ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 07: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates on the field after clinching an NLCS berth in Game Four of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After a three-day hiatus, the Dodgers are back in business on Sunday as they begin the 2026 National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Tarik Skubal was handed the ball for Game 1 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, and he managed to allow just one run while striking out seven across six innings of work. Fresh off a full week of rest, Skubal will once again be handed the ball to kick off the series, this time doing so against the soon-to-be NL Cy Young award winner Jacob Misiorowski.
Sunday’s Game 1 matchup will feature quite the unprecedented pitching matchup, and Mike Petriello of MLB.com breaks down just how rare a matchup between Skubal and Misiorowski is compared to other historic postseason pitching matchups.
If a rare matchup of 100-win teams in the NLCS isn’t good enough, if a rematch of last year’s NLCS – and the third time since 2018 – isn’t good enough, there’s this, too. You just don’t really see starting pitching matchups like this, really ever. We’re incredibly fortunate to get this one, potentially twice in the next week.
Facing Misiorowski will be another rigorous test for the Dodgers in their quest for a third consecutive championship, and for a struggling Shohei Ohtani, he’ll have to find a way to bounce back offensively against one of the National League’s premier young aces.
Dave Roberts still has confidence that Ohtani will turns things around at the plate, and the two-way star worked in some extra batting practice while the Dodgers have been preparing at American Family Field, per Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times.
“There’s nothing right now I’m going to hang my hat on outside of, I just believe in the person and the talent,” Roberts said in a conference call Friday. “I do think that getting a couple days out of a game environment to kind of work on his swing, rest the body, rest the mind is a benefit. I’m just never going to count Shohei out.”
Max Muncy and I share basically one thing in common; we aren’t afraid of ghosts. That’s why he has elected to stay at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee this series, even with its notoriety as a “haunted” hotel, per Grant Young of the California Post.
“If there’s a ghost there, come on in. If the TV turns on, I know he’s friendly. Hopefully he’s just not there to disturb me. I welcome them. If there’s a ghost, let’s have a good time with it, come on in. It is what it is,” he added.
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 11: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a single in the eighth inning against Ross Ohlendorf #51 of the Texas Rangers during game three of the American League Division Series on October 11, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eleven Years Ago Today
The Blue Jays trailed two games to none in the best-of-five 2015 ALDS against the Rangers. Facing elimination, they pulled off a crucial 5-1 victory.
The game remained tense until Troy Tulowitzki homered in the sixth inning. Despite several opportunities to break the game open, the team grounded into four double plays.
The Jays got on the board in the third. Dioner Navarro doubled, and Kevin Pillar singled to put runners on the corners with no outs. Ryan Goins then hit into a double play, but at least a run scored.
They added another run in the fourth:
Josh Donaldson led off with a double and advanced to third on Jose Bautista’s flyout. The Rangers intentionally walked Edwin Encarnacion, and Chris Colabello drew an unintentional walk to load the bases. Tulowitzki then walked, bringing Donaldson home.
However, with the bases still loaded, Navarro grounded into a double play.
The pivotal moment arrived in the sixth. Donaldson and Bautista opened with singles, and Edwin walked to load the bases. Colabello then grounded into yet another double play, making it seem like the Jays would squander their chances. From the recap:
Then, in the sixth inning, we get the bases loaded, and Colabello gets to a full count. I was sure he was going to get a hit or a walk. Instead, he hit the ball hard, but right at the first baseman, for a 3-2-3 double play. He couldn’t have hit the ball harder. The BABIP Gods stepped in, and he crushed it into a double play—lots of swearing from me.
Thankfully, Tulo took a full-count pitch over the left-field wall, making it 5-0, and we could relax a bit.
On the mound, Marco Estrada delivered another excellent playoff start: 6.1 innings, five hits allowed (four singles and a double), one earned run, no walks, and four strikeouts.
The bullpen combined for 2.2 scoreless innings, with Aaron Loup, Mark Lowe, Aaron Sanchez, and Roberto Osuna not allowing a single baserunner.
The Jays went on to win the next two games and advance to the ALCS.
From the recap:
Jays of the Day: Estrada (.269 WPA), Tulo (.235), and Pillar (.116, plus a couple of nice catches).
The top two teams in the National League will face off in the NLCS: The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers battle in a best-of-seven series to determine which team will advance to the World Series.
