Editorials

NLCS Preview: Game 1 Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers

Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers

Time: 5:09 PM PT

Venue: Miller Park

Series Tied 0-0

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers put away the Braves in four games in the NLDS, finishing them off with 6-2 victory on Monday. Manny Machado hit his second home run of the playoffs in Game 4, while David Freese produced a two-RBI single to give the Dodgers the lead in the sixth inning.

Why is this Game Important?

After having home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Dodgers will begin the NLCS on the road in Milwaukee. They won four out of seven games against the Brewers during the season, including two out of three in Milwaukee. The most recent matchup between these two teams resulted in a 21-5 victory for the Dodgers in Los Angeles.



Pitching Matchup

Clayton Kershaw (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Gio Gonzalez (Has not pitched)*2018 Playoff Stats

The well-rested Clayton Kershaw will open the NLCS for the Dodgers, making his first start since last Friday. He allowed just two hits over eight innings in his only NLDS start against the Braves. Kershaw has a career ERA of 1.78 when he has at least six days of rest.

The Brewers will throw a lefty to match up against Kershaw with Gio Gonzalez taking the hill. Gonzalez did not pitch in the NLDS but has performed well since the Brewers acquired him on August 31. Milwaukee won all five of his starts, as he went 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA with his new ball club.

Matchup of the Day

Matt Kemp vs Gio Gonzalez

Matt Kemp only started one game in the NLDS, raking up just four plate appearances the entire series. He should match the at-bat total from the NLDS in the first game of the NLCS with Gio Gonzalez on the mound. Kemp is batting .333 with two home runs in his career against Gonzalez. He also rakes in Milwaukee with 10 home runs in 41 career games at Miller Park.

Vegas Odds

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 55% chance of winning

Milwaukee: 45% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Brewers last appeared in the NLCS in 2011, losing to the Cardinals in six games.

Dodgers Win With Long Ball, Not Small Ball

Arthur Cribbs

Arthur Cribbs is a journalism student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He is a lifelong Dodgers fan and when he is not at school, he resides in Los Angeles.

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