Brewers Face Dodgers in NLCS Rematch in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in the 2026 National League Championship Series in Milwaukee on Sunday night, with the teams renewing a playoff rivalry after Los Angeles swept last year's NLCS. The series pits a 103-win Brewers team against a 100-win Dodgers club competing for another World Series appearance.

According to Sportsnet, Milwaukee advanced after limiting the San Diego Padres to a .181 batting average and seven earned runs over four NL Division Series games. The Brewers also ended a 12-game postseason road losing streak in the decisive Game 4.

Los Angeles reached the NLCS after defeating the Atlanta Braves, hitting eight home runs in the series. According to Sportsnet, Dodgers starters posted a 1.69 ERA with 27 strikeouts over four games against Atlanta.

Christian Yelich said Milwaukee expected another matchup with Los Angeles because of the Dodgers' recent success and postseason history.

"We’ve been expecting having to play them in this round since spring training, in the regular season. You kind of just know that’s what’s going to happen," said Christian Yelich, Brewers outfielder.

The Dodgers won consecutive World Series titles and entered the season with a $323.6 million opening-day payroll, while Milwaukee opened at $125.9 million, according to TSN. The Brewers set a franchise record with 103 wins and captured their fourth consecutive Central title.

"They’re a really good ballclub. Similar guys that we’re used to seeing, very similar to what we’re used to seeing. There’s going to be no secrets. They play a very good brand of baseball," said Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager.

Milwaukee's bullpen was a major strength in the NLDS, with six relievers allowing one earned run and striking out 16 batters over 19 innings, according to Sportsnet. The Brewers will start Jacob Misiorowski in Game 1, while Los Angeles will counter with Tarik Skubal.

"We’re focused on trying to win, and I think we have for a while. Regardless of what the economics look like, the guys in there believe, and so do I," said Matt Arnold, Brewers president of baseball operations.

Misiorowski posted a 16-5 record with a 1.80 ERA in 30 starts during the regular season, leading the majors with 252 strikeouts in 174 2/3 innings, according to TSN. He said his confidence has grown compared with last postseason.

"Going into last year’s postseason, I didn’t know if I was going to be on the roster. I didn’t know if I was going to make it and help the team. This year they trust me a little bit more. So it’s a little easier to get behind yourself," said Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers pitcher.

Los Angeles will rely on its pitching depth and star hitters, although Sportsnet reported Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith and Mookie Betts combined for six hits in 43 at-bats during the NLDS. Ohtani will not pitch in the series because of injuries.

"Every night when you play these guys, you know you’re going to face a great pitcher, a Cy Young-caliber pitcher," said Christian Yelich, Brewers outfielder.

Max Muncy discussed Milwaukee starter Misiorowski's fastball after the teams met during the regular season.

"a guy that throws 105," said Max Muncy, Dodgers infielder.

"It’s very fast. Everything is coming at you very fast. It’s big-time extension, big guy on the mound, and you have to be ready to go in the box," said Max Muncy, Dodgers infielder.

Tarik Skubal went 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA in 10 starts after joining Los Angeles in an Aug. 1 trade, according to TSN. He said the expectations surrounding the Dodgers are part of competing at the highest level.

"I think the pressure around — surrounding the Dodgers, it’s all a privilege. I think as an athlete this is what you want to be and you want to have (the) expectation to win. I have those same expectations as a player," said Tarik Skubal, Dodgers pitcher.