Dodgers Fall to Brewers in Game 1 of NLCS Despite Strong Game Plan
Los Angeles squanders opportunities against Milwaukee's ace pitcher, losing 2-1.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' strategic approach against Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series ultimately fell short, resulting in a 2-1 loss and an early deficit in the best-of-seven series.
The Dodgers aimed to counter Misiorowski's high velocity by emphasizing long at-bats, shortening swings, and hitting the ball the other way to drive up his pitch count. The plan saw early success, with Misiorowski throwing 94 pitches to record 13 outs and giving up five hits, including four hit to the opposite field. He exited the game after 4 ⅓ innings, a departure from his regular-season dominance.
Despite these efforts, the Dodgers could only manage to score one run against Misiorowski and the Brewers' bullpen. The team struggled with situational hitting, grounding into three double plays, stranding nine runners, and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This inability to convert potential rallies into significant runs proved costly.
Brice Turang provided an early spark for the Brewers in the fourth inning with a solo home run that tied the game. Momentum shifted to the home team, fueled by a vocal crowd at American Family Field. In the fifth inning, the Brewers exemplified their "Win Our Way" slogan with small-ball tactics. Garrett Mitchell reached base, advanced on a bunt, and Luis Lara drove him in with an RBI single, giving Milwaukee the lead.
Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a strong start, striking out six of his first nine batters. However, he was removed after 80 pitches in the sixth inning, the shortest start of his postseason career, after giving up the game-tying home run. Four Brewers relievers then held the lead, with closer Trevor Megill securing the win despite issuing walks with the bases loaded in the ninth inning.
The Dodgers had opportunities throughout the game, including loading the bases in the second inning and having runners on base in multiple later innings. However, they were unable to plate additional runs, ultimately succumbing to the Brewers' resilience and strategic execution. The loss puts the Dodgers behind in an NLCS rematch that has started differently from their previous sweep of Milwaukee.