However, the Dodgers bounced back, winning the second game decisively, 11-3, and clinching the series with another 5-1 triumph.

The second series occurred in mid-August in Los Angeles, and this time it was the Brewers who came out on top. They won the first game 5-4 by scoring three earned runs against closer Edwin Diaz in the ninth inning. After losing the second game 3-1, the Brewers sealed the series with a 4-2 victory, highlighted by Henderson’s impressive outing in a 6-2 win.

Overall, Milwaukee won four out of seven regular-season matchups between the teams.

Still, as last season showed, the regular season results don’t carry much weight in the playoffs. Last year, despite winning all six regular-season games against the Dodgers, the Brewers were swept in the NLCS.

Choosing a favorite in this matchup seems a bit predictable.

On one hand, the Dodgers aim for a three-peat — a notable achievement in MLB history — with a formidable payroll of $339 million, second only to the New York Mets.

On the other hand, while the Brewers may not match that financial might, they not only bested Los Angeles in the regular season but also enjoyed the best overall performance, earning home-field advantage in this series as the top team in the National League. Plus, the Brewers are in a stronger position this time with their pitching lineup compared to last season’s encounters.

That aspect could prove crucial.

Last year, the Brewers found themselves in a tight five-game series against the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS, needing to start Jacob Misiorowski in the decisive Game 5. This led to a challenging Game 1 against the Dodgers, with their reliever Aaron Ashby stepping in before a compromised Quinn Priester, who was later diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.

In contrast, this year, Milwaukee is starting with their rotation set for the NLCS. Misiorowski will take the mound for Game 1, while Henderson, who has impressively yet to allow three or more runs in any of his 24 starts during both the regular season and playoffs, is lined up for Game 2.

There will be some uncertainties after that, but the Brewers appear to be much better equipped at the beginning of this year’s NLCS opposite the Dodgers.

And then there’s the Shohei Ohtani situation. Last year, he delivered a historical performance in NLCS Game 4, smashing three home runs while also striking out ten batters as the starting pitcher, contributing to the Dodgers’ sweep.

This season, however, due to lingering injuries, Ohtani has been removed from pitching duties, leaving only the Brewers’ pitchers to contend with him in the NLCS. Recently, though, his batting has cooled down; after an impressive June, his August numbers dropped to .241/.322/.472, and he struggled in four games against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, going 2-for-13 with a .154/.267/.154 line.

It’s worth noting that the Dodgers, despite Ohtani’s challenges, have more weapons in their lineup. Interestingly, Ohtani was even shifted to the fifth spot in the batting order for Game 3, marking the lowest position he’s held since joining the team, which raises some questions.

This series looks to be tightly contested, and many anticipate it will extend to seven games.

But my money is on the Brewers to advance.

Prediction: Brewers in seven.