2026 NLCS Recap: Unexpected Triumph for the Brewers

The 2026 National League Championship Series was full of surprises, confounding many fans’ expectations. The Milwaukee Brewers, despite their impressive 103-win regular season, were seen as underdogs. Yet, through the first three games, it was the Los Angeles Dodgers who appeared to struggle, seemingly overwhelmed by Milwaukee’s prowess.

Milwaukee’s success in the series stemmed from exceptional relief pitching and strong defense, seizing a 3-0 lead by game four. In game one, the Brewers managed a tight 2-1 victory against the Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal. Game two saw Milwaukee excel with runners in scoring position, securing a 6-4 win without any hard-hit balls. The Brewers’ resilience shone in game three where they scored five consecutive runs to win 6-2.

“The 2026 Milwaukee Brewers are providing the blueprint for October success.”

Game four was crucial for both teams. The Dodgers needed to win to keep their championship hopes alive. For a brief period, it seemed Los Angeles would force a game five. Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run, lifting LA to a 4-0 lead. However, Milwaukee quickly retaliated with significant contributions from players like Brice Turang and William Contreras.

By the fifth inning, Milwaukee leveled the score at 4-4. One of the key moments was when David Hamilton drove in Sal Frelick. Despite LA’s attempts, their RISP failures continued, a trend that defined the series. Milwaukee’s bullpen, led by Aaron Ashby and others, consistently shut down the Dodgers’ offense.

In the sixth inning, Garrett Mitchell’s homer gave Milwaukee the lead. Subsequently, the Dodgers missed several opportunities, highlighted by struggles with runners in scoring positions. The eighth witnessed another missed opportunity for LA with the tying run stranded at third.

Milwaukee extended their lead in the ninth with a home run from Hamilton. Their bullpen allowed just two runs across nearly 40 playoff innings, showcasing their dominance. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ potent lineup faltered, failing to capitalize on scoring chances.

The victory marked Milwaukee’s path to the World Series, attributed to the synergy of their players and strategic plays. Despite previous successes in 2024 and 2025, the Dodgers found themselves outmatched, perhaps signaling the end of their dynasty.

The unpredictable nature of the postseason was underscored, with Milwaukee advancing to meet the winner of the Guardians-Rays series, while LA reflects on their offseason strategy.