Milwaukee’s long wait is over. The Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games in the 2026 National League Championship Series, clinching the pennant with a 6–4 comeback win at Dodger Stadium on October 15. Milwaukee is headed to the World Series for the first time since 1982, ending the Dodgers’ bid for a third straight championship.
The finish was dramatic: the Brewers fell behind 4–0 early, chipped away, then took the lead on Garrett Mitchell’s solo home run in the sixth. David Hamilton added insurance with a ninth-inning homer, while the bullpen protected the advantage. This was not one swing in isolation; it was a four-game pattern of patience, timely contact and relief pitching under pressure. Read MLB’s official recap and The Associated Press report for game details.
Brewers vs. Dodgers: NLCS Game 4 at a glance
- Final score: Milwaukee Brewers 6, Los Angeles Dodgers 4.
- Series result: Brewers win 4–0.
- Go-ahead hit: Garrett Mitchell’s sixth-inning home run.
- Insurance run: David Hamilton’s ninth-inning homer.
- NLCS MVP: Jake Bauers.
- Next: World Series Game 1 is scheduled for October 23, with Milwaukee hosting.
Photo transparency: The feature image and in-article photos are archival player or team images from earlier games or media sessions, not photos of the October 15 clincher. Confirm the relevant image license or permission before commercial reuse.
Garrett Mitchell’s homer changed the game
The Dodgers looked in control after taking a 4–0 lead in the second inning, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s three-run homer. Milwaukee did not unravel. The Brewers gradually narrowed the gap, forcing Los Angeles to navigate long at-bats and traffic on the bases. Once the score was tied, Mitchell’s 409-foot drive to center field put Milwaukee ahead 5–4. It was a high-leverage swing against reliever Tanner Scott—and the moment the comeback became a lead.
Milwaukee’s response matters because a four-run deficit against an experienced champion can tempt a team to chase the game with one big swing. Instead, the Brewers kept creating opportunities. Walks, baserunning and contact helped them erase the deficit before Mitchell delivered the decisive blow. That sequence explains the win better than simply calling it an upset.
Jake Bauers earns NLCS MVP as the lineup shares the work
Bauers’ value went beyond a single headline moment. He helped start the comeback with a two-run double and later drew a bases-loaded walk that tied the game. His series performance earned him NLCS MVP honors. The award captures a broader point about Milwaukee’s run: the Brewers did not rely on one superstar carrying every inning. Different hitters contributed at different points, keeping pressure on Los Angeles.
Hamilton’s homer provided breathing room and underlined the depth of the performance. Contributions from the bottom of a lineup can change how an opponent manages its bullpen and late innings, especially in a close postseason game.
Milwaukee’s bullpen shut the door
After the Dodgers’ four-run second inning, Milwaukee’s pitchers kept Los Angeles off the scoreboard for the final seven innings, according to game reports. Ashby handled the final three frames, helping protect the lead through late threats. The result was a team win in the clearest sense: the offense erased the deficit, the defense converted outs, and the relievers prevented the Dodgers from answering.
Why this sweep is historic
Milwaukee’s previous World Series appearance came in 1982, when the franchise was still in the American League and lost a seven-game series to the St. Louis Cardinals. The 2026 pennant is the Brewers’ first as a National League club and their first trip back to baseball’s final round in 44 years.
The sweep also reverses the recent story between these clubs. The Dodgers swept Milwaukee out of the previous postseason, then won back-to-back World Series titles. This time, Milwaukee swept Los Angeles and stopped its attempt to win a third consecutive championship. That reversal reflects how quickly a postseason matchup can change when a team improves its late-game execution and gets contributions throughout the roster.
What happens next?
The Brewers are scheduled to open the World Series at home on October 23 against the winner of the American League Championship Series between Cleveland and Tampa Bay. Milwaukee has several days to rest its bullpen and prepare for a different opponent. The next question is whether the club can carry the same composure into the final series—and turn a historic pennant into its first World Series title.
For the defining clips, watch the official MLB video of Mitchell’s go-ahead homer and check the Milwaukee Brewers’ official site for verified highlights and team updates.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Brewers sweep the Dodgers in the 2026 NLCS?
Yes. Milwaukee won the best-of-seven National League Championship Series four games to none.
What was the score of Game 4?
The Brewers beat the Dodgers 6–4 on October 15, 2026, after trailing 4–0 early in the game.
Who hit the go-ahead home run?
Garrett Mitchell hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to give Milwaukee a 5–4 lead.
Who was the NLCS MVP?
Jake Bauers was named the series’ Most Valuable Player after delivering key hits and run-producing plate appearances.
When was Milwaukee’s previous World Series appearance?
The Brewers last reached the World Series in 1982. Their 2026 pennant is their first return in 44 years.
When does the 2026 World Series begin?
Game 1 is scheduled for October 23, 2026, with Milwaukee hosting the opener.
Sources
- MLB: Brewers sweep Dodgers and reach the World Series
- Associated Press: Brewers complete the NLCS sweep
- Reuters: Brewers rally to earn first World Series bid since 1982
By Shivam Das
