Brewers Defy Odds to Win NLCS Opener, 2-1, Over Dodgers
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. Despite a strong start from Tarik Skubal, the Dodgers failed to close out the game, while the Brewers capitalized on a late-inning rally against Jacob Misiorowski. The series is now tied 1-0, with the Brewers seeking to avenge last year's sweep.
Key points
- Brewers won Game 1 2-1, ending Dodgers' bid for a third straight title.
- Skubal pitched well but couldn't prevent the go-ahead run.
- Misiorowski was removed after 4 1/3 innings due to control issues.
- Brewers scored more runs in Game 1 than in any game of last year's NLCS.
- Series is now tied 1-0, with the Brewers seeking to avenge last year's sweep.
Background
The 2026 NLCS is a rematch of last year's matchup, where the Dodgers swept the Brewers. The Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline to bolster their rotation, while the Brewers kept their NLDS roster unchanged. The series is expected to be a showcase of baseball at its optimal level, with both teams having strong pitching depth.
How outlets are covering it
True Blue LA emphasizes the Dodgers' struggles with left-handed pitching and the importance of pinch-hitting, while the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlights the Brewers' depth and the impact of their rotation. FanGraphs notes the Brewers' ability to score more runs than in any game of last year's NLCS, while MLB Trade Rumors focuses on the Dodgers' game plan against Misiorowski and the Brewers' bullpen. The outlets agree that the series is competitive, but differ in their emphasis on the Dodgers' pitching depth versus the Brewers' ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Why it matters
The result of Game 1 sets the tone for the series, with the Brewers seeking to avenge last year's sweep and the Dodgers trying to maintain their momentum. The outcome will also impact the teams' strategies for the remaining games, with the Dodgers likely to adjust their approach against Misiorowski and the Brewers looking to capitalize on their bullpen. The series is expected to be a showcase of baseball at its optimal level, with both teams having strong pitching depth.
What to watch
The series will continue with Game 2, where the Dodgers will likely adjust their approach against Misiorowski and the Brewers will look to capitalize on their bullpen. The outcome of Game 2 will also impact the teams' strategies for the remaining games, with the Dodgers trying to maintain their momentum and the Brewers seeking to build on their lead. The series is expected to be competitive, with both teams having strong pitching depth.
- Dodgers NLCS notes: Josue De Paula, Tarik Skubal, Brewers lefties True Blue LA
- Brewers 2-1 Dodgers (Oct 11, 2026) Game Recap ESPN
- They began season at Class AAA. Now they're starting Games 2 and 3 of NLCS Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- It’s Brewtal Out There: Milwaukee Takes Game 1 FanGraphs
- The Opener: Turang, Misiorowski, Griffin MLB Trade Rumors
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