The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday at American Family Field, capitalizing on a Dodgers offense that stranded nine runners and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Milwaukee’s pitching and clutch hitting secure first win
The Brewers’ victory came despite Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal striking out seven in five innings, allowing two runs. Milwaukee’s offense scratched out runs against Skubal in the fourth and fifth innings, including a solo home run by Brice Turang and an RBI single by Luis Lara. Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, though he exited after 4⅓ innings, set the tone by forcing the Dodgers into three double plays in the first five innings.
Dodgers’ offensive struggles dominate headlines
Los Angeles’ offense managed just one run, driven in by Andy Pages in the second inning via an RBI single. Shohei Ohtani, who walked in the second inning, was the only Dodgers player to reach base in the game, finishing with a walk and no hits. The Dodgers left nine runners on base, including six in scoring positions, marking a sharp contrast to their home run-heavy approach in the Division Series against Atlanta.
Will Smith’s postseason slump continues
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who has struggled offensively in the playoffs, went 0-for-4 with four walks in the game. His .053 batting average in the postseason ranks among the lowest for players with at least nine at-bats. Despite his offensive struggles, Smith remains the Dodgers’ primary catcher due to his defensive value in managing the pitching staff. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ruled out replacing Smith, citing Hunter Feduccia’s limited playoff experience and Dalton Rushing’s absence from the roster with an injury.
Brewers’ pitching staff turns the tide
Misiorowski’s performance, though short, provided a spark for Milwaukee’s bullpen. The Brewers’ bullpen held the Dodgers scoreless over the final 4⅔ innings, with closer Devin Williams earning the save. Milwaukee’s pitching staff limited Los Angeles to six hits and one earned run over nine innings.
Dodgers’ resilience tested early
The loss marks the first time the Dodgers have dropped a postseason game at home this year. Despite the setback, Roberts expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, noting their history of overcoming adversity in October. The Dodgers and Brewers will resume the best-of-seven series on Monday at American Family Field.