Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers — A rematch with a World Series berth on the line
The National League Championship Series opens Sunday, October 11, with the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-seven showdown.
The matchup is a rematch of last year’s NLCS, when Los Angeles swept Milwaukee before going on to win the World Series.
This time, Milwaukee enters with renewed confidence after winning a franchise-record 103 regular-season games and defeating the San Diego Padres in four games in the NL Division Series.
The Dodgers advanced by eliminating the Atlanta Braves in four games, setting up another battle between two of the National League’s strongest teams.
The stakes are enormous: Los Angeles is pursuing a third consecutive World Series championship, while Milwaukee is looking to turn last year’s disappointment into its first trip to the World Series since 1982.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Defending champions
Los Angeles enters the series with championship experience and a lineup capable of changing a game with one swing. Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Enrique Hernández supplied key home runs against Atlanta, while the Dodgers’ pitching staff helped close out the series in four games.
Keys to success: Get Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Will Smith producing consistently, continue receiving quality starts and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Milwaukee Brewers
103 regular-season wins
Milwaukee arrives after defeating San Diego 3–1 in the NLDS.
Jackson Chourio has continued to make an impact in October, while the Brewers’ pitching staff limited the Padres’ offence and helped secure the series.
Milwaukee also demonstrated its resilience by winning close games and overcoming late deficits.
Keys to success: Keep the Dodgers’ powerful hitters in check, make consistent contact and use speed and baserunning to manufacture runs
Three keys to the series
1. The pitching matchup
Both clubs have demonstrated strong run prevention. Starting pitchers who work deep into games will protect the bullpens and limit opportunities for the opposing lineup to build momentum.
2. Power against contact
Los Angeles can generate offence with the home run, while Milwaukee’s balanced approach and ability to manufacture runs offer a different challenge. The Brewers will need enough extra-base production to avoid falling behind in a low-scoring series.
3. The Dodgers’ star hitters
Ohtani, Betts and Smith are crucial to Los Angeles’ championship hopes. Their production will be particularly important against a Milwaukee pitching staff that can make every at-bat difficult. Freeman and Muncy could again provide the power that changes the series.
2026 NLCS schedule
Games 5–7 are if necessary
1 Oct. 11 Dodgers at Brewers 8 p.m.
2 Oct. 12 Dodgers at Brewers 5 p.m.
3 Oct. 14 Brewers at Dodgers 8 p.m.
4 Oct. 15 Brewers at Dodgers 9 p.m.
5* Oct. 16 Brewers at Dodgers 9 p.m.
6* Oct. 18 Dodgers at Brewers 8 p.m.
7* Oct. 19 Dodgers at Brewers 8 p.m.
The Dodgers, however, possess the postseason experience and power to take control of a series quickly.
Their success could depend on whether their biggest stars find consistent production against Milwaukee’s pitching.
Prediction: Dodgers win the series 4–3.
Los Angeles gets the edge because of its championship experience and ability to produce decisive home runs in high-pressure situations.
Milwaukee’s depth and home-field advantage could push the series to seven games, making this one of the most compelling matchups of the 2026 postseason.
The Dodgers are chasing another championship. The Brewers are chasing a chance to rewrite their postseason history. Only one will advance to the World Series
