Dodgers fall to Brewers 2-1 in NLCS Game 1 as offense struggles

The Los Angeles Dodgers were defeated by the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 on Sunday, giving the Brewers a 1-0 lead in the National League Championship Series. Los Angeles scored early in the second inning against starter Jacob Misiorowski, but the Brewers answered with a solo home run by Brice Turang in the fourth and a go-ahead run in the fifth. Milwaukee’s bullpen held the lead for the final 4 2/3 innings, and closer Trevor Megill secured the win after Mookie Betts flied out to end the Dodgers’ ninth-inning rally.

Freddie Freeman said the team executed its plan against Misiorowski but “didn’t get the big hit tonight.” The Dodgers have recorded only two hits with runners in scoring position in 22 plate appearances this postseason, both by Andy Pages, who drove in the lone run. The team’s power numbers have been limited, with the top three hitters—Betts, Will Smith and Shohei Ohtani—combined for an 8-for-53 line without extra-base hits.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the offensive challenges but said he will keep the current lineup, noting Ohtani’s recent performance is “good enough” as he works to stay in the strike zone. Roberts added that Ohtani is “getting back to the basics” and that the team trusts his ability to contribute at the top of the order.

The loss follows a dominant performance by Ohtani in NLCS Game 4 of the previous season, highlighting the contrast in his recent output. Milwaukee’s pitching staff, featuring Cy Young candidates Jacob Misiorowski and Tarik Skubal, limited the Dodgers’ production, while the Brewers’ offense capitalized on timely hitting and small-ball tactics.