Brewers Take Game 1 of NLCS Against Dodgers

Even the strongest teams in Major League Baseball need a reality check now and then. This time, the Milwaukee Brewers managed to snag a notable win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

In Game 1 held at home, the Brewers triumphed over the Dodgers with a score of 2–1, engaging in a closely contested pitching battle. After being swept by the Dodgers in last year’s NLCS, Milwaukee is looking to change the narrative and make the most of their impressive regular-season record.

On the mound for the Brewers, Jacob Misiorowski pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up five hits and one run, alongside three walks and five strikeouts. He had a total of 94 pitches, with 60 of those being strikes.

The well-known baseball star, Shohei Ohtani, had yet another shaky postseason game, while LA’s newcomer, Tarik Skubal, didn’t make the best impression during his performance. Nevertheless, the underdog Brewers managed to outplay the reigning champions.

The Dodgers made the first score in the second inning when Andy Pages hit an RBI single to right field, bringing Ohtani home. However, the Brewers answered back in the fourth with a solo home run by Brice Turang. Later, 21-year-old Luis Lara stepped up with an RBI single to score Garrett Mitchell, putting Milwaukee ahead in the fifth inning.

Skubal threw for five innings, accumulating 81 pitches, which pushed Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts to activate the bullpen sooner than anticipated. Skubal conceded five hits, two runs, and recorded seven strikeouts.

For Game 2, the Dodgers are banking on ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, although their offense doesn’t always shine when he’s on the mound.

The Dodgers struggled to convert opportunities, an issue that has often hampered title-contending teams like the Brewers last year and the Mets in 2024. They went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position, leaving eight players on base. In a tense ninth inning, LA brought the tying run into scoring position, thanks to two-out walks issued by Trevor Megill to Kyle Tucker and pinch-hitter Josue De Paula. However, Megill closed the game with a flyout from Mookie Betts, sealing the victory for Milwaukee.

Overall, the Dodgers left nine runners on base during the game.

Historically, teams that win Game 1 of a League Championship Series have a 65.6% chance of advancing; home teams winning Game 1 have an even higher rate of 67.3%.