Dodgers face elimination in NLCS Game 4 as betting models split on outcome

3 min read
Source: CBS Sports
Dodgers face elimination in NLCS Game 4 as betting models split on outcome
Photo: CBS Sports
TL;DR

The Los Angeles Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers 0-3 in the National League Championship Series and must win Game 4 on Thursday to avoid elimination. The Dodgers, who have the largest payroll in baseball at $339 million, are betting favorites despite the deficit. Tyler Glasnow will start for Los Angeles, while Shane Drohan will pitch for Milwaukee. The SportsLine model favors the Brewers, but expert analysts are divided on the outcome.

Key points

  • The Dodgers are down 0-3 in the NLCS, a deficit only overcome once in MLB history by Boston in 2004.
  • Tyler Glasnow will start for the Dodgers, having allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings against the Braves in the NLDS.
  • Shane Drohan will start for the Brewers, making his first playoff appearance since 1982.
  • The SportsLine model gives the Brewers a 49% chance to win and rates their money line as a 'B' grade.
  • The game is scheduled for 5:08 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, with the start time moved up one hour due to ALCS scheduling.

Background

The Dodgers and Brewers advanced to the NLCS after winning their respective Division Series matchups in October 2026. The Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves, while the Brewers beat the San Diego Padres. This is the first time the Brewers have reached the World Series since 1982.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports and True Blue LA both highlight the Dodgers' need to win to stay alive, but they differ on the likelihood of success. CBS Sports notes that the SportsLine model favors the Brewers, while True Blue LA emphasizes the Dodgers' superior resources and the potential for Glasnow to disrupt the Brewers' momentum. CBS Sports also highlights the Brewers' strong performance with runners in scoring position, while True Blue LA focuses on the Dodgers' offensive struggles in the series. The two outlets also differ on the start time, with CBS Sports listing 8 p.m. ET and True Blue LA listing 5:08 p.m. PT, which is the same time but in different time zones.

Why it matters

The outcome of Game 4 will determine whether the Dodgers can continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Series titles or if the Brewers will advance to the World Series for the first time since 1982. The game is also significant for betting markets, as the Dodgers are favorites despite the 0-3 deficit, and the SportsLine model and expert analysts are divided on the outcome.

What to watch

The Dodgers must win Game 4 to stay alive in the NLCS. If they lose, they will be eliminated. If they win, they will face the Brewers in Game 5, with the series tied 3-1. The game is scheduled for 5:08 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, with the start time moved up one hour due to ALCS scheduling.

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