The Dodgers are searching for their third straight title, and fourth since 2020. Los Angeles made an in-season blockbuster trade to bring in pitcher Tarik Subal to help increase its chances. The Dodgers also have a potent offensive core of Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernandez, but Milwaukee is on a mission.The Brewers won 103 games this season and their core has been dynamite in 2026, quite comparable to the Dodgers'. Jackson Chourio is a young star who has posted a .287 average with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs. Jake Bauers led the team with 23 home runs and 76 RBIs. The power hitter posted a .270 batting average. Not to mention, they still have 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich, a vet who can still torch a team. The NLCS begins with Game 1 on Sunday, Oct. 11 (8 p.m. ET). Here's what USA TODAY's experts and others predict will happen in the series:
USA TODAY Sports predictions
Here are the USA TODAY Sports staff's NLCS predictions:
Bob Nightengale: Brewers in 7
This is the year of the Brew Crew. They didn’t win 103 games by accident. They are armed and dangerous.
Andres Soto: Dodgers in 6
Despite getting rid of key contributors from last year's squad like Freddy Peralta and Caleb Durbin, the Brewers got even better. Jackson Chourio and Jacob Misiorowski took big leaps forward. Jake Bauers had the best season of his career at 31 years old. Logan Henderson is a solid No. 2 starter. Trevor McGill and Abner Uribe are dominant in the back end of the bullpen.
This will not be a sweep again; Milwaukee has a strong case to upset the Dodgers, even. But LA has the experience, the poise, and the depth in both the rotation and lineup to win its third straight NL pennant.
James Williams: Dodgers in 6
The Dodgers have a strong pitching rotation working in their favor, with Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto leading the way for the first two games of the series.
The Dodgers have won the last two World Series and have postseason experience as an advantage, but the Brewers are better than they were a year ago and will continue to be a threat to L.A.
Marcus D. Smith: Dodgers in 7
The Dodgers somehow manage to deliver magic when you think their backs are against the wall − and they will be against the Brewers. The Dodgers have too many game-changers on offense and defense to count them out. It'll go the distance, but LA is on a quest to three-peat.
What are other experts saying?
Here's what other experts are saying about the NLCS rematch between the Dodgers and Brewers:
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Ben Strauss (ESPN): Inside a Wrigleyville rooftop owner’s fight with the Cubs. “”I was worried it would affect ticket sales,” Dunican said in his Irish brogue, while he pointed at the screen. He later added: “People are still coming.” But Dunican now has more pressing concerns than the screens.“
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
After college, Parker joined the United States Marine Corps and after three years of service rose the rank of sergeant. Once her military service between 1977 and 1980 ended, Parker set up a staffing company, initially based in Chicago, aimed at electrical engineering professions. After moving the business to Silicon Valley she acquired clients which included Apple Inc., Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems and Yahoo!. Encouraged by her then neighbor MC Hammer, Parker started a singing career in 1992 performing regularly at Emi’s Bar & Grille in Santa Cruz, California. By 1995 she released her debut album, Get Out of My Way, on her own independent record label, Mo Muscle Records. Her track “Windy City Burner” was played on the radio and it helped promote her initial touring around the US, Canada and parts of Europe. Her follow-up album, Sista Monica was released in 1997.
Gimme That Old Time Religion (2001) was her first gospel release, which was followed by Live in Europe the same year.[1] The latter was recorded in Peer, Belgium. It was her performances in the late 1990s in Europe that gained her the nickname, “the Blues Lioness.” In 2002 she performed at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, but late that year was diagnosed as suffering from the rare ailment of synovial sarcoma. She was initially given three months to live. Bouts of chemotherapy, radiation and therapy ensued before she returned to the recording studio and issued Love, Soul & Spirit, Vol. 1 in 2004.
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
Chicago White Sox players Brenton Doyle, Munetaka Murakami, Sam Antonacci and Miguel Vargas talk on the field during a workout at Rate Field on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
We have reached the final four. Major League Baseball’s Championship Series officially start today with two best-of-seven series to determine the American League and National League representatives for this year’s Fall Classic.
On the National League side, much as everyone expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers are pushing for their sixth World Series appearance in the last decade as they try to three-peat. The Dodgers sat down the Atlanta Braves to make it this far. However, the powerhouse Dodgers are shockingly not the top seed in this matchup. That honor belongs to the Milwaukee Brewers, who finished with the best record in baseball for the 2026 regular season.
