Dodgers Struggle in NLCS Against Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves struggling on Wednesday, but the most impactful moment came not on the field, but from the locker room. After a 6-2 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, marking their third consecutive loss in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), All-Star third baseman Max Muncy delivered a stark assessment.

Muncy commented bluntly, “We’re playing like s—, they’re playing great.” This quote followed a series where Muncy had yet to make a significant impact at the plate.

The Dodgers’ woes continued, as they struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Despite Muncy’s efforts in the postseason where he’s notched three home runs, his hits largely came during the National League Division Series (NLDS). In the NLCS, the Dodgers have failed to hit a single home run and have found themselves unable to deliver critical hits.

The Dodgers are 3-for-32 with runners in scoring position during the postseason.

Wednesday saw a moment of hope when catcher Will Smith produced a clutch hit in the sixth inning, driving in two runs with a ball off the wall in left-center field, briefly giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. However, their momentum was halted by Brewers reliever DL Hall, who struck out the following two batters, leaving no room for additional gains.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, their lead evaporated quickly. Jake Bauers of the Brewers hit a two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning, after a challenging encounter with pitcher Blake Snell, to put Milwaukee ahead 3-2. Garrett Mitchell then added to the Brewers’ advantage with a solo home run, making the score 4-2.

The Dodgers’ struggle continued as they failed to respond, going down in order with nine consecutive batters retired to close the game.

The defeat casts a long shadow on the Dodgers’ aspirations for a third consecutive World Series title. Down 3-0 in the series, their quest appears increasingly dim. As described by Muncy, the team’s poor performance poses a threat to their history-making goals.

As the series progresses, the Dodgers aim to avoid a sweep against the Brewers in their next game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on FOX.