2025 NLCS Game 1 Preview: Underdog Brewers Face Star-Studded Dodgers in Milwaukee Showdown

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers: NLCS Game 1 Preview

The Milwaukee Brewers enter the National League Championship Series with an underdog mentality, despite securing Major League Baseball's best regular-season record. Their matchup against the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers offers the perfect opportunity to harness that underdog energy as the series begins Monday at American Family Field.

Contrasting Teams: Powerhouse Dodgers vs. Underdog Brewers

The Dodgers are on a quest for their third World Series title in six years, drawing further attention with the presence of three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani and MLB’s highest payroll and luxury tax bill, totaling $509.5 million. By contrast, the Brewers represent MLB’s smallest market, having never claimed a championship and with their single World Series appearance dating back to 1982. Milwaukee's entire payroll of $124.8 million is dwarfed by the Dodgers’ luxury tax bill alone.

Despite being heavy favorites, the Dodgers face a potential roadblock: The Brewers swept all six regular-season meetings between the two teams. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts rejects the David vs. Goliath narrative, noting Milwaukee's combination of grit, power hitting, athleticism, and pitching depth as reasons they are a dangerous opponent.

Weather

Today at American Family Field, expect cool fall weather with temperatures near 54°F under mostly cloudy skies. There is a 20% chance of light showers, and winds will be moderate from the west at 10-15 mph, which may influence fly balls. Overall, players and fans should prepare for brisk, slightly damp conditions.

Historical Postseason Sweeps: Does Regular Season Domination Matter?

When teams meet in the postseason after one has swept the regular series, outcomes vary. For example, the 2015 New York Mets swept the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS despite losing all seven regular-season matchups. Conversely, teams like the Yankees maintained dominance in both the regular season and postseason in their matchups with the Twins. These examples suggest regular-season results are no guarantee for playoff success.

Projected Pitching Matchups

Los Angeles plans to start Blake Snell in Game 1. Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy has yet to announce a starting pitcher, but an opener is possible. Game 2 features Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta against Los Angeles’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Shohei Ohtani’s Slump and Expected Impact

Shohei Ohtani is poised for his fourth MVP award after an outstanding regular season (.282 average, 55 home runs, 102 RBI), but he struggled in the NLDS, going 1 for 18 with nine strikeouts. He did, however, homer three times against the Brewers this season. Roberts expects Ohtani to rebound offensively in this series and will have him pitch in one game, though not the opener.

Dodgers Rookie Roki Sasaki’s Postseason Breakout

Dodgers rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki missed the regular-season contests against Milwaukee but has impressed in a postseason bullpen role, allowing just one hit and no walks over 5 1/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts. The Brewers will face him for the first time in this series.

Brewers Seek Revenge for 2018 NLCS

Milwaukee narrowly missed the World Series in 2018 when they lost Game 7 at home to the Dodgers. Only Christian Yelich, the 2018 NL MVP, and pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta remain from that squad. Woodruff, however, is sidelined for this series with a right lat strain.

Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

For the Brewers, Jackson Chourio batted .389 with six RBI in the NLDS win over the Cubs, while Andrew Vaughn and William Contreras each clubbed two homers. Chad Patrick and Jacob Misiorowski provided key scoreless innings. However, Joey Ortiz managed only a .154 average, and Brice Turang was 3 for 20, though he did homer in Game 5.

The Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández is hitting .308 with three homers and nine RBI in six playoff games, and Mookie Betts boasts a .385 postseason average. Blake Snell is 2-0 with only two runs allowed in 13 innings. Tyler Glasnow posted 7 2/3 shutout innings in the NLDS. In contrast, Will Smith and Andy Pages have struggled at the plate.

In summary

The 2025 NLCS opener features a compelling battle between the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers and the determined Milwaukee Brewers. Despite contrasting payrolls and expectations, both teams possess postseason experience, talented rosters, and recent storylines that promise an intense series. Previous regular-season sweeps and historical precedent suggest that anything can happen once October baseball begins. Fans should also remain alert to the cool, potentially damp weather at American Family Field, which could play a subtle but significant role as this high-stakes series gets underway.

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