The Brew Crew knocked out the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and are trying to appear in their first World Series since 1982—where they lost in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals—despite making the playoffs in eight of their last nine seasons. They’ve only made it to the Championship Series twice in that stretch.
Meanwhile, the Cinderella run of the Chicago White Sox has at last struck midnight. Despite a miraculous turnaround from two seasons ago—in which they were the worst team in baseball history—the Cleveland Guardians have snuffed out their flame with a surging comeback after originally being down 0-2 in the series.
The Guardians and their dominant pitching staff—which set the record for team strikeouts in a nine-inning game—will now face the Tampa Bay Rays as they look to make it to the World Series for just the fourth time since 1948. Those same Rays, looking to raise a banner in the waning years of Tropicana Field before moving into a new ballpark, kicked the Yankees to the curb in order to reach their third Championship Series in franchise history. The Rays have gone on to lose in the World Series the two previous times they have participated in the ALCS.
The Colorado Rockies watch from the sidelines as they break down their fourth consecutive 100-loss season, perhaps examining the (non-Dodgers) playoff participants for blueprints to work with in their own rebuild.
With that being said, here’s what our staff here at Purple Row had to say this week:
Four teams now need eight wins to reach the pinnacle of baseball. What have you enjoyed most about the playoffs so far? What has you feeling disappointed? What are your predictions for the Championship Series? When do you think the Rockies might find themselves in the NLCS? Let us know in the comments!
The California Post’s experts make their predictions on the Dodgers-Brewers NLCS matchup, scheduled to begin Sunday:
DODGERS-BREWERS
Rich Barak
Even if the Dodgers and Brewers played a million times, it still would come down to pitching in the final game.
Dodgers in 7
Kendall Capps
Some players just know how to perform in the biggest moments. The Dodgers have far more of them than any other team in baseball, and that will carry them to the World Series.
Dodgers in 6
Jack Harris
We’ve seen this movie before. The Dodgers’ pitching is too good. The Brewers’ offense, while a nuisance, lacks enough star-power bats. Maybe Jacob Misiorowski, or Milwaukee’s admittedly dominant bullpen, can steal a game this time. But over a best-of-seven series, the Dodgers boast too much talent.
Dodgers in 5
Dylan Hernandez
The Brewers were built for the regular season, and Dodgers will win the big moments.
Dodgers in 6
Edward Lewis
Los Angeles proved against the Braves that its starting pitching staff is just too good to lose this series to the Brewers, and with Edwin Diaz showing he’s capable of closing out games again, the NLCS shouldn’t go past five.
Dodgers in 5
Christian Orozco
Dodgers rotation continues to dominate opposing lineups. Milwaukee will make it a series, but LA can taste its historic moment.
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 04: A general view of American Family Field during Game Two of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
The 2026 MLB Playoffs continue today as the National League Championship Series begins between the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers.
As of the time this is being written, neither team has announced a starting pitcher for tonight’s game. Good old element of surprise. The game will begin at 5:00 p.m. PT, broadcasting on Fox/Fox One, with national radio coverage available on ESPN Radio.
I don’t think I really need to ask who you’re rooting for, but that’s kind of the format I’m going with this year so let’s get into a couple of reasons why everyone should be rooting for the Brewers, not just Giants fans.
First of all, no team has had back-to-back-to-back World Series championships since the New York Yankees did it in 1998-2000. And I really don’t want the Dodgers to be the team to do so. Because you just know the annoying Dodgers fans in your life will use that as ammo to belittle the three championships in five years that the Giants won.
But more importantly, the Milwaukee Brewers have never won a World Series. And the Dodgers just won two in a row. Gross. Wouldn’t it be cool to see a World Series between the Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays? You could root for both teams and be happy either way because neither franchise has ever won one. And it wouldn’t have any Dodger stink on it at all!
So I guess I’ll ask you anyway, and there’s only one acceptable answer:
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 02: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 02, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game three of the preseason pits the Milwaukee Bucks against the Charlotte Hornets tonight. After falling to the Wolves, the Bucks erased a 24-point deficit against the Thunder to win 128-126. Myles Turner (19 points), Kel’el Ware (18 points, 12 rebounds), and Brayden Burries (16 points) led the way with some big outings. They face an injury-stricken Charlotte sid—still trying to figure out its rotation and evaluate its younger guys—with the opportunity to go above .500.
