Quick answer: Yes, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still alive in the 2026 MLB postseason, but their margin for error is gone. Milwaukee beat Los Angeles 6-2 in Game 3 on October 14 to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. The Dodgers must win Game 4 on Thursday to avoid elimination.
The defending champions have reached a sudden crossroads. The Brewers won the first two games and carried that momentum into Dodger Stadium. The final score says 6-2; the larger story is how quickly the game turned after Los Angeles briefly moved in front.
What happened in Dodgers vs. Brewers Game 3?
Milwaukee opened the scoring when Jackson Chourio homered on the first pitch against Dodgers starter Blake Snell. Los Angeles stayed in the contest and briefly took a 2-1 lead in the sixth when Will Smith delivered a two-run double.
The decisive swing came in the seventh. Jake Bauers worked through an extended at-bat before launching a two-run homer that put Milwaukee ahead 3-2. Garrett Mitchell followed with a solo home run, turning a narrow Brewers deficit into a two-run advantage. Milwaukee added insurance later and finished with a 6-2 victory.
Why the seventh inning changed the series
Milwaukee made Snell work, then punished a mistake when the game was on the line. Bauers’ homer gave the Brewers the lead; Mitchell’s blast immediately afterward reduced the room for a Dodgers comeback. Rookie left-hander Robert Gasser delivered five scoreless innings, and Milwaukee’s bullpen protected the advantage. Los Angeles managed only five hits and did not hit a home run, leaving too much pressure on a handful of scoring chances.
Are the Dodgers eliminated?
No—not after Game 3. In a best-of-seven series, a team must lose four games to be eliminated. Milwaukee leads 3-0, so the Dodgers need four consecutive wins to advance. Game 4 is an elimination game for Los Angeles: a Brewers win ends the Dodgers’ season, while a Dodgers win sends the series back to Milwaukee for Game 5.
A comeback from 0-3 is exceptionally difficult. The immediate priority is to create offense earlier, avoid leaving runners stranded and keep the game close enough for the bullpen to matter. One win would not erase the first three losses, but it would give the team another opportunity.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers’ offense face the spotlight
Shohei Ohtani recorded a single in the eighth inning, but Los Angeles needs more sustained production. The pressure should not rest on one player alone: the Dodgers need traffic on the bases, productive at-bats with runners in scoring position and fewer missed opportunities.
What to watch in Game 4
- Early offense: Los Angeles needs to convert scoring chances before Milwaukee’s bullpen settles in.
- Starting-pitcher length: A deeper outing would reduce pressure on the relief corps.
- Timely hitting: The Dodgers must avoid leaving runners stranded.
- Composure: A comeback begins with one win, not with thinking about all four.
Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at Dodger Stadium. Check the official MLB postseason schedule for updates and the official Game 3 highlights for key plays.
Dodgers playoff fate: the bottom line
The Dodgers are not yet eliminated, but the situation is stark: Milwaukee leads the NLCS 3-0 after a 6-2 Game 3 win. Los Angeles must win Game 4 to keep its season alive. Better execution—timely hitting, fewer wasted opportunities and enough pitching to give the offense a chance—is now essential.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Dodgers eliminated from the 2026 playoffs?
No. They trail Milwaukee 3-0 but remain alive until the Brewers win a fourth game.
What was the score of Game 3?
The Brewers beat the Dodgers 6-2 on October 14, 2026, at Dodger Stadium.
Who hit the key home runs for Milwaukee?
Jake Bauers hit the go-ahead two-run homer, followed by Garrett Mitchell’s solo home run.
When is NLCS Game 4?
Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026. Check MLB’s official schedule for updates.
What do the Dodgers need to do to survive?
They must win Game 4. A loss would give Milwaukee a 4-0 series sweep and send the Brewers to the World Series.
This article reflects information available after Game 3 on October 14, 2026. Photo rights remain with their respective owners; confirm licensing before commercial publication.
