Dodgers Fans Head for Exits Amidst NLCS Collapse
Supporters began leaving Dodger Stadium before the final out as the team faced a potential sweep.
Dodgers fans departed Dodger Stadium in significant numbers before the conclusion of Wednesday night's 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. The exodus began before the ninth inning, with many supporters seen leaving the stadium in the closing stages of the game.
This event occurred amidst a game where Dodger Stadium was notably not at full capacity, with numerous empty seats visible throughout the stands. Ticket prices for Game 3 had reportedly decreased by 42% prior to the game, yet attendance remained sparse.
With this latest defeat, the Dodgers now trail the Brewers three games to none in the series, putting them on the brink of being swept. The Brewers opened the scoring in the first inning when Jackson Chourio hit a home run on the very first pitch of the game, marking a historic moment as it was his sixth postseason homer before the age of 23.
Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell recorded nine strikeouts through six innings. The Los Angeles team managed to take a brief lead in the sixth inning when Will Smith hit a two-RBI double that scored Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernandez. However, the team was unable to capitalize further, leaving Smith and Shohei Ohtani stranded on the bases.
In the seventh inning, Snell allowed two hits and a walk before giving up back-to-back home runs to Jake Bauers and Garrett Mitchell, giving the Brewers the lead. Milwaukee extended their advantage in the eighth with an additional run, and Joey Ortiz added an RBI single in the ninth to seal the 6-2 victory.
The Dodgers are now set to host Game 4 on Thursday evening, facing the possibility of being swept in the playoffs for the first time since 2023.