The Task Ahead
The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2026-27 season without arguably their most recognizable player since Alonzo Mourning (yes, I said it!): LaMelo Ball. Charlotte shipped the star point guard, along with Josh Green, to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid and a plethora of draft assets. Charlotte also sent Miles Bridges to Phoenix for Grayson Allen and more draft assets. The Hornets front office ostensibly wants to build around the younger core of Kon Kneuppel and Brandon Miller, both of whom posted red-hot shooting splits and produced offensively for Charlotte, especially towards the tail end of the season; that said, they did benefit greatly from Ball’s playmaking. The Hornets will hand over floor-general duties to Coby White, who impressed during his half-season in the Queen City.
The Hornets are in an odd spot: they look better than openly tanking franchises on paper, but they still lack the pieces to make a true postseason run like they did last year. Writers tend to rank the Charlotte Hornets around 11th in the Eastern Conference, but they could easily be a postseason dark horse or, come April, simulate Tankathon lottery results. Charlotte has played just one preseason game so far: a 124-90 blowout loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Second-year wing Liam McNeeley led all Hornets with 14 points, followed by Allen and Reid (13 points each).
Injury Report
The only player listed on the Bucks injury report is rookie Nate Ament, out with an ankle sprain. Ament landed awkwardly after being fouled against the Thunder and played no further part in the game. Jenkins says Ament’s return is unclear, but he’ll target the season opener.
Several Hornets likely won’t suit up for tonight’s preseason duel. Kon Kneuppel (hamstring), Kylan Boswell (knee), Grant Williams (hamstring) and Coby White (calf) will miss the entire preseason, while Brandon Miller (leg) and Christian Anderson Jr. (ankle) are day-to-day.
Player to Watch
This game could be interesting as the Bucks and Tyler Herro continue to find their fit. Herro has had a relatively quiet start to this preseason, posting 11 points on nine shots against Minnesota and 13 on as many attempts against the Thunder. Herro is the Bucks’ primary scorer and a three-level weapon who can create his own shot, but he’s shooting much worse than you’d hope for from your No. 1 option. It’s just the preseason, but Herro needs to prove he can be a reliable first-choice scorer instead of a streaky shooter—he can do that tonight.
A big shooting night for Ryan Rollins. He’s looked hot in his two preseason appearances and, although he seems to be prioritising playmaking, he could turn “selfish” against the Hornets. I predict Rollins scores over 20 points for the first time this preseason tonight.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 24: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second half at Rocket Arena on March 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will have their final home preseason game on Sunday evening. This is their second of three exhibition contests.
The Cavs did some things well in their first outing this past Thursday. Peyton Watson looked solid in his first outing with his new team, Jaylon Tyson picked up where he left off last season, and Meleek Thomas had a solid debut. Those are all positive signs heading into the season.
There were, however, things that the Cavs hope will change by the start of the season. Mainly, the defense and rebounding left much to be desired. Cleveland struggled to provide resistance at the point of attack. And when they did force missed shots, they weren’t there to clean up on the glass. That will need to change if they want to be a top-five defense.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during a preseason game on October 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I don’t know how you define progression or what you ultimately expect from the preseason. Progression is subjective, with too many intricacies and variables to truly define it. But whatever we witnessed on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs in downtown Phoenix was what I would consider progress.
We witnessed improved ball security. Granted, the Suns still committed 16 turnovers, but that’s a far cry from the 29 they averaged through their first two preseason games. We witnessed consistent effort, but more importantly, we witnessed improved execution throughout the roster. And that’s going to be the key for the Phoenix Suns this season.
I have no doubt the effort will be present night in and night out. That’s not going to be an issue for this team. Execution is ultimately where success and failure will meet, and Saturday night provided encouraging signs that the Suns are beginning to figure some things out.
Jalen Green looked much cleaner running the point. His eyes were up, he was reading the floor, and he was delivering passes with both his left and right hands off the dribble. Khaman Maluach, who earned the start against Victor Wembanyama, appeared more comfortable and aware of his positioning, particularly when pursuing rebounds. Luke Kennard once again demonstrated that he’s much more than a spot-up three-point shooter, showcasing his ability to handle the basketball and participate in multiple offensive actions.
There are still opportunities for improvement, because of course there are. No game is ever perfect, especially at this stage of the season. But the Suns are utilizing the preseason the way they should. They’re experimenting, mixing and matching rotations, giving players extended opportunities to build confidence and comfort within their roles, and gradually developing the execution necessary to complement their effort.
All while preparing for the long trek that lies ahead.
