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Dodgers fans are facing a stunning postseason crisis. Los Angeles entered Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Thursday, October 15, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by three games to none and needing an immediate victory to keep its championship defense alive.
The Brewers are now one win away from reaching the World Series for the first time in 44 years. Milwaukee’s commanding advantage has placed enormous pressure on the reigning champions, who have won the World Series in each of the past two seasons.
Dodgers Fight to Survive a Historic NLCS Deficit
Teams holding a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven postseason series have advanced 41 times in 42 attempts. Thirty-two of those series ended in sweeps. Only two teams have forced a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0, and the 2004 Boston Red Sox remain the only team to complete the comeback.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knows the challenge better than most. Roberts was part of Boston’s historic rally against the New York Yankees and believes his team still has a path forward, despite the overwhelming odds.
“It’s certainly possible,” Roberts said. “I’ve lived it. It’s an elimination game. We’ve played in a lot of elimination games. We’ve just got to get a win.”
Los Angeles is attempting to become only the third team in postseason history to force a Game 7 after trailing 3-0. For Milwaukee, a victory would complete a remarkable turnaround after the Brewers were swept by the Dodgers in last year’s NLCS.
Tyler Glasnow Gets the Critical Starting Assignment
The Dodgers turned to right-hander Tyler Glasnow for the most important start of their season. Glasnow has delivered excellent postseason results, recording a 1.73 ERA across four starts and three relief appearances, with only five earned runs allowed in 26 innings.
Los Angeles is 7-0 in postseason games started by Glasnow, although that record is more coincidence than guarantee. He has also posted a 3.60 ERA in three career elimination games, giving the Dodgers a proven option in a must-win situation.
Glasnow last pitched against Atlanta in the Division Series and battled command problems, walking five batters. However, he limited the damage to one run over 4 2/3 innings and will now be expected to provide length against a confident Milwaukee lineup.
The Brewers opened with left-hander Shane Drohan in what was expected to become a bullpen game. Milwaukee’s staff entered Game 4 with a remarkable 1.74 postseason ERA, the lowest mark among all 12 playoff teams.
Shohei Ohtani Returns to the Leadoff Spot
The Dodgers made a bold lineup adjustment by moving Shohei Ohtani back to the leadoff position. Ohtani has been managing a right biceps issue and left knee discomfort, but Roberts continued to rely on his impact at the top of the order.
Mookie Betts followed Ohtani, with Freddie Freeman batting third and Will Smith moving into the cleanup spot. Smith and Ohtani helped produce Los Angeles’ only scoring rally in Game 3, creating hope that the club’s struggling offense could finally break through.
- Shohei Ohtani, designated hitter
- Mookie Betts, shortstop
- Freddie Freeman, first base
- Will Smith, catcher
- Kyle Tucker, right field
- Teoscar Hernández, left field
- Miguel Rojas, second base
- Andy Pages, center field
- Kiké Hernández, third base
Kyle Tucker remained one of the few consistently productive Dodgers hitters, batting .304 through seven postseason games. Ohtani provided a positive sign in Game 3 with a 113.5 mph single, while Smith delivered a two-run double.
Brewers Bring Confidence and a Powerful Bullpen
Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio continued to make postseason history. His leadoff home run in Game 3 was his second homer of the 2026 playoffs and the sixth of his career, giving him the most postseason home runs in Brewers history.
Chourio also recorded his 18th career postseason RBI before turning 23, surpassing Hall of Famer Andruw Jones for the most such RBIs at that age. William Contreras added another milestone by becoming the first Brewers player to collect 10 hits in this postseason.
The Brewers’ bullpen faced some strain after Abner Uribe appeared in each of the club’s first seven postseason games. Left-hander DL Hall recorded seven crucial outs in Game 3, while Trevor Megill earned a four-out save. Aaron Ashby could receive a major role if Thursday’s game remains close.
For the Dodgers, Edwin Díaz was expected to be available after not pitching earlier in the series. Justin Wrobleski could be limited after throwing 32 pitches in Game 3, while Blake Treinen remained unlikely to appear because of right shoulder inflammation.
What a Game 4 Victory Would Mean
A Brewers sweep would be historic, making Milwaukee the first team to be swept from the playoffs and then sweep the same opponent one year later. A Dodgers victory, meanwhile, would keep alive one of baseball’s rarest comebacks and shift pressure back onto Milwaukee.
Orel Hershiser and Mike Scioscia were scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the game. With the Dodgers defending their dynasty and the Brewers chasing their first World Series appearance since 1982, Game 4 carried enormous stakes for both franchises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Game 4 an elimination game for the Dodgers?
Los Angeles entered the game trailing Milwaukee 3-0 in the best-of-seven NLCS. Another loss would eliminate the Dodgers and send the Brewers to the World Series.
Who started Game 4 for the Dodgers?
Right-hander Tyler Glasnow started for Los Angeles. He entered with a 1.73 postseason ERA across four starts and three relief appearances.
Who started for the Brewers?
Left-hander Shane Drohan opened a planned bullpen game for Milwaukee.
What record were the Brewers chasing?
Milwaukee was attempting to reach the World Series for the first time in 44 years and complete a sweep of the Dodgers after being swept by Los Angeles in the 2025 NLCS.
