9 Concerns for the Dodgers Facing Brewers in the NLCS

The Milwaukee Brewers have defied the typical big-market blueprint. They’ve earned their place in the NLCS with a mix of disciplined hitting, elite pitching, and a tightly knit clubhouse.

As they get ready to host the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field, Milwaukee’s path to baseball’s biggest stage stands out. They’ve maximized resources, leaned on fundamentals, and stuck to an identity built under veteran manager Pat Murphy.

This blog digs into how the Brewers got here — and maybe why their unique style could be the Dodgers’ biggest headache yet.

Milwaukee’s Road to the NLCS

The Brewers clinched their spot in the National League Championship Series with a clutch Game 5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Philly’s built on power, but Milwaukee’s offense takes a different route.

They focus on making contact, advancing runners, and manufacturing runs the old-school way. Despite a $143 million payroll, they finished with the league’s best record and racked up 52 home wins, locking down home-field advantage.

A Manager Who Sets the Tone

At the helm is 66-year-old Pat Murphy, a former college coach with a reputation for quirky style. Murphy’s pushed a small-ball mentality and a focus on execution and resilience.

He’s found a way to set a positive tone while challenging players to sweat the details. That’s been a huge part of Milwaukee’s steady play this season.

The Pitching Foundation

Milwaukee’s pitching staff hasn’t let up all year. They posted the second-best ERA in Major League Baseball.

The rotation and bullpen keep throttling opposing offenses. Their depth’s been a lifesaver during rough patches.

Rotation Leaders

The ace is Freddy Peralta, who notched 17 wins and a sharp 2.70 ERA. His deceptive fastball feels even quicker than it looks, and hitters just haven’t solved him.

Surprisingly, former first-rounder Quinn Priester stepped up as a strong No. 2, finishing with a 3.32 ERA and a knack for getting ground balls.

Postseason X-Factors

In the bullpen, rookie Jacob Misiorowski has become a playoff weapon. His regular season had bumps, but in the Division Series, his power pitching turned dominant.

Veteran Jose Quintana brings playoff experience. Relievers Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, and Jared Koenig form a high-leverage trio that manager Murphy trusts against anyone, even the Dodgers’ stacked lineup.

Balanced and Deep Offense

Milwaukee’s lineup doesn’t smash home runs like some teams, but it’s balanced, disciplined, and clutch. Contributors show up at every position, giving Murphy options no matter the matchup.

Key Offensive Weapons

Veteran Christian Yelich leads with a blend of on-base skills and timely pop. Youngster Jackson Chourio brings energy, while Brice Turang and new guy Andrew Vaughn add depth and flexibility.

The team’s offensive approach centers on situational hitting and smart baserunning. That kind of strategy can drive powerhouse teams a little crazy.

Why the Dodgers Should Be Concerned

The Dodgers have one of baseball’s most expensive, talented rosters. Still, the Brewers are built to grind out games and pounce on mistakes.

Milwaukee’s home-field edge and knack for winning tight, low-scoring battles could throw a wrench in the Dodgers’ usual slugfest plans.

Advantages Milwaukee Brings

Key postseason advantages include:

The Brewers have shown all year that you don’t need a massive payroll to win. It’s about commitment, execution, and trusting the process.

As the NLCS kicks off, Milwaukee isn’t just satisfied with making it this far. They look ready to go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers, sticking to the formula that’s gotten them here.

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Here is the source article for this story: Nine concerns the Dodgers should have about facing the Brewers in the NLCS