Bright Side Baller Standings
There was no “mailing it in because it’s the preseason” for the Villain on Wednesday in Chicago. 24 points for Dillon on an efficient 77.8% shooting from the field.
Bright Side Baller Nominees
Preseason Game 3 against the Spurs. Here are your nominees:
It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these! Some things have changed here at Canis Hoopus, but the now long-standing tradition of polling our community has not. Does it take me hours to collect responses, write up summaries, and chop up charts to show you the results? Yes. Do a lot of people read, let alone click on the results piece? No.
But it’s a labor of love.
At some point in the future, I’ll have to start going through some old results and pulling receipts on people.
“Hey, you! Yeah, comments section poster! I saw you once voted Jaylen Nowell as your prediction for NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2022!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. You think Kuminga needs to come off the bench? That’s rich coming from someone who thought D’Angelo Russell would be the best locker room voice in 2021.”
Regardless, this is still important data collection that must be done. What’s a place to talk about sports if it didn’t continue to track and log snapshots of our groupthink throughout the years? Based on the amount of websites you click “Accept cookies” on, or random mobile applications you’ve mindlessly allowed access to your data (SB Nation app not included, as it’s clearly a very ethical app that you should all have), I assume you love sharing your data!
Alright, that went a little off the rails. Let’s refocus on the ensuing Timberwolves season that is just about upon us. There have been a ton of changes both on and off the court so it’s important we run Canis Pulsus back for this.
Let’s hear it.
Welcome to Canis Pulsus Vol. 51!
For those of you who have been ignoring this series since the 2021 season — Canis Pulsus is designed to give our Canis Hoopus community a published voice.
A pulse, if you will.
We all know that if CH occupied all seats of the Minnesota Timberwolves front office, we would be celebrating our 37th consecutive championship this year. But for now, it’s time for us to exercise our right vote. Are the Wolves finally going to hit the over on total wins? Will LaMelo Ball be the MVP of the team?
It’s a simple concept, really. Just submit your vote as honestly or sarcastically as you would like. All individual submissions will remain anonymous so no one will know if you were the one voter who wrote in Rob Dillingham has league MVP. Once the polls close, the results as a whole will be published on Canis Hoopus and (in theory) be sent to ESPN’s front page to publish as not misinformation.
Canis Pulsus Vol. 51 – Season Predictions (‘26-’27)
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the jumbotron with the 2025 NLCS logo on display during batting practice prior to Game One of the National League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Monday, October 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers begin the National League Championship Series with Game 1 on Sunday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee, with a high-octane pitching battle.
Tarik Skubal, the American League Cy Young Award winner in 2024 and 2025, makes his second consecutive Game 1 start for the Dodgers, after striking out seven in six innings on October 3 against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium, including 15 straight batters retired at one point.
The left-hander started twice against the Brewers this season, both six-inning starts at home — he allowed four runs in a no-decision in Detroit on April 23, then gave up two runs (one earned) at Dodger Stadium in a loss on August 16.
Jacob Misiorowski, the heavy favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award this season, makes his second start this season. He struck out six on October 3 against the San Diego Padres but was pulled after only four innings and two runs in, 88 pitches in.
In three career games against the Dodgers, including last year’s NLCS, Misiorowski has a 1.59 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 17 innings.
Don't expect another NLCS sweep this year. Yes, the No. 1 seed Milwaukee Brewers are once again taking on the No. 2 seed Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-seven series. Yes, the Brewers have home field advantage again. Yes, they had the best record in baseball for the second year in a row.
But this is a different Brewers team. Somehow, they got better after parting ways with Freddy Peralta and Caleb Durbin this offseason.
It starts with the pitching staff. Jacob Misiorowski took a leap in his second year with an outstanding 0.80 WHIP and is a virtual lock for the NL Cy Young Award. The 24-year-old flamethrower has grown into a full-fledged ace, and he won't be relegated to a bullpen role like in 2025 -- he's starting Game 1 as the MLB leader in strikeouts and ERA. Logan Henderson also emerged as a solid No. 2 guy in the rotation with a 2.47 ERA in 18 starts this season. His 5.1% walk rate is among the best in the big leagues; that's going to be crucial against a Dodgers lineup that slugged their way to victory in the NLDS but struggled to string together hits and walks.
Then there's one of the deepest bullpens in baseball, led by Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe on the back end. Combine that with the Dodgers just as formidable pitching, and it's clear that runs will be at a premium this series. That's an area the Brewers are all too comfortable with.
