Brewers Sweep Dodgers, Reach First World Series Since 1982

The Milwaukee Brewers didn’t just knock off the Dodgers; they returned the favor.

Milwaukee erased a four-run deficit Thursday night to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, the World Series favorite, 6-4, completing an NLCS sweep and securing its first World Series appearance in 44 years. The Brewers hadn’t reached the Fall Classic since 1982.

A year after the Dodgers swept Milwaukee on their way to another championship, the Brewers flipped the script. It marked the first time in MLB postseason history that two teams swept each other in consecutive years.

Garrett Mitchell Helps Brewers Sweep Dodgers

Things didn’t look great for Milwaukee early. Shohei Ohtani launched a three-run homer in the second inning, giving the Dodgers a 4-0 lead. But Milwaukee did what it’s done throughout this postseason: kept coming.

Jake Bauers helped start the comeback with a two-run double. Garrett Mitchell then delivered the biggest swing, hitting a solo homer off Tanner Scott in the sixth to break a 4-4 tie. David Hamilton added an insurance homer in the ninth.

The Brewers’ bullpen handled the rest, ending Los Angeles’ bid for a third consecutive championship. Manager Pat Murphy summed up the series afterward:

“They may have a bunch of Hall of Famers, but we’ve got a bunch of gamers — and the gamers won this week.”

Brewers Await Their World Series Opponent

Milwaukee now gets a little breathing room.

Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23. The Brewers will face either Cleveland or Tampa Bay, with the Guardians holding a 2-1 ALCS lead entering Friday’s game at Progressive Field.

For now, the waiting is a pretty good problem to have. Milwaukee has its pennant — and a chance to finish the job.