The Milwaukee Brewers stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 2-1 victory in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on October 11, 2026.
Why it matters: The Brewers' win over the Dodgers, who had the best record in baseball this season, sets a competitive tone for the series. Milwaukee aims to capitalize on this momentum as they face a formidable opponent.
The Brewers finished the regular season with 103 wins, the top record in MLB, making their victory against the Dodgers particularly notable.
Game 1 showcased the Brewers' ability to perform under pressure, contrasting with their previous postseason struggles against Los Angeles.
This series is a rematch of last year’s NLCS, where the Dodgers swept the Brewers.
Driving the news: In a tightly contested game, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing only one run and throwing 94 pitches before handing the game over to a strong bullpen.
Misiorowski's performance was key, as he managed to limit the Dodgers' scoring opportunities, which included leaving nine runners on base.
The Brewers capitalized on their chances, scoring two runs early and relying on their bullpen to maintain the lead.
Milwaukee’s bullpen, which boasted the best ERA in the National League at 3.40 during the season, held the Dodgers scoreless after Misiorowski exited.
State of play: The Dodgers' lineup struggled against Misiorowski, going 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and hitting into three double plays.
Los Angeles scored first in the second inning, but their inability to capitalize on scoring chances proved costly.
Key moments included a walk by Shohei Ohtani and singles from Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages that set up a promising at-bat for Kyle Tucker.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need for his team to play sound fundamental baseball to counter the Brewers' aggressive style.
The big picture: The victory is a strong statement for the Brewers, who are looking to redeem themselves after last year's disappointing playoff exit.
Milwaukee's success in Game 1 raises questions about their ability to maintain this level of play throughout the series.
The Brewers previously dominated the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, posting a remarkable 0.47 ERA in 19 innings.
Should the Brewers win Game 2, it could validate their cautious approach to acquiring Misiorowski during the trade deadline.
What they're saying: Players and analysts alike are weighing in on the implications of the Brewers' Game 1 win.
"All you have to do in October is win. It doesn’t matter how, just score more runs than the other team," said a baseball analyst.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the challenge posed by the Brewers, stating, "You’ve got to get them to play from behind to get them out of their game."
Brewers superfan Amy Williams, known as Front Row Amy, was present at the game, symbolizing the passionate support for the team.
By the numbers: Key statistics from Game 1 highlight the competitive nature of the matchup.
Jacob Misiorowski’s pitch count reached 94 before being replaced, indicating a high-stress outing against a potent Dodgers lineup.
The Dodgers left nine runners on base, underlining their struggles with clutch hitting.
Milwaukee's bullpen has shown resilience, following a stellar performance in the NLDS.
What's next: Game 2 of the NLCS is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, as both teams look to gain an edge in the best-of-seven series.
The Brewers will look to continue their momentum, hoping to secure another victory against the Dodgers.
Los Angeles aims to bounce back and regain control of the series, leveraging their experience as back-to-back World Series champions.
Attention will turn to the pitching matchups, with each team strategizing to exploit weaknesses in the opposing lineup.