These have been two of the best offenses in the big leagues this season; they're both elite when it comes to getting on base. But from there, their successes have come in completely opposite ways. Dodgers had the second-most home runs; the Brewers had the second fewest. That's not to say they don't have pop; Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers are true long ball threats. But where Milwaukee excels is at putting the ball in play, stealing bases and getting guys over.
This should be a much closer series than it was last October, but one thing this matchup isn't is David vs. Goliath, despite what some talking heads might try to have you believe.
"They have the best record in baseball," Dodgers manager Roberts told reporters on Friday. "They have that for a reason, and they’ve got home-field advantage. So we got to play our best baseball. I mean, they’re certainly not afraid of us. They’ve got the guy who’s going to win the Cy Young in the National League, starting Game 1.
After the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the NLDS, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked by reporters when he'd rather face the Milwaukee Brewers or San Diego Padres in the NLCS.
"I just want chaos," he said, drenched in beer as the clubhouse celebration ensued.
Two hours later, Friedman would have his answer. The Brewers punched their ticket, securing a rematch of the previous year's championship series. Don't expect a Dodgers sweep this time, though.
Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy loves to break out the "David vs. Goliath" narrative whenever his team plays the Dodgers and their exorbitant payroll. He'll wax poetic about how nobody can name their lineup compared to the star-studded roster in the other dugout. How they're "little woodpeckers" that just keep pecking away at the money tree that stands between them and their first pennant since 1982.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn't buying it.
"They have the best record in baseball," Roberts told reporters on Friday. "They have that for a reason, and they’ve got home-field advantage. So we got to play our best baseball. I mean, they’re certainly not afraid of us. They’ve got the guy who’s going to win the Cy Young in the National League, starting Game 1.
"We got our work cut out."
That they do. This year's Brewers are not the team that the Dodgers swept in 2025. They somehow got better after parting ways with Freddy Peralta and Caleb Durbin. Jacob Misiorowski and Jackson Chourio both took a leap this season, and Chourio's much healthier than when he was hampered by a hamstring injury last October. Logan Henderson is a bonafide No. 2 starter behind the Miz, and the back end of their bullpen has two anchors in Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe.
Here are three key factors that will decide the NLCS:
The Dodgers need to manufacture runs
The Dodgers offense has been streaky all season, but they haven't lacked for slugging. That carried over into the postseason, where they've led all teams with eight home runs in October. On the other hand, they were mostly unable to string hits and walks together against a depleted Braves pitching staff. It wasn't until the second inning of Game 4 on Mauricio Dubón's dropped pop up from Max Muncy allowed Shohei Ohtani to score that the Dodgers got their first run on a non-homer. Even then, they were still 0-for-15 with runners in scoring position until Andy Pages poked a two-out single up the middle to bring in the go-ahead runs in the seventh.
The Dodgers offense doesn't necessarily have to turn into the Brewers, who led the big leagues in team batting average and were fourth in stolen bases this season. But they're up against a pitching staff that does not give up the long ball. Misiorowski, MLB's strikeout leader in 2026, was third in expected slugging percentage (.255). Henderson, Megill and Uribe were all also in the top 20 in xSLG.
LA can get guys on base, but they have to bring them home.
Dodgers rotation depth
As formidable as the Miz and Henderson are, the Dodgers have two pitchers who are just as lethal with Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to start Games 1 and 2. Where they should have the edge, though, is the two games after that. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow round out the Dodgers rotation of four aces, but neither pitched particularly well in the NLDS.
Snell threw 90 pitches in just 3.2 innings against the Braves in Game 2, forcing the Dodgers into an impromptu bullpen game. He was able to limit damage while he was on the mound, giving up just one earned run, but Snell walked five batters. Glasnow threw 4.2 innings in Game 4 and also allowed a run with five walks. That can't happen against a Brewers lineup that was third in wOBA (weighted on-base average) this season.
Shohei Ohtani's health
Maybe the signature moment of Ohtani's career came against the Brewers one year ago, when he pitched six scoreless innings and mashed three home runs -- the last of which cleared the awning in the pavilion seats and left the ballpark entirely -- in a decisive Game 4 of the NLCS. What a difference a year makes.
