Quick answer: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bid for a third consecutive World Series championship ended October 15, 2026, when the Milwaukee Brewers completed a four-game sweep in the National League Championship Series. Milwaukee won Game 4, 6-4, after rallying from a 4-0 deficit.
The Dodgers entered the 2026 postseason with a chance to make more history. Instead, their title defense ended abruptly in front of their home crowd, as the Milwaukee Brewers once again proved difficult to put away. The sweep was particularly painful for Los Angeles because it came one year after the Dodgers swept Milwaukee in the 2025 NLCS.
How the Dodgers lost control of Game 4
Los Angeles looked poised to extend the series after taking a 4-0 lead in the second inning. Andy Pages drove in the opening run, and Shohei Ohtani followed with a three-run homer that energized Dodger Stadium. But Milwaukee gradually worked its way back into the game, forcing the Dodgers to use their bullpen earlier than they would have wanted.
The Brewers cut the lead to 4-2 in the fourth inning, then scored twice in the fifth to tie it. Milwaukee took advantage of walks and aggressive baserunning, turning pressure into runs without needing a string of big hits. Garrett Mitchell’s solo home run in the sixth gave the Brewers their first lead of the game, and David Hamilton added an insurance homer in the ninth.
Milwaukee’s relievers handled the most dangerous moments. Aaron Ashby worked the final three innings without allowing a run, securing the save and ending the Dodgers’ season.
Ohtani’s homer was not enough
Ohtani’s three-run shot offered a glimpse of the offensive force that had helped define Los Angeles’ recent championship run. Yet the Dodgers could not build on that early surge. Milwaukee’s pitchers repeatedly escaped high-pressure situations, while the Dodgers left opportunities on the field after the second inning.
That contrast became the story of the night: Los Angeles landed the biggest early punch, but Milwaukee stayed patient and kept the game within reach. By the time Mitchell homered, the momentum had shifted decisively.
A historic reversal from the 2025 postseason
The result created a striking postseason reversal. The Dodgers swept the Brewers out of the 2025 NLCS; this time, Milwaukee swept Los Angeles out of the playoffs. The Brewers became the first team to sweep the same opponent that had swept them in the previous postseason, according to reports on the series.
The loss also ended the Dodgers’ attempt to win three straight World Series titles. Their championship run stopped before the Fall Classic, while Milwaukee secured its first National League pennant since 1982 and moved one step closer to its first World Series championship.
What the Dodgers need to address next
Los Angeles will have to assess its postseason offense, pitching workload and roster health during the offseason. Injuries affected key players, but the four-game result also exposed how quickly a series can turn when a team cannot convert scoring chances and an opponent’s bullpen keeps shutting the door.
The Dodgers still have a championship-caliber core, but a third consecutive title was never guaranteed. The Brewers forced them to play from behind repeatedly, and Los Angeles could not find a consistent answer. The offseason challenge is to determine which problems were caused by health and short-term variance, and which need a deeper roster or tactical response.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Dodgers get eliminated from the 2026 playoffs?
Yes. The Brewers defeated Los Angeles 6-4 in Game 4 on October 15, completing a four-game sweep in the NLCS.
What was the final score of NLCS Game 4?
Milwaukee beat Los Angeles 6-4 after trailing 4-0 early in the game.
Who hit the go-ahead home run?
Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to give Milwaukee the lead.
Did Shohei Ohtani homer in the elimination game?
Yes. Ohtani hit a three-run homer in the second inning, but the Dodgers did not score again.
When did the Dodgers last win the World Series?
Los Angeles won consecutive championships in 2024 and 2025. Its attempt to win a third straight title ended with the 2026 NLCS sweep.
Watch the official game highlights: Brewers vs. Dodgers Game 4 highlights (MLB.com).
Reporting sources: Associated Press, MLB.com, and Reuters.
