Tom Verducci: Ten Lessons We Learned From Brewers' Cliffhanging NLCS Game 1 Win Over Dodgers

Milwaukee’s Brewers didn’t just win Game 1 of the 2026 NLCS over the Dodgers 2–1—they did it with a “cliffhanger” pattern that kept opponents close all postseason. In five playoff games and 45 innings, the tying run stayed no farther than on deck, and Milwaukee won four of those five. The story credits the win to pitching and to the manager’s ability to manufacture late runs: a walk, bunt, and single set up Milwaukee’s go-ahead tally. The article highlights velocity, noting Brewers pitchers averaged 97.7 mph on fastballs and allowed only three extra-base hits across five postseason games. It also emphasizes bullpen sinkers—Milwaukee allowed one earned run—and highlights starter Jacob Misiorowski’s form as a key factor.