Ohtani started the year with what looked like it could have been a Cy Young campaign. But lingering injuries to his right bicep and left knee shut him down from the mound in July and ultimately led to him to focus on just hitting for the remainder of this season. The Dodgers hoped an IL stint in September could reset some bad habits Ohtani developed while trying to play through pain, but the reigning back-to-back NL MVP still struggled at the plate down the stretch with an abysmal .566 OPS to close out the final month of the season.
He has yet to turn a corner in October and was dropped from leadoff to fifth in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS and hit from the cleanup spot in Game 4, though he still found a way to make an impact by drawing a walk in the second inning and immediately stealing second and advancing to third on a Braves throwing error. He then scored on a fielding error to tie the game early.
Ohtani is still Ohtani, though. He's clearly not 100%, but Dodgers brass still believes he'll have a breakthrough at some point this October.
"He’s the best player in the world," Friedman told reporters. "And at some point, it’s going to click for him, and the other team’s going to be in big trouble when that happens."
DENVER — William Nylander authored a five-point masterpiece and Sergei Bobrovsky secured his first win as a Maple Leaf as the Toronto Maple Leafs weathered a second-period storm at Ball Arena and beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 on Saturday night.
Nylander finished with two goals and three assists, tying a career high in points. Auston Matthews added two goals and two assists. Nick Blankenburg scored on his first shift of the season in his first appearance as a Leaf, Easton Cowan scored, and Bobrovsky stopped 30 of 33 shots. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice for Colorado, which lost its first home game of the season.
The Leafs improved to 3-2-1 and collected three of a possible four points on a tough back-to-back western swing against the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado. They now head into a day off with a statement road victory against a Stanley Cup contender, even as concern lingers over the status of defenseman Chris Tanev, who left the game in the first period and did not return.
“I liked the first (period), and I like the third,” head coach Jim Hiller said. “They had a couple of rush chances in the first, second period got a little crazy, but what a response in the third period. And even after Vegas, we were able to get it done tonight.”
Nylander’s Masterclass Starts Away From the Puck
Nylander’s night was defined by more than just the points. Hiller pointed specifically to the work that set up the opening goal, when Blankenburg scored 3:03 into the game on a feed from Nylander and Nick Paul.
“Well, he was skating. I think must have been the first goal. So he makes the nice pass to Blankenburg. Back it up ten seconds. He's in on the forecheck. He wins a puck battle. That sets the whole thing up, and then he's allowed to get the opportunity to make the next play because he made the first one. Skating on the forecheck, winning a battle,” Hiller said.
Nylander later scored a power-play goal at 6:53 of the second on a setup from Gavin McKenna and Matthews, then tied the game at 16:47 of the second. His three assists tied a career high in a game. Matthews, who scored the eventual game-winner on the power play in the third and added an empty-netter, was effusive.
Power play goal for Toronto!
Scored by William Nylander with 13:07 left in the 2nd. Assisted by Gavin McKenna and Auston Matthews.
“Yeah, he was great. I mean, I thought he was just skating all over the puck, making plays. You know, beautiful pass on that power play to me, and he was just all over it tonight. One of those games where it just seemed like he had the puck on his stick a lot, and he was making things happen,” Matthews said.
Nylander himself kept it simple:
“I don't know. I was just going out there playing, you know. I got some really nice passes. Able to score those two goals. I think the power play was great.”
Bobrovsky Earns His First Win Under Heavy Fire
Bobrovsky faced 33 shots, including 13 in the second period when the game turned chaotic. Colorado outshot Toronto 33-23 overall and held a territorial edge for long stretches, particularly at even strength in the middle frame. Yet Bobrovsky, who had been left without a win despite strong showings earlier in the trip, delivered the performance the Leafs needed.
“Those last two games, a lot of work for him, and I guess that's just classic Bob, right? That's why he's here. He just has a way to settle everybody down. Such a calm demeanor, and he made some great saves,” Hiller said.
Matthews noted the team’s early-season struggles in front of the netminder:
“We haven't been good enough in front of him in his first couple of starts, and he's had to come up big and hasn't gotten rewarded for it. So, I mean, I would have loved to see him get a win earlier, but obviously coming into this building against this opponent, he was huge for us tonight.”
Career win No. 457 for Sergei Bobrovsky and his first as a Toronto Maple Leaf 🫂 pic.twitter.com/s010b3VtZa
“I like it. I like the workload. I do like it. It's been great,” Bobrovsky said. “I had a good amount of work in Vegas, and I really feel good. Playing is fun in the NHL. You live in a dream. So every day is a paradise to be in this league.”
