Dodgers Face Brewers in NLCS Game 1 Showdown
Dodgers Face Brewers in NLCS Game 1 Showdown
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to take on the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. The matchup will occur on Monday night in Milwaukee, promising an exciting start to the series.
Lineup Changes for the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ lineup closely resembles their previous postseason formations but welcomes back Max Muncy at third base. He is positioned seventh in the batting order. Muncy has proven valuable this postseason, amassing five hits, one double, three walks, and one hit by pitch, resulting in a batting average of .313 with a .450 on-base percentage and a .375 slugging percentage.
- Position: 3rd Base
- Batting Order: 7th
- Postseason Stats: 5 hits, 16 at-bats, .313 average
Notably, Shohei Ohtani will lead off for the Dodgers, with Freddie Freeman batting cleanup. This setup features three left-handed hitters spaced between two right-handed batters or switch-hitters. This arrangement complicates potential matchups with left-handed relievers.
Brewers’ Strategy
The Brewers have opted for an opener strategy in this game, starting with left-hander Aaron Ashby on the mound. According to Milwaukee’s manager, Pat Murphy, right-hander Quinn Priester is expected to come in for bulk relief later in the game.
Andy Pages’ Struggles
Dodgers’ outfielder Andy Pages finds himself batting ninth again after struggling this postseason. So far, he has recorded only one hit in 24 at-bats across six games. His performance has led to decreased batting positions, changing from seventh to eighth in previous games.
- Position: 9th in batting order
- Postseason Stats: 1 hit, 24 at-bats
Manager Dave Roberts commented on Pages’ struggles, noting he’s been tentative and not fully synchronized mechanically at the plate. Roberts highlighted that Pages has been challenged by fastballs located at the top of the strike zone, impacting his performance significantly.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers prepare for this crucial matchup against the Brewers, all eyes will be on the lineup strength and pitching strategies. The outcome of Game 1 could set the tone for the rest of the NLCS.
