The 2025 MLB playoffs delivered high drama on Thursday as the Los Angeles Dodgers advanced to the NLCS following a stunning walk-off error in extra innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, while the Chicago Cubs dominated the Milwaukee Brewers to force a winner-take-all Game 5 in their gripping division series.
The 2025 MLB postseason delivered a night of high stakes and unforgettable moments on Thursday. In a dramatic extra-innings affair, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Philadelphia Phillies. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs mounted a crucial comeback, dominating the Milwaukee Brewers to force a decisive Game 5 in their own fiercely contested National League Division Series (NLDS).
Dodgers Survive in Extras, Advance to NLCS on Historic Error
The Dodgers’ victory over the Phillies at Dodger Stadium was nothing short of a nail-biter, culminating in an 11-inning, 2-1 thriller. What began as a pitchers’ duel transformed into late-inning drama that ultimately favored Los Angeles in a way rarely seen in postseason baseball.
The game remained tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the 11th with the bases loaded and two outs. Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering faced Andy Pages, who hit a routine grounder back to the mound. Kerkering mishandled the ball, and in a moment of panic, fired an errant throw past catcher J.T. Realmuto instead of making the easier throw to first base. This costly miscue allowed pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run, sealing the series for the Dodgers.
Manager Dave Roberts aptly described the game as an “instant classic,” a sentiment echoed by third baseman Max Muncy. This walk-off error marked only the second instance in MLB history where a series ended in such a fashion. For the Dodgers, it was their third walk-off postseason clincher in franchise history, adding to their storied playoff moments from the 1978 NLCS Game 4 and the 2021 NL Wild Card game, according to official MLB playoff records found on MLB.com.
Cubs Dominate to Force Game 5, Brewers Face Elimination
In Chicago, the Cubs faced elimination but refused to yield, dominating the Milwaukee Brewers with a commanding 6-0 victory at Wrigley Field. This win leveled their NLDS at 2-2, setting up a winner-take-all Game 5 in Milwaukee.
Left-handed starter Matthew Boyd was a key figure in the Cubs’ resurgence. After a difficult Game 1 outing, Boyd delivered a stellar performance, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out six, and allowing only two hits. Chicago’s offense ignited early, with Ian Happ launching a three-run home run in the first inning. This marked the fourth consecutive game in the series where the Cubs scored in the opening frame, highlighting their aggressive approach.
The Cubs’ bullpen also stepped up when it mattered most, combining for 4 1/3 scoreless innings and yielding just one hit, demonstrating a complete team effort. The winner of Saturday’s Game 5 will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, which is set to begin on Monday, October 13th, as detailed in recent playoff schedules.
Beyond the Diamond: Other Key Sports Headlines
While MLB playoff drama captivated fans, other significant news unfolded across the sports world:
LeBron James Faces Extended Sideline Stint
In unfortunate news for basketball fans, LeBron James is expected to miss at least three to four weeks due to sciatica in his right side. This injury will cause him to miss his team’s season opener for the first time in his 23-year NBA career. This development significantly impacts the early season outlook for his team, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
RIP, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt
The beloved March Madness sensation and longtime chaplain at Loyola Chicago, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, passed away at the age of 106. Her infectious spirit and wisdom left an indelible mark on college basketball, inspiring fans and players alike.
Erik Spoelstra to Lead Team USA
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is reportedly set to be named the new head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, succeeding Steve Kerr. Spoelstra previously served as an assistant coach for the national team from 2022-24, bringing a wealth of experience to the role, as noted by NBA.com reports.
Giants Stun Eagles in NFL Week 6
In NFL action, the New York Giants pulled off a major upset, handing the Philadelphia Eagles their second straight loss with a dominant 34-17 victory. Rookies Jaxson Dart (253 total yards, 2 TD) and Cam Skattebo (110 total yards, 3 TD) led the charge for the Giants with huge performances.
College Sports Considers Jersey Sponsors
The NCAA Division I Administrative Committee has introduced a proposal that would allow schools to sell advertising space on their uniforms to corporate sponsors. If adopted, this significant change could take effect as early as next August, further integrating commercial partnerships into college athletics.
New York’s Elusive Championship
The Yankees’ recent exit from the ALDS has further highlighted a surprising and extended championship drought for teams in the New York metropolitan area. Despite hosting more professional sports teams in the “Big Four” leagues than any other metro area (nine total), New York has now gone 14 years without a championship in one of these major leagues.
The last “Big Four” title for a New York team came from the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI in 2011. This drought marks one of the longest in Gotham’s sports history, surpassed only by the 15-year gap between the 1905 and 1921 World Series titles by the former New York Giants MLB team. While the Liberty (2024 WNBA champions) and NYC FC (2021 MLS champions) have brought recent titles to the city, the wait for a major league championship continues.
Weekend Watchlist: What’s Next in Sports
This weekend promises more thrilling action across various sports:
MLB Playoff Deciders and Championship Series Kick-off
- Tonight, the Mariners and Tigers will battle in a winner-take-all Game 5 in Seattle (8 pm ET, Fox), featuring a pitching showdown between Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal and George Kirby.
- Tomorrow, the Cubs and Brewers will play their Game 5 in Milwaukee (8:08 pm, TBS) to determine who faces the Dodgers.
- Looking ahead, the ALCS begins Sunday in Toronto with the Blue Jays hosting either the Mariners or Tigers. The NLCS starts Monday.
WNBA Finals Approaching Climax
A’ja Wilson and the Aces will attempt to complete a sweep tonight in Phoenix (8 pm, ESPN) in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. If the Mercury manage a win, Game 5 will be held Sunday in Las Vegas (3 pm, ABC). Wilson has been phenomenal, setting a single-postseason scoring record with 291 points and demonstrating all-around dominance.
NFL Week 6 and College Football Showdowns
- NFL Week 6 starts with Broncos vs. Jets in London (9:30 am, NFL) and concludes with a heavyweight clash between the Lions and Chiefs (8:20 pm, NBC).
- College football features a great slate on Saturday, including three matchups between ranked teams: No. 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois (12 pm, Fox), No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri (12 pm, ABC), and No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon (3:30 pm, CBS).
Other Highlights
- USMNT plays Ecuador in a friendly tonight in Austin (8:30 pm, TNT).
- NHL begins its first full weekend of the season with games like Canadiens at Blackhawks (Sat. 7 pm, NHL) and Capitals at Rangers (Sun. 7 pm, NHL).
- The NASCAR Playoffs enter the Round of 8 at Las Vegas (Sun. 5:30 pm, USA).
Heisman Trivia: A Blast from the Past
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is returning to ABC this year, marking its first appearance on network television since 1993, after three decades on ESPN.
Question: Who won the Heisman in 1993?
Answer: Charlie Ward, the standout quarterback from Florida State.