Tanev Injury Casts a Shadow
Chris Tanev left the game and did not return. Hiller had no immediate update.
“We had lots going on here, so I haven't talked to really anybody about him. And we'll probably know more tomorrow or the next day. Tomorrow's a day off (Sunday), so maybe a couple days,” the coach said.
Tanev was seen around the locker room after the game talking to teammates but there was very little to extrapolate from that.
Blankenburg, who played more than expected in his season debut, described Tanev as “kind of the anchor of the back end for those first couple games, just shut down defensively, him and (McCabe).”
Given Tanev’s injury history, the uncertainty will dominate the immediate aftermath in Toronto. Hiller praised the remaining defensemen for bending but not breaking:
“I thought that D corps battled. It was tough in D zone at times, but those guys did a really good job, just bending but not breaking.”
Blankenburg’s Instant Impact
Blankenburg, returning against his former club, scored 3:03 into the game on his first shift of the season. Nylander set him up after winning a puck battle on the forecheck.
“I think obviously the first time you get into a game in the year, you're a little bit nervous, but I think it's a good kind of nervous, like excited. So to get one there in the first shift definitely felt nice,” Blankenburg said. “I kind of took a weight off my shoulders and just kind of go all time and play.”
He acknowledged the wait had been familiar:
“I've done this so many times before in my career. I feel like every year in my four-year career so far, it's been like out of the lineup, wait. ... I just kept telling myself leading up to this, like, I've been in this situation before, and every time I've been able to handle it.”
Power play goal for Toronto!
Scored by Nick Blankenburg with 16:57 left in the 1st. Assisted by William Nylander and Nick Paul.
“Blank’s the man,” Matthews said, praising the first-year Leaf’s vibe in the room, as well as his personality and work ethic.
“He roofed that thing. That was how many seconds into his first shift? Was it his first shift? That's awesome,” Nylander said with a big grin.
McKenna’s Seamless Addition to the Top Power Play
With John Tavares not available after becoming a father for the fourth time, 18-year-old Gavin McKenna earned time on the top power-play unit and delivered the setup on Nylander’s power-play goal. Both Matthews and Nylander highlighted his vision.
“Yeah, it's pretty seamless. I mean, he's elite, super skilled and smart, and made a beautiful play there on the first power play goal to Willy,” Matthews said. “He just has such a good IQ and can see the play kind of developing before it happens.”
Nylander called the pass “unbelievable.”
The GREAT pass by McKenna and then the SILKY mitts in close by Willy, WHATTA GOAL 🔥🚨 pic.twitter.com/GnFlfFcJaM
Hiller noted McKenna’s progression against elite competition on consecutive nights:
“Just seems to be every game he's taking steps. Just play Vegas and Colorado, and you're a young guy at 18 years old to play those two games back to back. It's pretty impressive. And he's dynamic.”
Toward the end of the game, McKenna had been promoted to the top line for some shifts.
“He's playing good. You know what I mean? We're not just giving that to him. He's earned that.”
Containing MacKinnon and the Checking Line’s Role
MacKinnon scored twice in the first period and finished with eight shots. Matthews described the challenge directly:
“He's one of the best in the world. It's always a really tough, tough challenge. I mean, he's a really hard guy to contain. He's explosive. He possesses so much power when he skates and when he moves. And when he's on the ice, you've got to have a bit of a group effort to kind of contain him because he's too good one-on-one.”
“Well, in the third period, we really tried to get (Colton) Sissons, (Teddy) Blueger and (Brandon) Duhaime against them. So, if you check that, I think we got, outside of the power plays and stuff, we really were able to five-on-five match them up and get our matchup. And I thought those three in particular did a great job in the third period,” Hiller said.
Blankenburg credited Bobrovsky first when asked about limiting MacKinnon:
“I mean, I'd say first thought would just be Bob (Bobrovsky). Bob's been great for us all year. I think, yeah, just obviously he's such a special player just trying to limit his time and space.”
A Measuring-Stick Result
The three points from the Vegas-Colorado swing give Hiller’s group early validation against two Western Conference heavyweights. The Leafs alternated wins and losses to open the season and now sit with a road win in Denver that required goaltending, special teams, and a composed final period after the second-period mess.
“I thought we did a good job weathering the storm,” Matthews said. “Sometimes you've just got to weather the storm, bend, don't break. Just grind out a win, and I thought we did that tonight.”
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