For the fourth time in nine seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are squaring off in the National League playoffs, with the top-seeded Brewers (103-59) coming off an NLDS win against the San Diego Padres and the second-seeded Dodgers (100-62) taking down the Atlanta Braves. This isn’t just another series, though. The Dodgers have had Milwaukee’s number in every single postseason meeting, including a brutal four-game sweep in last year’s NLCS. So, how in the world do the Brewers flip the script this time around?
The Brewers’ Batting Paradox: Low Bombs, High Everything Else
FOX Sports MLB Analyst Eric Karros laid it out on “The Herd” this past Thursday: for the Brewers’ offense, it’s all about “controlling the strike zone.” We’re talking no chasing bad pitches, taking walks, and just grinding down that Dodgers’ pitching staff. That’s their M.O., and honestly, it’s gotta be. Because while Milwaukee’s offense in the 2026 regular season was legitimately ridiculous , first in hits (1,422), first in on-base percentage (.341), tied for first in batting average (.258), and second in runs (832) , there’s one stat that just screams at you: they were tied for 28th in home runs with a measly 154. Think about that for a second! Tied for 28th! Yet they were still crushing it in almost every other offensive category.
It’s a wild approach, especially considering they only managed 13 runs across their four NLDS games against the Padres, and a pathetic four runs in last year’s sweep by these very Dodgers. But don’t sleep on their guys. Second baseman Brice Turang has been an absolute wizard, putting up 23 defensive runs saved and leading the team with 100 RBIs. His 7.3 WAR was third among all MLB position players! Primary first baseman Jake Bauers cranked a team-high 26 dingers and drove in 86 runs, slugging .484. Then you’ve got Jackson Chourio in left field, with 25 homers, 75 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases, plus a .291/.351/.487 slash line over 127 games. This dude even hit a walk-off, two-run single with two outs in a 2-2 count in Game 2 of the NLDS! And catcher William Contreras led all MLB catchers with 94 RBIs while hitting two homers in the NLDS. These guys might not launch a ton of bombs, but they get on base and they drive in runs.
Misiorowski and the Pitching Backbone
As potent and quirky as the Brewers’ bats can be, their pitching staff is the absolute backbone of this operation. It’s what keeps them in games, especially against a lineup like the Dodgers. Their starting rotation finished second in MLB in opponent batting average (.220), third in strikeouts (907), tied for third in WHIP (1.14), and fifth in ERA (3.61). Those are some elite numbers, plain and simple.
And then there’s ace Jacob Misiorowski. Holy smokes, this guy is unreal. Across 30 starts, he put up an insane 1.80 ERA, a microscopic 0.80 WHIP, a 232 ERA+, and an NL-best 252 strikeouts. Yeah, you read that right: NL-best in all of those categories. This dude is a certified stopper, a genuine ace who can single-handedly swing a series. If anyone can keep the Dodgers’ potent lineup in check, it’s Misiorowski leading this pitching staff.
This NLCS isn’t just a rematch, it’s a statement game for the Brewers. Can their unique offensive strategy, fueled by contact and patience, finally wear down the Dodgers, or will their lack of power ultimately be their undoing? It all hinges on Karros’s words and the arm of Misiorowski. Get ready for a wild ride, because this series is going to be a battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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