift intended to grind down the newly acquired Dodgers two‑way star Shohei Ohtani.

Reactions from both clubs

While the Dodgers’ front office stayed tight‑lipped, Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, and Manager Dave Roberts declined to comment on Murphy’s remarks. The Brewers, however, used the moment to reinforce their own narrative. In a post‑game interview, catcher Ezequiel Tovar said, “We’re still in it. Those little things—whether it’s a wall bounce or a pitch—are part of the game.”

Impact on the series and what’s next

The Dodgers now lead the best‑of‑seven series 1‑0, with Game 2 set for Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7:37 p.m. Central Time in the same Milwaukee park. If Murphy’s tactical tweaks pay off, the Brewers could tilt the momentum. Conversely, the Dodgers’ depth and experience, highlighted by Snell’s start, suggest they’ll continue to press the advantage.

• NLCS Game 1 ended 5‑3 in favor of the Dodgers.
• Pat Murphy removed Nick Mears from the roster and emphasized an opener approach.
• Blake Snell struck out nine, walked none, and allowed one run.
• Max Muncy’s potential grand‑slam was denied by a wall‑bounce double play.
• Series shifts to Game 2 on October 15 at American Family Field.

Why this moment matters to fans

Beyond the stats, Murphy’s comments highlight a deeper strategic debate: should batters ever try to draw a hit‑by‑pitch to force a walk? Few managers openly discuss the ethics of that tactic during the postseason, and Murphy’s candidness opened a brief but lively back‑and‑forth among analysts on social media. Some praised his transparency; others warned it could spark unnecessary tension.