Brewers take 2-0 lead over Dodgers in NLCS
Milwaukee defeated Los Angeles 7-4 on Monday, giving the Brewers a 2-0 advantage in the National League Championship Series.
Milwaukee beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4 on Monday, moving the Brewers ahead 2-0 in the National League Championship Series. The victory came at American Family Field in front of a crowd of 42,516.
Right-hander Brandon Woodruff, who is on the injured list, said the team was "tired of losing in the playoffs" and praised the new manager's focus on winning each game. Manager Pat Murphy, hired in November 2023, has emphasized a simple mantra for the clubhouse: "Win tonight."
The Brewers relied on small-ball tactics, including bunts, steals and sacrifice flies, to generate runs. In the second game, infielder David Hamilton highlighted the approach, noting that "any way to get a run on the board is a good thing."
Los Angeles starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto was removed after 2⅔ innings when he allowed two runs, including a two-run single by Christian Yelich. Milwaukee's bullpen then retired the final 15 hitters, lowering its postseason ERA to 0.31.
Brewers captain Christian Yelich said the team has confidence in its style of play and believes it is difficult to beat when it executes its game plan. Infielder Joey Ortiz added that the squad possesses a "never-die mentality" this season.
The series will shift to Los Angeles for the next games, with the Brewers aiming to maintain their lead and the Dodgers seeking to respond.