Dodgers and Brewers Set for NLCS Rematch with World Series on the Line
The Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-seven series for the National League pennant, a rematch of last season's NLCS.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) in a rematch of last season's pennant-clinching series. The Dodgers secured their spot after defeating the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series (NLDS), while the Brewers advanced by winning their NLDS matchup against the San Diego Padres.
This NLCS will pit the Brewers, who led the majors in wins for a second consecutive year with a 103-59 record in the regular season, against the Dodgers, who are aiming for a historic three-peat World Series championship.
Game 1 is scheduled to begin Sunday at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
At the Plate
The Dodgers showcased their power in the NLDS, hitting eight home runs against the Braves, the most of any team in the playoffs so far. Max Muncy led the charge with three homers, followed by Freddie Freeman with two, and one each from Teoscar Hernández, Kiké Hernández, and Kyle Tucker. This resurgence in power contrasts with their second-half struggles during the regular season. Despite Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith experiencing slumps in the NLDS, many of the Dodgers' key hitters appear to have regained their form.
The Brewers, known for grinding out at-bats and manufacturing runs, also pride themselves on consistent offense. They finished the regular season with a .258 team batting average, just ahead of the Dodgers, and a .341 on-base percentage. While Jackson Chourio is their primary offensive star, the team features numerous tough outs. However, the Brewers were among the least potent home run-hitting teams in the regular season, a weakness exposed in last year's NLCS when they hit only one home run against the Dodgers' pitching staff.
Edge: Brewers in on-base percentage and overall batting average, Dodgers in power.
On the Mound
Milwaukee's rotation is anchored by presumptive Cy Young Award winner Jacob Misiorowski, who posted a 1.80 ERA and led MLB with 252 strikeouts in the regular season. However, the rest of their rotation is less proven, with rookie Logan Henderson and former Dodger Dustin May forming the next tier. Misiorowski's performance in Game 1 of the NLDS, where he required 88 pitches for four innings, raised some questions.
The Dodgers boast what is considered the best rotation in baseball, with Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering strong performances in the NLDS. While Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow showed some wildness, they also limited damage effectively.
Edge: Dodgers in rotation depth and overall performance.
Bullpen
The Dodgers' bullpen has been a strong point, allowing only four runs in 14.2 innings during the NLDS. Edwin Díaz has emerged as a reliable closer, supported by setup man Tanner Scott and other effective relief options like Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Edgardo Henriquez, and Brock Stewart.
The Brewers' bullpen was also highly effective, finishing the regular season with the best reliever ERA in the National League. Closer Trevor Megill and hard-throwing setup man Abner Uribe have been key contributors. They also possess left-handed options like Aaron Ashby and DL Hall, and right-handed swingman Chad Patrick.
Edge: Brewers for their regular-season dominance and depth.
In the Field
Milwaukee's defense is a significant strength, ranking high in defensive runs saved, outs above average, and fielding percentage. Brice Turang at second base and outfielders Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell are noted for their defensive prowess.
The Dodgers' defense showed some shakiness in the NLDS, with misplays contributing to runs.
Edge: Brewers in defense and base-running, as their 162 stolen bases ranked fifth in the majors.
Manager
Milwaukee is managed by Pat Murphy, the two-time reigning NL Manager of the Year. However, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts has a proven track record in the postseason, moving past Tony La Russa for second-most career postseason wins.
Edge: Dodgers in playoff managerial experience.
Intangibles
While the Brewers consistently maximize their roster's potential, the Dodgers possess extensive experience and a proven ability to handle the pressures of playoff baseball. This was evident in their series win against the Braves, where they secured several close games, echoing their performance in last year's NLCS sweep of the Brewers.