Brewers Now World Series Favorites After NLCS Game 1 Win
Milwaukee aims to continue momentum against Dodgers in Game 2, featuring a pitcher's duel.
The Milwaukee Brewers have emerged as the new favorites to win the World Series following their victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. Despite this shift in perceived championship odds, the Brewers enter Game 2 as underdogs against the Dodgers' ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Milwaukee will counter with Logan Henderson on the mound. Henderson, who began the season in Triple-A, has posted an impressive 2.47 earned run average and holds an 11-3 record in 18 starts this season. He demonstrates strong command of the strike zone, with a 57.1 percent strike rate, significantly higher than the league average. Henderson also exhibits exceptional control, walking only 5.2 percent of batters faced, which ranks among the lowest rates in baseball. His previous outings against the Dodgers this year have been strong, allowing just one run over 12 innings with 13 strikeouts and four walks across two starts.
Yamamoto has a history of success against the Brewers, holding a 1.23 ERA in his last three starts against them, including a complete-game three-hitter in Game 2 of last year's NLCS. He is considered one of the premier pitchers in baseball, leading the Dodgers to Game 1 victory despite the Brewers' win.
The matchup in Game 2 is anticipated to be a pitching showcase, with expectations that both starters will pitch deep into the game. Betting markets reflect this, with Yamamoto's over/under for outs recorded set at 18.5 on Polymarket, and Henderson's at 15.5 on Novig. The total runs line for the game is set at seven, though the possibility of late bullpen volatility is noted.
In Game 1, the Brewers secured a victory against Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal. The Brewers are currently listed at +120 odds on Polymarket for Game 2, reflecting their underdog status against Yamamoto. Henderson's performance this season, particularly his ability to avoid walks and hit the strike zone consistently, suggests he could provide a formidable challenge for the Dodgers' lineup.