The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured their spot in the National League Championship Series after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series . The decisive Game 4 took place on October 9, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, where the Dodgers clinched a 2-1 victory, winning the best-of-five series 3-1.

In this pivotal game, the Dodgers' pitching staff delivered a stellar performance. Veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw took the mound, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run on five hits, while striking out eight batters. His control was impeccable, issuing no walks and keeping the Phillies' offense at bay throughout the game. Kershaw's outing was a testament to his experience and poise under postseason pressure.

Offensively, the Dodgers capitalized on key moments to secure their victory. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with the game tied at 1-1, shortstop Corey Seager led off with a double to left field. He advanced to third on a ground out by first baseman Freddie Freeman. With one out, third baseman Justin Turner stepped up and delivered a clutch single to center field, scoring Seager and giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Turner's timely hit proved to be the game-winner, as the Dodgers' bullpen held the Phillies scoreless in the final two innings.

The Dodgers' bullpen, featuring right-hander Brusdar Graterol and closer Roki Sasaki, was instrumental in preserving the lead. Graterol pitched a perfect eighth inning, setting the stage for Sasaki to close out the game. Sasaki faced a challenging ninth inning, allowing a leadoff single to Phillies' center fielder Brandon Marsh. However, he remained composed, inducing a double play and striking out the final batter to secure the win. Sasaki's performance earned him his second postseason save of the series.

With this victory, the Dodgers advance to the NLCS, where they will face the winner of the other NLDS matchup. The team's pitching depth and timely hitting have been key factors in their postseason success. Fans are eager to see if the Dodgers can continue their strong performance and make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Phillies, on the other hand, will reflect on their season and look to regroup for the upcoming year. Despite the early exit from the playoffs, the team showed resilience and promise throughout the season, setting the stage for potential future success.