The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing an uphill battle in the 2026 National League Championship Series after Blake Snell failed to rescue his team in Game 3 on Wednesday.
The Dodgers ace struggled to silence Milwaukee’s relentless bats, and perhaps no one personified that better than Brewers slugger Jake Bauers.
The Milwaukee first baseman put on a batting masterclass in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., battling Snell in an epic 11-pitch at-bat that featured five foul balls before launching a go-ahead home run.
Every pitch from that UNREAL Jake Bauers at-bat 😤 11 pitches. One unforgettable moment. https://t.co/QpDMUMMPFP
— MLB (@MLB) October 15, 2026
That home run was followed by another solo blast off Snell from Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell.
That prompted Snell’s exit from the mound, as the Brewers went on to win the game, 6-2, for a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Despite his struggles against the Brewers, Snell gave props to his former teammate.
“I’ve known him since he got drafted with San Diego, then he was with the Rays. I was with him for
probably four years, something like that,” Snell said of Bauers, via Alden González of ESPN.
“I’ve seen all the ups and downs he’s been through and it’s been a lot of downs. So for him to go through this right now, he’s earned it. Hat’s off to him. I mean, what an at- bat. I threw everything I had. Fastball down the middle. If I can locate that better, who knows what would happen. It’s the best I’ve ever seen him play. It’s a good at-bat. Hat’s off to him.”
In six innings of work, Snell allowed four earned runs on four hits (three home runs), but racked up nine strikeouts through 101 pitches.
Unless the Dodgers find a way to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against Milwaukee, Snell has likely thrown his last pitch of 2026.
