Brewers steal NLCS opener from Dodgers despite Skubal’s strong start
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, ending Los Angeles' bid for a third consecutive World Series title with an early lead. Although the Dodgers acquired two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline to bolster their rotation, he could not prevent Milwaukee from scoring the go-ahead run. The Brewers capitalized on a late-inning rally against Dodgers starter Jacob Misiorowski, who was removed after 4 1/3 innings, while Los Angeles struggled with timely hitting and defensive errors.
Key points
- Milwaukee won Game 1 2-1, taking an early lead in the best-of-seven series.
- Tarik Skubal pitched five innings for Los Angeles, striking out seven but allowing two runs.
- Jacob Misiorowski was removed after 4 1/3 innings, having thrown 94 pitches.
- The Brewers scored the go-ahead run via a walk, sacrifice bunt, and single by Luis Lara.
- Los Angeles left nine men on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Background
This series is a rematch of the 2025 NLCS, where the Dodgers swept the Brewers. Los Angeles acquired Skubal in August to prevent other contenders, including Milwaukee, from signing him, aiming to secure a third straight title. The Brewers, who had 103 regular-season wins, faced a pitching depth challenge but retained their rotation, including NL Cy Young favorite Misiorowski.
How outlets are covering it
The Los Angeles Times emphasized the Dodgers' failure to execute with runners in scoring position, noting they left nine men on base and hit into three inning-ending double plays. Andrew Friedman acknowledged the strategic value of acquiring Skubal to deny him to Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted Misiorowski's competitive outing despite being removed early, framing the loss as a result of the Dodgers' inability to capitalize on opportunities. ESPN’s source was inaccessible, so no additional perspective could be synthesized.
Why it matters
The result shifts the momentum in the NLCS, giving the Brewers a 1-0 lead and potentially disrupting the Dodgers' 'October swagger.' It also validates the Brewers' decision to retain their rotation over pursuing Skubal, as their young pitching staff proved capable of competing against Los Angeles' elite offense.
What to watch
Game 2 of the NLCS will be played in Milwaukee, with the series continuing at American Family Field. The Dodgers must address their hitting issues with runners in scoring position, while the Brewers will look to build on their early lead and Misiorowski's performance.
- Brewers get just enough off Tarik Skubal, draw first blood in NLCS Game 1 win Los Angeles Times
- Brice Turang, bullpen lift Brewers past Dodgers in Game 1 ESPN
- Brewers take Game 1 in NLCS rematch against defending champs MLB.com
- Jacob Misiorowski doesn't need to throw 105 to have a competitive outing | Nickel Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Dodgers' offense looks as rickety and vulnerable as ever as Shohei Ohtani and Co. lose NLCS Game 1 to the Brewers Yahoo Sports
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Los Angeles Times