How to watch Dodgers vs. Phillies NLDS Game 1 live for free

The next chapter in a burgeoning postseason rivalry is finally about to be written.

After sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in dramatic fashion, the Dodgers are ready for their biggest test yet. The National League Division Series kicks off Saturday, Oct. 4, as the Philadelphia Phillies host the Los Angeles Dodgers in what promises to be an explosive Game 1 matchup between two of baseball’s most potent lineups.

The Dodgers earned home-field advantage after posting the NL’s best record at 98-64, while the Phillies secured their playoff spot after the upset win against the New York Mets in the NL East last month. 

Game 1 of the NLDS between the Dodgers and the Phillies is set for tonight, and you don’t need cable to watch. Here’s how to stream the series opener for free, when is first pitch is and who’s on the mound when October turns up the volume in South Philly.

The Dodgers enter after sweeping Cincinnati; oddsmakers have had their eye on them all week, with futures movement as the postseason bracket locked in.

Here’s how to tune in to Game 1 of the NL Divisional Series without cable.

How to watch Dodgers vs. Phillies Game 1 for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream TBS for free. One option we love is DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial and starts at $59.99/month for genre packs, with plenty of subscription options and genre packs that include TBS.

If you aren’t ready to commit to a full-on subscription, you can try a Sling Orange Day Pass. Priced at $4.99, you’ll get 24 hours of access to all Sling TV Orange has to offer, including TBS.

Dodgers vs. Phillies starting pitchers

Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani (RHP): Three straight scoreless starts (14⅔ IP) to end the regular season; making his first postseason pitching start.

Phillies: Cristopher Sánchez (LHP): 13–5, 2.50 ERA; starting Game 1 with Zack Wheeler out (season-ending surgery). Led MLB pitchers in bWAR and ranked third in fWAR. 

Dodgers vs. Phillies NLDS schedule

All times below are listed in ET:

• Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6:38 p.m. (TBS, HBO Max)
• Game 2: Monday, Oct. 6 at 6:08 p.m. (TBS, HBO Max)
• Game 3: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 9:08 p.m. (TBS, HBO Max)
• Game 4: Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:08 p.m. (TBS, HBO Max)*
• Game 5: Friday, Oct. 11 at 8:08 p.m. (TBS, HBO Max)*

Expect Citizens Bank Park to sound like a jet engine. If you’re riding with the Los Angeles Dodgers or backing the Phillies, you’re covered on where to watch, and how to do it for free tonight.

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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews