{"id":108310,"date":"2025-10-13T18:13:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T22:13:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=108310"},"modified":"2025-10-13T19:43:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T23:43:38","slug":"how-brewers-match-up-against-dodgers-2025-nlcs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/13\/how-brewers-match-up-against-dodgers-2025-nlcs\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Brewers Match Up Against the Dodgers in the NLCS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 National League Championship Series is set. The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off for the pennant in what promises to be a test of depth, discipline, and sheer pitching dominance. For the Brewers, fresh off their five-game <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/04\/how-brewers-match-up-against-cubs-2025-nlds\/\" target=\"_self\">NLDS victory<\/a> over the Chicago Cubs, this marks their first NLCS appearance since 2018, the culmination of a year defined by resilience and strategic adaptation. The Dodgers, meanwhile, return to the LCS for the fourth time in the last six seasons with their familiar mix of star power and high expectations.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_103591\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-103591\" style=\"width: 962px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-103591\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26574200_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Freddy Peralta is the first MLB pitcher to notch 15 wins in 2025.\" width=\"962\" height=\"641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26574200_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26574200_168400885_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26574200_168400885_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26574200_168400885_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/07\/USATSI_26574200_168400885_lowres.jpg 1147w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 962px) 100vw, 962px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-103591\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jul 2, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How the Brewers Stack Up vs. the Dodgers in NLCS<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">NLCS ready ?<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MagicBrew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#MagicBrew<\/a> x <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/amfam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@amfam<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4jil9C5u1r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/4jil9C5u1r<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Brewers\/status\/1977778819374211303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Starting Rotation<\/h3>\n<p>Milwaukee\u2019s greatest strength entering this series lies on the mound. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/peralfr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Freddy Peralta<\/a> has been the unquestioned ace of the staff, emerging as one of the National League\u2019s most effective strikeout arms down the stretch. Behind him, rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/misioja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Misiorowski<\/a> and left-hander <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gassero01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Gasser<\/a> have given the Brewers a dynamic combination of power and poise. Misiorowski\u2019s high-velocity fastball and wipeout slider have baffled hitters all year, while Gasser\u2019s command and efficiency offer a steadying counterbalance. Lefty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/ashbyaa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aaron Ashby<\/a> will start Game One against the Dodgers on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>The Dodgers counter with a rotation built on elite potential and postseason experience. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/snellbl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blake Snell<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/y\/yamamyo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yoshinobu Yamamoto<\/a> will start the first two games of the series, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/g\/glasnty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Glasnow<\/a> adds depth to the rotation. Glasnow\u2019s health remains the key variable; when he\u2019s right, few pitchers in baseball can match his mix of velocity and break.<\/p>\n<h3>Offense<\/h3>\n<p>Offensively, these teams could not be more different in design. The Dodgers\u2019 lineup remains a gauntlet of MVP-caliber hitters. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bettsmo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mookie Betts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/o\/ohtansh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shohei Ohtani<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/freemfr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Freddie Freeman<\/a> headline a trio capable of changing a game with one swing. Even with Ohtani limited to DH duties, his presence transforms every at-bat.<\/p>\n<p>Milwaukee\u2019s lineup, on the other hand, thrives on situational hitting and execution. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/y\/yelicch01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian Yelich<\/a> has returned to form with a disciplined approach and gap-to-gap power reminiscent of his MVP peak. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/contrwi02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Contreras<\/a> has become the engine of the Brewers\u2019 offense, combining contact skill with clutch production. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/frelisa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sal Frelick<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/turanbr02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brice Turang<\/a> inject speed and defensive versatility, essential in tight postseason games. The Brewers will rely on manufactured runs, whereas the Dodgers lean heavily on power production. This should present a contrast that could define the series\u2019 rhythm.<\/p>\n<h3>Bullpen<\/h3>\n<p>Few teams deploy a bullpen as strategically as Milwaukee. All-Star closer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/megiltr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevor Megill<\/a> is the anchor in the bullpen, saving 30 games this season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/u\/uribeab01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Abner Uribe<\/a> provides mid-inning firepower, displaying both consistency and control in this role. The Brewers\u2019 ability to shorten games to six innings has been their calling card all season.<\/p>\n<p>The Dodgers\u2019 bullpen, though improved, remains less predictable. The Brewers will have to be prepared, however, to be able to put up runs late in games. Dodgers reliever <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sasakro01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Roki Sasaki<\/a> has emerged as a major asset for the team. Sasaki&#8217;s late-season outings since returning from injury have displayed elite velocity and poise under pressure. His quick rise from minor league rehab to playoff leader has made him a potential difference-maker in critical games of the series. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vesiaal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Vesia<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/t\/treinbl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blake Treinen<\/a> have also anchored the late innings for the Dodgers.<\/p>\n<p>The Brewers&#8217; pitching staff must ensure that the starters can string enough solid innings together and minimize power hitting. While the Brewers have an advantage in the bullpen, the offense will need to prepare for an improving Dodgers relief corps in the playoffs, especially the starter-turned-reliever Sasaki. If Milwaukee can force early exits from Dodger starters, their bullpen depth could tilt the balance.<\/p>\n<h3>X-Factors<\/h3>\n<p>For the Brewers, the key may be secondary production. If the recent clutch hitting of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/chourja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jackson Chourio<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vaughan01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrew Vaughn<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bauerja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-13_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Bauers<\/a> continues, it could make a difference against Dodgers&#8217; pitching. Defensively, Turang and Frelick headline one of the most athletic defensive units in the league. This gives the Brewers an advantage in run prevention over a Dodgers team that occasionally sacrifices range for offense.\u00a0 While the Dodgers remain the more star-laden roster, Milwaukee\u2019s balance, bullpen, and defensive precision give them a legitimate path to a pennant. The Brewers\u2019 ability to execute in close games and limit power threats could make this a classic, low-scoring NLCS.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 National League Championship Series is set. The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off for the pennant in what promises to be a test of depth, discipline, and sheer pitching dominance. For the Brewers, fresh off their five-game NLDS victory over the Chicago Cubs, this marks their first NLCS appearance since [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5561,"featured_media":104040,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27,1071,35],"tags":[28489,2598,2027,404,2514,6506,28858,2497,4885,28527],"class_list":["post-108310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brewers","category-mlb","category-news","tag-aaron-ashby","tag-andrew-vaughn","tag-brice-turang","tag-christian-yelich","tag-freddy-peralta","tag-jackson-chourio","tag-jacob-misiorowski","tag-jake-bauers","tag-sal-frelick","tag-trevor-megill"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5561"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108310"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108367,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108310\/revisions\/108367"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}