The Los Angeles Dodgers lost 6-4 to the Chicago Cubs in the series opener, despite a strong start from Emmet Sheehan and a strong performance from Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott. The loss was the result of six unanswered runs over the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. Despite signing Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers in the past, the team has been relying heavily on their veteran leverage arms to secure victory in the late innings. Manager Dave Roberts stated that he does not worry about Díaza's absence and that the team aims to continue using these leverage arms in favorable situations.