The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win away from returning to the World Series, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 on Thursday to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series.

Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts and second baseman Tommy Edman both drove in runs while starter Tyler Glasnow recorded eight strikeouts in 5.2 innings in front of 51,251 fans at Dodger Stadium.

The result leaves the Brewers needing to stage a near miraculous comeback in the National League Championship Series to keep their World Series hopes alive.

Only one team – the 2004 Boston Red Sox – has ever overturned a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven Major League Baseball playoff series.

The Dodgers, who are aiming to become the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles, can complete a series sweep in game four on Friday.

The winner of the series will face either the Seattle Mariners or Toronto Blue Jays in the Major League Baseball championship showcase.

The Blue Jays knotted the American League Championship Series at 2-2 with an 8-2 victory in Seattle.

Veteran Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer turned back the clock, allowing just two runs in 5.2 innings as Toronto won their second straight to pull level with the Mariners.

Andres Gimenez homered for the second time in as many games and drove in two more runs with an eighth-inning single for the Blue Jays, who will try to claim another game in Seattle on Friday. (AFP)
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Last updated: 2025-10-17 HKT 15:19