The Dodgers are officially back in action this Sunday, kicking off their 2026 National League Championship Series run against the Milwaukee Brewers, and get ready, because Game 1 is dropping one of the wildest pitching matchups we’ve seen. Tarik Skubal, who absolutely shredded the Atlanta Braves in NLDS Game 1 by allowing just one run and fanning seven across six innings, is getting the ball again to kick off the NLCS. His opponent? None other than the soon-to-be NL Cy Young winner, Jacob Misiorowski.
Unprecedented Showdown on the Mound
Seriously, this isn’t just another game. Mike Petriello of MLB.com is already calling out how rare a Skubal vs. Misiorowski matchup is, even stacked against historic postseason showdowns. We’re talking about two 100-win teams duking it out in the NLCS, a rematch of last year’s series, and the third time these two clubs have met in the postseason since 2018. It’s a clash that you just don’t see, really ever, and we’re apparently lucky enough to potentially get it twice this week. For a team chasing its third consecutive championship, this kind of unprecedented test right out of the gate is going to be a true measure of where they’re at.
Ohtani’s Bat Goes Quiet As Dodgers Eye History
While the pitching gets everyone buzzing, there’s a big question mark hovering over Shohei Ohtani. He’s been struggling at the plate, and facing Misiorowski will be another rigorous test. But don’t count him out. Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ skipper, is still fully bought into Ohtani’s talent. “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 on Friday, and you gotta love that confidence. Ohtani’s been grinding, too, reportedly getting in extra batting practice while the team prepped at American Family Field. Roberts thinks getting a couple of days away from the game environment to work on his swing and rest up will be a huge benefit. “I’m just never going to count Shohei out,” he added, and honestly, who would?
Max Muncy’s Ghostly Playoff Digs
Now for something a little out of left field, and maybe a sign of just how locked in this team is. Max Muncy, apparently, is not afraid of ghosts. While everyone else might be worried about a “haunted” hotel, Muncy has reportedly embraced staying at the notorious Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, according to 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,” Muncy quipped. You gotta respect that kind of playoff swagger. With Game 1 dropping Sunday, every player, every pitch, and maybe even every hotel choice is under the microscope as the Dodgers kick off their quest for a third straight title.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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