Image Source: ESPN
Dodgers game today brought a frustrating result for Los Angeles, as the Milwaukee Brewers edged the defending champions 2-1 in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Oct. 11, 2026. Milwaukee found just enough offense against Tarik Skubal, then relied on a dominant bullpen to protect its narrow lead.
The victory snapped the Brewers’ seven-game postseason losing streak against the Dodgers and gave Milwaukee an early advantage in the rematch between two National League contenders. Last season, Los Angeles swept Milwaukee in the NLCS, with the Brewers scoring no more than one run in any game. This time, two timely runs changed the story.
Dodgers Game Today: Brewers Strike With Timely Offense
Skubal, the Dodgers’ two-time Cy Young Award winner, looked nearly untouchable through the opening three innings. Milwaukee, however, refused to chase pitches and capitalized on two important opportunities.
Brice Turang opened the fourth inning with a solo home run that tied the game. The hit was particularly notable because Turang had fouled an inside sinker off his knee during his first at-bat. Facing another inside sinker in his next plate appearance, he adjusted and drove the ball to the opposite field.
According to ESPN, it was the first opposite-field home run Turang had hit against a left-handed pitcher in the major leagues, including the regular season and playoffs. It was also the first opposite-field homer Skubal had allowed to a left-handed hitter in the majors.
“I didn’t want to foul a ball off my knee again, so I was like, ‘I’m going to stay inside of this one,’” Turang said. “I just got it. Sometimes less is more.”
Rookie Luis Lara Delivers a Critical Blow
Milwaukee created the go-ahead run in the fifth inning through smart baserunning and aggressive small-ball tactics. Garrett Mitchell started the inning with a walk, and rookie Cooper Pratt moved him into scoring position with a successful sacrifice bunt.
That brought up Luis Lara, a 21-year-old switch-hitting rookie who has made his early impact primarily with his defense. Lara had struck out against Skubal in his first at-bat, but he responded with a sharp RBI single up the middle. His hit scored Mitchell and gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead.
“I was just looking to push the runner across,” Lara said through an interpreter. “That was the only thing that was going through my mind.”
Brewers manager Pat Murphy showed confidence in Lara by calling for the bunt despite knowing the rookie would face one of baseball’s most accomplished pitchers. Murphy praised Lara’s composure and described his approach as a form of “beautiful innocence.”
Milwaukee Bullpen Shuts Down Los Angeles
The starting pitchers did not decide the game alone. Jacob Misiorowski and Skubal both exited before the sixth inning, turning the contest into a tense battle between the bullpens.
Misiorowski and four Milwaukee relievers combined to hold the Dodgers to one run. Andy Pages produced Los Angeles’ only scoring hit, an RBI single in the second inning. After that, the Brewers’ pitching staff consistently limited the Dodgers’ opportunities and protected the one-run advantage.
The two teams combined for 7⅔ scoreless innings from their relievers, making every early run even more important. Milwaukee’s ability to keep Los Angeles off the scoreboard was especially significant against a Dodgers lineup loaded with postseason experience and star power.
What the Dodgers’ Loss Means for the NLCS
The 2-1 defeat puts Los Angeles in an uncomfortable position heading deeper into the series. The Dodgers entered the matchup as the two-time defending champions, but Milwaukee now owns home-field momentum and a 1-0 series lead.
- Milwaukee won Game 1 by a score of 2-1.
- Brice Turang hit a game-tying solo home run.
- Luis Lara delivered the decisive RBI single.
- Andy Pages drove in Los Angeles’ only run.
- The Brewers snapped a seven-game postseason skid against the Dodgers.
For Milwaukee, the victory was a statement that last year’s sweep is no longer the defining memory of this matchup. For Los Angeles, the immediate challenge is finding more offense and avoiding another early deficit as the NLCS continues.
“These are the games we live for,” Turang said. “We love doing this. This is why we play the game, just to go out there and compete.”
FAQs About the Dodgers Game Today
Who won the Dodgers game today?
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in Game 1 of the NLCS.
Who hit the go-ahead run for Milwaukee?
Rookie Luis Lara hit an RBI single in the fifth inning to score Garrett Mitchell and put the Brewers ahead.
What did Brice Turang do in Game 1?
Brice Turang hit a solo home run off Tarik Skubal in the fourth inning to tie the game.
How did the Brewers win?
Milwaukee combined timely hitting with strong pitching. Jacob Misiorowski and four relievers limited the Dodgers to one run after Andy Pages’ second-inning RBI single.
