Dodgers Fall to Brewers 2-1 in NLCS Opener as Milwaukee Takes Early Series Lead

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2026 National League Championship Series with a frustrating 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday night at American Family Field. Despite striking first and receiving a solid performance from starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, Los Angeles couldn't generate enough offense to overcome Milwaukee's pitching staff.

The defeat puts the Dodgers behind 1-0 in the best-of-seven series as they continue their pursuit of another World Series championship.

Dodgers Strike First Behind Andy Pages

Los Angeles wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.

In the second inning, Andy Pages delivered an RBI single to right field, bringing Shohei Ohtani home and giving the Dodgers an early 1-0 advantage.

The timely hit provided an encouraging start for a Dodgers offense looking to establish itself against Milwaukee's talented pitching staff.

However, Los Angeles struggled to capitalize on additional opportunities.

Despite collecting seven hits throughout the contest, the Dodgers managed just one run, with Milwaukee's defense turning three double plays to prevent potential rallies.

Brice Turang Sparks Milwaukee's Comeback

The Brewers answered in the fourth inning when Brice Turang launched a solo home run off Skubal, tying the game at 1-1.

The blast energized the home crowd and shifted momentum toward Milwaukee.

One inning later, the Brewers manufactured the decisive run.

After Garrett Mitchell reached base and advanced into scoring position, Luis Lara delivered an RBI single to center field, bringing Mitchell home and giving Milwaukee a 2-1 lead.

That run ultimately proved to be the difference.

Tarik Skubal Delivers Solid Performance Despite Loss

Skubal gave Los Angeles a competitive outing in his first NLCS appearance with the Dodgers.

The left-hander completed five innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while recording seven strikeouts.

Although Skubal was charged with the loss, his performance kept Los Angeles within striking distance throughout the evening.

Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski also battled through a challenging outing.

The Brewers right-hander pitched 4⅓ innings, surrendering five hits and one earned run while striking out five batters and issuing three walks.

Neither starting pitcher completely dominated, turning the contest into a battle between two talented bullpens.

Milwaukee Bullpen Shuts Down Dodgers

The biggest difference Sunday night came from Milwaukee's relief pitchers.

After Misiorowski departed, the Brewers turned to their bullpen to protect a narrow lead.

DL Hall, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill combined to keep the Dodgers scoreless for the remainder of the contest.

Los Angeles threatened multiple times but couldn't deliver the timely hit needed to change the outcome.

In the ninth inning, the Dodgers mounted one final challenge against Megill.

However, Milwaukee's closer escaped the pressure and secured the final outs, preserving the Brewers' 2-1 victory.

The result gave Milwaukee an important opening win in a series featuring two teams with championship expectations.

Dodgers' Offensive Struggles Raise Questions

While Los Angeles managed seven hits, the team's inability to convert scoring opportunities proved costly.

Teoscar Hernández finished with two hits, while Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Pages each contributed one.

Pages accounted for the Dodgers' only RBI.

The Dodgers also struggled against Milwaukee's defensive positioning, with three double plays eliminating potential scoring opportunities.

For a lineup featuring some of baseball's most recognizable offensive stars, producing just one run in a championship-series opener was a disappointing result.

Moving forward, Los Angeles must find ways to generate consistent offense and take advantage of runners reaching base.

What's Next for Los Angeles?

The Dodgers won't have much time to dwell on Sunday's defeat.

Game 2 of the National League Championship Series is scheduled for Monday, October 12, at 5 p.m. ET in Milwaukee.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to start for Los Angeles, while Logan Henderson is scheduled to take the mound for Milwaukee.

The Dodgers will look to even the series before returning home to Dodger Stadium for Game 3.

A victory Monday would restore momentum and prevent Milwaukee from building a commanding early advantage.

Final Thoughts: Dodgers Face an Early October Test

Sunday's loss wasn't the beginning Los Angeles envisioned, but one game doesn't determine a seven-game series.

The Dodgers demonstrated they could compete with Milwaukee's pitching staff, and Skubal delivered an outing capable of producing a victory.

However, championship baseball often comes down to executing in critical moments.

Milwaukee capitalized on its opportunities, while Los Angeles repeatedly came up short.

With Ohtani, Betts, Freeman and the rest of the Dodgers' talented roster, Los Angeles certainly possesses the offensive firepower necessary to respond.

The question now is whether that offense can deliver when the pressure intensifies.

The Dodgers are down, but they're far from finished.

With another opportunity awaiting Monday, Los Angeles will attempt to turn an early setback into the beginning of another memorable postseason comeback.

Final Score: Milwaukee Brewers 2, Los Angeles Dodgers 1

NLCS Series: Milwaukee leads 1-0

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