Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after winning the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

MLB playoff takeaways: Dodgers advance to NLCS, Cubs force Game 5

By Taylor Bretl | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 12:44 AM ET

The 2025 MLB playoffs continued on Thursday with both National League Division Series matchups in action. The Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Philadelphia Phillies in an 11-inning thriller, winning 2–1 to advance to the NLCS. The Chicago Cubs secured their second straight victory, dominating the Milwaukee Brewers, 6–0, to force a Game 5.

Here are key takeaways from Thursday's games:

Dodgers survive in extras, punch ticket to NLCS

In a pitchers’ duel that culminated in late-inning drama, the Dodgers outlasted the Phillies in 11 innings to claim a 2–1 victory and punch their ticket to the NLCS.

Trailing 1–0 in the seventh, the Dodgers loaded the bases with two outs after the Phillies intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani. The strategy backfired when Jhoan Duran issued a walk to Mookie Betts, forcing in the tying run.

Tied in the bottom of the 11th with the bases loaded and two outs once again, Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering mishandled a routine grounder from Andy Pages. His rushed throw to home sailed over catcher J.T. Realmuto, allowing the winning run to score.

This is the third walk-off win in a #Postseason clincher in Dodgers franchise history (also 1978 NLCS Game 4, 2021 NLWC). pic.twitter.com/fwafZxLHFk
— MLB (@MLB) October 10, 2025

Cubs dominate Brewers to force Game 5

Facing elimination, the Cubs turned to lefty Matthew Boyd, who redeemed himself after a rough Game 1 outing in which he lasted just two-thirds of an inning and surrendered six runs (two earned). Boyd bounced back with 4 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing only two hits.

Chicago’s offense ignited early to help Boyd, with Ian Happ launching a three-run home run in the first inning — marking the fourth straight game in the series where the Cubs have scored in the opening frame.

Wrigley was rocking early pic.twitter.com/uVcFSQJXl3
— MLB (@MLB) October 10, 2025

After a shaky start to the series, Chicago’s bullpen also delivered when it mattered most, combining for 4 1/3 scoreless innings and yielding just one hit.

With the win, Chicago forces a winner-take-all Game 5 in Milwaukee on Saturday, with a trip to meet the Dodgers in the NLCS on the line.

Taylor Bretl

Taylor Bretl writes about Major League Baseball with a focus on the Milwaukee Brewers. He is founder of Around the Globe Baseball.

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