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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knows exactly how urgent Game 3 has become. Los Angeles entered Wednesday night facing a 2-0 National League Championship Series deficit against the Milwaukee Brewers, with the series shifting to Dodger Stadium for a critical matchup.
The Brewers protected home field in two dramatic victories and now need only two more wins to reach the World Series. The Dodgers, meanwhile, must respond immediately to prevent the series from reaching a nearly impossible 3-0 position.
Dodgers Fight for Survival in Critical NLCS Game 3
“It’s certainly a challenge,” Roberts said. “Can we do it? Absolutely. But it’s just: You want to get that first one.”
The stakes are enormous. According to MLB, 42 teams have fallen behind 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series, and 32 of those teams were swept. Only one team has ever overcome that deficit: Roberts’ 2004 Boston Red Sox, who rallied against the New York Yankees.
A victory on Wednesday would not erase the Dodgers’ early struggles, but it would make the NLCS competitive again. Milwaukee catcher William Contreras emphasized the Brewers’ focus on the next game rather than their series advantage.
“Keep going,” Contreras said. “The goal is not to think about where we’re at. … Just focusing on what’s next.”
Blake Snell Gets the Ball for Los Angeles
The Dodgers turned to left-hander Blake Snell, who carried a 2.19 ERA in five starts at Dodger Stadium during the 2026 season, including postseason play. Injuries to his shoulder, elbow and groin limited his workload, but Snell has remained effective when healthy.
His first postseason appearance was uneven. Snell issued five walks in 3 2/3 innings against Atlanta in the National League Division Series, though he allowed just one run. Los Angeles needs a sharper performance against Milwaukee’s young lineup.
Snell has a strong history against the Brewers. In last year’s NLCS, he struck out 10 batters and faced the minimum over eight scoreless innings. The Dodgers will hope that version of Snell appears again in this high-pressure contest.
Milwaukee countered with left-hander Robert Gasser, who posted a 1.73 ERA over his last seven games, including six starts. Gasser began the season at Triple-A Nashville but earned a spot in the Brewers’ young rotation with a strong late-season run.
Ohtani Moves Down as Dodgers Shake Up Lineup
Roberts made a notable lineup adjustment against the left-handed Gasser. Shohei Ohtani moved into the sixth spot, while Will Smith dropped to seventh. It marked the first time since 2020 that Ohtani started sixth or lower in a lineup.
- Mookie Betts, shortstop
- Freddie Freeman, first base
- Teoscar Hernández, left field
- Kyle Tucker, right field
- Andy Pages, center field
- Shohei Ohtani, designated hitter
- Will Smith, catcher
- Miguel Rojas, third base
- Tommy Edman, second base
Kyle Tucker has been the Dodgers’ most consistent hitter during the postseason, going 6-for-20. However, Smith entered Game 3 hitting just 1-for-23, while Ohtani was batting 3-for-20. Los Angeles will need more production from its middle and lower order.
Brewers Bring Explosive Offense and a Dominant Bullpen
Milwaukee’s offense has created pressure throughout the first two games. Contreras delivered a game-tying home run in Game 2 before adding a game-tying single and a go-ahead single. Christian Yelich also produced a strong performance, while Milwaukee matched a franchise postseason record with five players recording multiple hits.
The Brewers’ bullpen has been even more impressive. Milwaukee relievers combined for a 0.31 ERA across 28 2/3 postseason innings. Abner Uribe has appeared in all six postseason games, while Aaron Ashby has pitched in five. Neither has surrendered an earned run, and closer Trevor Megill remains rested after warming up without entering Game 2.
The Dodgers used seven of their nine relievers in the previous game after Yoshinobu Yamamoto exited early. Edwin Díaz is expected to remain the primary high-leverage option for Los Angeles, whether the key moment arrives in the ninth inning or earlier.
Injuries Add More Pressure to Dodgers
Ohtani is managing a right biceps issue and left knee problem, while Freeman continues to deal with a right knee injury. Blake Treinen is unlikely to pitch during the postseason because of right shoulder inflammation.
Milwaukee has no active-roster injuries of note, although Brandon Woodruff is attempting to position himself for a potential World Series roster spot. Woodruff threw 31 pitches off a mound during Tuesday’s workout after previously considering season-ending shoulder surgery.
For the Dodgers, the formula is simple but demanding: receive length from Snell, limit Milwaukee’s early momentum and finally produce with runners in scoring position. A win would revive their championship hopes. A loss would put the defending World Series champions on the brink of elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dodgers’ situation entering Game 3?
Los Angeles trails Milwaukee 2-0 in the NLCS and must win Game 3 to avoid falling behind 3-0.
Who is starting for the Dodgers?
Left-hander Blake Snell is starting for Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.
Who is Milwaukee’s starting pitcher?
Left-hander Robert Gasser is scheduled to start for the Brewers.
Why was Shohei Ohtani moved to sixth?
Ohtani was moved down in the lineup as the Dodgers adjusted for Milwaukee’s left-handed starter and attempted to spark a struggling offense.
