When Dave Roberts, manager of Los Angeles Dodgers watched his ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto close out an 8‑4 victory on October 1, 2025, the defending World Series champions became the first team to clinch a spot in the Wild Card Series under the best‑of‑three format. The win capped a dominant 2‑0 sweep of the Cincinnati Reds and set the stage for a decisive Game 3 showdown in Philadelphia’s NLDS. The drama unfolded as part of the 2025 MLB Wild Card SeriesUnited States, a postseason sprint that began on Tuesday, September 30.
Dodgers Sweep Sets Tone for Defending Champs
Game 1 saw Blake Snell fire seven solid innings, allowing just two runs as the Dodgers jumped to a 5‑2 lead. By the time the final out was recorded, Los Angeles had already taken a 1‑0 series edge.
The follow‑up on October 1 was a master class from Yamamoto. He threw a career‑high 113 pitches, navigated a bases‑loaded jam in the sixth, and exited after recording the first two outs of the seventh. The crowd gave him a standing ovation, and the scoreboard read 8‑4 – a margin wide enough to seal the series.
Roberts, who leaned heavily on his rotation’s depth, praised both starters: “Yamamoto showed poise beyond his years, and Snell gave us the early push we needed. That’s the kind of pitching you want when you’re defending a title.”
Other Wild Card Series Reach a 1‑1 Stalemate
While the Dodgers moved on, three other matchups were dead‑locked. In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 6‑1 blowout on Wednesday, evening the series with the Detroit Tigers after a 2‑1 loss on Tuesday.
Across the rivalry‑rich aisle, the New York Yankees returned the favor, eking out a 4‑3 win over the Boston Red Sox to tie that series as well.
Out West, the San Diego Padres shut out the Chicago Cubs 3‑0, leveling a contest that began with a Cubs 3‑1 triumph in Chicago.
Game 3 Showdowns Set for Thursday, Oct 2
All three remaining series will be decided on Thursday, Oct 2, with the following start times (Eastern):
- 3:08 p.m. – Cleveland Guardians host Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field, Cleveland.
- 5:08 p.m. – Chicago Cubs welcome San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Chicago.
- 8:08 p.m. – New York Yankees take on Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, New York.
Broadcasts will be split between ABC and ESPN, with streaming courtesy of fuboTV. The winners will face the top seeds that earned first‑round byes: the Guardians would meet the Seattle Mariners, the Yankees would challenge the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Cubs or Padres would travel to take on the NL’s No. 1 seed.
Implications for the Division Series
The Dodgers now set their sights on the Philadelphia Phillies, who finished the regular season as the NL’s No. 2 seed. The NLDS kicks off Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, promising a classic showdown between a defending champion and a club that boasts the league’s best regular‑season record.
Analysts note that Yamamoto’s performance could tip the scales. Former pitcher turned commentator John Kruk said, “If you can trust your number‑one starter to dominate a high‑pressure game, you’ve got a big advantage. Detroit and Boston will know that when they line up against their next opponents.”
Historical Context: Why the Wild Card Matters
Since MLB adopted the 2‑game wild‑card format in 2022, the postseason has become a sprint rather than a marathon. A single misstep can end a franchise’s season, which explains the intensity observed in every game this week.
Los Angeles’ sweep marks only the second time a defending champion has cleared the wild‑card round without dropping a game—first occurring with the 2023 Houston Astros under a similar three‑game setup.
Meanwhile, the three tied series underscore the parity that the wild‑card has introduced. Every team that earned a spot this fall has a realistic path to the World Series, provided they can win three straight games.
Key Facts
- Dodgers sweep Reds 2‑0; advance to NLDS vs. Phillies.
- Yamamoto throws 113 pitches, escapes bases‑loaded jam.
- Three series tied 1‑1, Game 3 on Oct 2.
- Broadcast on ABC/ESPN; streaming on fuboTV.
- Top seeds (Mariners, Blue Jays, Phillies) await winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers' sweep affect their NLDS matchup?
By sweeping, Los Angeles secures extra rest and avoids a Game 3 that could strain its pitching staff. It also gives the team momentum heading into a six‑game series against the Philadelphia Phillies, who posted a 102‑60 record and boast a deep rotation.
What are the key storylines for Thursday’s Game 3s?
Each Game 3 is a winner‑takes‑all battle. In Cleveland, the Guardians need to rebound from a loss to the Tigers; in Chicago, the Cubs hope their home‑field advantage can offset the Padres’ potent bullpen; and in New York, the Yankees must overcome a rough start against the Red Sox while preserving their ace, Gerrit Cole, for a potential ALDS.
Who is the most surprising performer so far?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s clutch sixth‑inning escape has turned heads. The Japanese ace, in just his second MLB season, demonstrated poise beyond his years, making him a potential Game 7 ace if the series ever extends.
What does this mean for the wild‑card format’s future?
The intense, back‑and‑forth action validates MLB’s decision to keep the best‑of‑three wild‑card. Fans and advertisers love the drama, and teams are seeing that every regular‑season win can be the difference between a long postseason run or a quick exit.
Where can fans watch the Thursday games?
All three Game 3s will be televised on either ABC or ESPN, with simultaneous streaming on fuboTV. Local markets will also carry the broadcasts on regional sports networks.
