Jackson Chourio hit a game-opening home run off Blake Snell on Wednesday, propelling the Milwaukee Brewers to a 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium and a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium dissolved in an instant before fans could even settle into their seats for the 5 p.m. local start. With the Brewers already holding a 2-0 series advantage, Chourio walked up to the plate and crushed a center-cut 97.6 mph four-seamer from Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell deep to right-center field. The leadoff blast set an immediate tone for Milwaukee.
In reference to the first pitch of the game, all I was going up there and looking for was a good pitch that I could hit, a good pitch to drive. Thanks to God, I was able to get one to connect with and put the team ahead early.
Jackson Chourio, via MLB
The historic shot was the 17th first-pitch leadoff home run in postseason history since pitch counts began being tracked in 1988. It also matched a personal milestone for the young outfielder, who hit a first-pitch leadoff homer exactly one year prior in Game 2 of last year’s NLCS. Chourio and George Springer remain the only players in postseason history with two such home runs.
Blake Snell and the Dodgers Fall Behind Three Games to None
Snell had not surrendered a home run across 46 1/3 innings during the regular season and postseason combined in 2026. That stretch ended abruptly when Chourio connected in the first. Los Angeles managed to battle back, stringing together a rally to claim a 2-1 lead by the sixth inning. But the Brewers answered decisively in the seventh.
Jake Bauers turned around an 11-pitch at-bat against Snell, launching a two-run homer to put Milwaukee ahead 3-2. Just two pitches later, Garrett Mitchell followed with a solo shot, stretching the lead to 4-2.
There’s so much tension in the dugout right before the game starts, especially these ones. There’s a lot of nervous energy, tension, maybe even a touch of doubt. … From there, I think it kind of set the tone for the day and let everyone know that we’re here to win this game.
Jake Bauers, via MLB
The late offensive surge sealed a 6-2 victory, pushing Milwaukee to a 3-0 series lead. History heavily favors the Brewers: only one team in MLB postseason history has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to advance, a feat accomplished by the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in 2004.
Chourio Sets Postseason Records Before Turning 23
At an age when most players are just establishing themselves in the majors, Chourio is rewriting the October record books. His Game 3 long ball gave him six career postseason home runs, moving him past teammate William Contreras for the most playoff homers in franchise history. He also surpassed Hall of Famer Andruw Jones for the most RBIs (18) by any player before turning 23.
He’s very impressive to watch at his age, and the maturity that he carries at his age … he’s more mature than I was at 22, I’ll tell you that. He’s great, and we always say he’s got that ice in his veins. He’s ready to go whenever. So, it’s impressive.
Brice Turang, via MLB
Teammate William Contreras expressed full support for the young star’s record-breaking postseason trajectory. Contreras noted that he hopes Chourio continues taking every record available while staying healthy.
For me, he can take it all. I want to win. I want to win the game. Like I told you the other day, Chourio is going to take all the records, God willing, and I hope he keeps it up, stays healthy and takes everything. I don’t need any of that.
William Contreras, via MLB
Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised his outfielder’s composure in hostile playoff environments, pointing to the team’s earlier challenges playing in front of loud crowds in San Diego as preparation for handling Dodger Stadium’s 50,708-person attendance.
No moment’s too big for Jack Jack. … He’s special. He’s a special cat. Just proud of our club, proud that they came out here and didn’t let the — the environment was great.
Pat Murphy, via MLB
