MILWAUKEE
The Dodgers have managed to outperform the Brewers in playoff matchups recently, but the same can’t be said for their regular-season encounters.
As of Saturday, entering the game held at American Family Field, the Dodgers hadn’t beaten Milwaukee in the regular season since August 13, 2024. That’s quite a streak—nine consecutive losses against these smaller-market competitors, making it their longest drought against any team.
But, finally, that streak came to an end on Saturday with a resounding 11-3 victory, marking a crucial comeback that echoed through club history.
Initially, the Dodgers stumbled, surrendering three runs in the first inning due to Roki Sasaki’s lengthy pitch count of 35. However, they regained control with a four-run rally in the fourth. Key contributions came from doubles by Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages, capped off by Teoscar Hernandez’s impressive three-run homer that clattered against the left field foul pole.
Hernandez continued to shine, driving a three-run inning in the eighth and following it up with a noteworthy four-run ninth where he batted in two, capping off a personal best with six RBIs for the game. Overall, the Dodgers collected 10 hits and a season-high 11 walks, marking the third time he’s hit double digits in the last week.
The night saw Sasaki calm down to pitch a clean fifth inning, handing over control to a bullpen that had been perfect up to that point. The relievers continued to impress, completing 36 consecutive scoreless innings, breaking the previous franchise record of 33 innings set back in 1998. This game was also the tenth consecutive outing for the bullpen without allowing a run.
What It Means
The Dodgers, now 32-20, triumphed over the Brewers, who fall to 30-19, setting them up for a chance to win the series on Sunday. They hadn’t competed against Milwaukee since July 2024 and hadn’t played a series at American Family Field since May 2023.
It’s worth mentioning that these stats don’t account for the Dodgers’ strong postseason dominance over the Brewers; they’ve won seven straight October matchups since a decisive win in last year’s National League Championship Series.
Who Is Hot
Right now, it seems like everyone in the Dodgers’ bullpen is firing on all cylinders, including Alex Bashear, Kyle Hart, Tanner Scott, and Jonathan Hernandez from Saturday’s game.
Both Bashear and Hart stepped in during crucial moments, successfully holding onto a slim 4-3 lead in the sixth and seventh innings. Their ability to strand runners was impressive, with Hart boasting an enviable 0.60 ERA in the bullpen.
Scott has become a trusted asset since Edwin Diaz’s injury, finishing the night with seven scoreless innings and three strikeouts. He currently enjoys a 1.31 season ERA, having struck out 14 batters across nine consecutive games without allowing a run.
Who Is Not?
Max Muncy is still recovering after being ejected during Friday’s game due to a pitch that hit his wrist. While an X-ray showed no issues, manager Dave Roberts mentioned Muncy might not return until Tuesday as he deals with swelling and pain in the affected area. They’re cautious, preferring not to rush his return, especially with Quique Hernandez expected to come off the injured reserve soon.
“We’ll assess his situation in the coming days, though I doubt we’ll need to place him on the IL,” Roberts remarked cautiously.
To the Next
The rubber match of the series is slated for Sunday afternoon, featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto (3-4, 3.22 ERA) against Brandon Sproat (1-2, 5.75 ERA).
