The National League Championship Series is on the horizon, presenting an intriguing clash of ideologies — the underdog, hard-working heroes of baseball against the financial powerhouse of the sport.
The Milwaukee Brewers, who dub themselves the “Everyman,” have achieved the best record in baseball and will take on the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers — a franchise aiming for historic achievements, buoyed by a massive payroll.
This is more than just a repeat of the 2018 NLCS; it’s a defining series — a challenge of ethos, character, and conviction.
The Brewers come in as the challengers. Not only did they beat the Dodgers during the regular season — they did so convincingly. Six games. Six victories. A clean sweep that laid bare the vulnerabilities Los Angeles sought to conceal among its stars.
For Milwaukee, those matchups vindicated their approach to baseball — focusing on contact, pressure, and meticulous execution — proving they could outmatch the successful Dodgers.
For the Dodgers, those games represented a lingering wound.
However, October brings a distinct atmosphere. The temperature drops. The stakes rise. The spotlight shines brighter.
As the Dodgers pursue back-to-back championships for the first time in a quarter-century, they have rediscovered a late-season rhythm reminiscent of past successes — one that thrives under increased pressure and limited room for error.
The Tale of Two Identities
Los Angeles has invested significantly, amassing a powerhouse team — a lineup that includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, complemented by a rotation capable of anchoring an All-Star game. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow — and let’s not forget Ohtani again, but this time strictly in a pitching role. Each of these players possesses the potential to dominate, capable of transforming a playoff game into sheer art.
On the flip side, Milwaukee embraces a different philosophy. Though their budget may not compete, their team chemistry and unity are invaluable. This Brewers squad excels at forcing mistakes from their opponents — with bunts, aggressive base running, and relentless pressure. Their at-bats become battles, their defense is solid, and their intensity is unquestionable.
They win not by overpowering their foes with talent, but by suffocating them with relentless pressure. This makes them dangerous in 2025.
Caleb Durbin #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Storylines
Can Milwaukee Repeat Their Success?
Accomplishing a sweep against a top-tier team is already a challenge. Doing it twice in a season? Nearly unheard of. Yet, Milwaukee has succeeded in that regard. They outperformed, outpitched, and outsmarted the Dodgers consistently over the summer. They chased after Yamamoto before he could complete the first inning and never backed down under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium.
But those encounters did not feature Ohtani or Snell on the mound, and both can drastically alter the narrative.
Can Ohtani Regain His Form?
In the NLDS against Philadelphia, Ohtani struggled significantly. He recorded only one hit in 18 at-bats, with nine strikeouts. Manager Dave Roberts was frank: “We’re not gonna win the World Series with that sort of performance,” he stated candidly.
Ohtani’s difficulties were not due to lack of effort; the Phillies exploited his weaknesses, avoiding fastballs and low changeups that hindered his ability to strike. Expect Milwaukee to employ a similar strategy. However, given that Ohtani is a two-time MVP, his recent silence could be indicative of an impending resurgence.
Can the Brewers’ Pitching Staff Endure?
Milwaukee’s edge in previous seasons was their starting rotation—comprising Freddy Peralta, Jacob Misiorowski, and Brandon Woodruff. However, with Woodruff out due to a strained lat, the Brewers’ pitching depth faces scrutiny.
While Peralta remains a warrior, Quinn Priester and Jose Quintana must contend with one of baseball’s most potent lineups. The Brewers’ bullpen, spearheaded by the fearless All-Star Trevor Megill, will be crucial — especially in a seven-game series where innings accumulate quickly. Rookie sensation Misiorowski, affectionately known as “The Miz,” might become Milwaukee’s surprise asset, similar to when he excelled against the Dodgers in July.
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers works out before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on July 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Key Matchups
Dodgers’ Strikeout Leaders vs. Brewers’ Contact Specialists
Los Angeles boasts a rotation known for swing-and-miss abilities. Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, and Ohtani all average over a strikeout per inning. However, Milwaukee doesn’t fall for that trap. They rarely chase pitches, consistently fouling off and frustrating pitchers, leading to lengthy at-bats that wear down even the best arms.
Milwaukee led the National League in walks while striking out minimally. Patience is their advantage. If they can knock the Dodger starters out early and face a bullpen that has been inconsistent outside of Roki Sasaki’s brilliance, their chances will improve.
Though heavily reliant on starters, Los Angeles may find their rotation stretched thin in a lengthy series. Sasaki has shined — 5 ⅓ scoreless postseason innings — but beyond him, uncertainties loom. Los Angeles’ bullpen has allowed 13 runs in 15 innings not pitched by Sasaki. In contrast, the Brewers excel in pressure situations, boasting a 28-20 record in one-run games this season. If games extend late into the night, brace for excitement.
Milwaukee has an eye for weaknesses. Against left-handers like Aaron Ashby and Jared Koenig, Ohtani went 0-for-6 with four strikeouts this season. Expect manager Pat Murphy to deploy them strategically, compelling Ohtani to adapt or risk facing the same fate.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 09: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at American Family Field on July 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The X-Factors
For Los Angeles: the starting rotation. Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, and Ohtani represent a formidable lineup of power, accuracy, and postseason experience. If they perform at their peak, Milwaukee will fight hard for every run.
For Milwaukee: William Contreras. The All-Star catcher serves as the lifeblood of the Brewers — both as a player and as a leader. His presence has unified the team, and his capability to stifle the Dodgers’ running game could be critical. Coupled with rookie standout Jackson Chourio’s enthusiasm and Andrew Vaughn’s late-season resurgence, the Brewers’ lineup suddenly appears much more threatening than previously perceived.
How to Watch:
All games will be broadcast on TBS and Tru TV and can be streamed via HBO MAX. Here are the start times:
Game 1: Dodgers at Brewers. First pitch is at 5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET
Game 2: Dodgers at Brewers. First pitch is at 5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET
Game 3: Brewers at Dodgers. First pitch is at 3:08 PM PT/6:08 PM ET
Game 4: Brewers at Dodgers. First pitch is at 5:38 PM PT/8:38 PM ET
*Game 5: Brewers at Dodgers. First pitch is at 5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET
*Game 6: Dodgers at Brewers. First pitch is at 5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET
*Game 7: Dodgers at Brewers. First pitch is at 5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET
*if necessary.
Prediction
This series resembles baseball’s David versus Goliath — if David could throw 98 mph and hit breaking balls with precision. The Brewers certainly believe they can create another upset; they’ve done so six times this season.
Yet, this Dodgers squad, laden with talent, seeks more than just financial success — they’re driven by redemption, legacy, and the unique chance to repeat as champions. When Yamamoto harnesses his fastball, Betts sets the rhythm, and Ohtani discovers his groove — this version of Los Angeles appears too powerful, too skilled, and too seasoned.
It won’t be simple. It may not even be elegant. But champions find a way, and the Dodgers have mastered the art of navigating chaos.
Because sometimes, the most formidable opponent isn’t a team with everything to lose — but one that knows how to secure victory.
Here are NBC4’s sports personalities predictions:
Mario Solis, NBC4 Weekday Sports Anchor: Dodgers in 6
Olivia Garvey, NBC4 Weekend Sports Anchor: Dodgers in 7
Alejandro Navarro, Telemundo52 Sports Anchor: Dodgers in 6
Michael J. Duarte, NBC4 Sports Writer & Reporter: Dodgers in 6
