LOS ANGELES \u2013 Three games into the NLCS, there\u2019s not much doubt as to which team deserves to represent the National League in the World Series.<\/p>\n
After a third consecutive Brewers win, only a historic comeback will prevent Milwaukee from advancing to the World Series. A 6-2 Brewers win gives them a 3-0 advantage in the NLCS, ensuring champagne and celebratory t-shirts will be on hand at Dodger Stadium Thursday in case the visitors clinch.<\/p>\n
The Brewers haven\u2019t been this close to the World Series since 1982, when they lost to the Cardinals in their lone appearance. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are stumbling to the finish line in defence of their 2024 and 2025 championships.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Entering the game, the Dodgers were desperate for a power outburst. They sung the praises of Shohei Ohtani<\/a> despite his struggles. They bumped Kyle Tucker up in the batting order, citing his even splits. But for the third game in a row, they had no answers offensively.\u00a0<\/p>\n If the end is nearing for baseball\u2019s two-time defending champions, it\u2019s because their offence has been abysmal. Will Smith\u2019s sixth-inning double was only the second extra-base hit of the series for the Dodgers, who managed just five hits in total on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Now, the corresponding part of that equation is the Brewers, who have done a tremendous job at limiting the offence that ranked fourth in baseball in runs scored this season. Give Milwaukee credit. But the Dodgers\u2019 legacy exists because they usually beat good pitching. Not this time \u2014 at least, not so far.<\/p>\n