Milwaukee avoided a sweep, clinching Game 1 of the NLCS with a 2‑1 edge over Los Angeles. Though runs were scarce, the Brewers posted more than any NLCS game they played last season.
Brice Turang delivered the game‑changing solo shot in the fourth, sending a Tarik Skubal sinker over the left‑center fence. That blast marked only the third Statcast‑era instance of a left‑handed pitcher’s inside‑corner sinker exiting for an opposite‑field homer, and the first ever on a pitch topping 95 mph.
The Dodgers’ strategy was simple: pull Jacob Misiorowski early. The plan worked, as the NL Cy Young hopeful logged just 94 pitches across 4 ⅓ innings. Manager Dave Roberts praised the approach, noting the quick removal helped keep the pitch count low. Misiorowski escaped further trouble thanks to two double plays, the second coming after DL Hall entered in the fifth.
The Guardians rallied from a 2‑0 hole to topple the White Sox and move into the ALCS, leaning on ace Gavin Williams and a steady bullpen. Stephen Vogt will hand Game 1 duties to Foster Griffin against the Rays, according to Tim Stebbins. Griffin logged 2 ⅔ innings of bulk relief in Game 3 and is now on a regular rest schedule for his start. For my money, Griffin’s versatility gives Cleveland a real edge. Can Griffin sustain this momentum against Tampa Bay?