When Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers clash in the 2025 National League Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field, baseball fans get a sequel to a rivalry that’s been simmering since 2018. The matchup is set for Monday, October 20 at 8:08 p.m. ET on FOX, and the stakes could not be higher.
Just two days earlier, the Brewers snapped a six‑game postseason series losing streak with a dramatic Game 5 NLDS win on October 18, 2025. That victory lifted a curse that began when they fell to the Dodgers in the 2018 NLCS, and now they eye their first National League pennant since the 1982 World Series run.
Historical Context and the Weight of the Past
The 2018 NLCS loss still haunts Milwaukee. Six straight series defeats later, the Brewers finally broke through, only to face the same foe that started the drought. The contrast between the franchises is stark: the Dodgers have lifted the World Series trophy six times, most recently in 2020, while the Brewers have never won a championship.
That history fuels every at‑bat, every pitch. Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two‑way phenom, embodies the modern star – a pitcher who can also slug home runs. The Brewers, on the other hand, lean on power hitters like William Contreras, whose bat has already lit up the NLDS.
Expert Predictions: Numbers and Nuance
MLB.com’s expert panel polled between October 12 and 18, 2025, gave the Dodgers a commanding 81 % vote – 21 out of 26 experts chose them to take the NLCS. The remaining five votes split among Brewers players, with Contreras the sole multiple‑vote recipient.
In a post‑game interview on October 18, Martín Gallegos, MLB.com’s club reporter, hinted at Ohtani’s impact: “He’ll wake up after a relatively quiet NLDS in a big way.” The sentiment highlights how Ohtani’s dual role could tip the balance.
Dodgers’ Strengths: Depth, Rotation, and Versatility
The Dodgers bring a depth that few teams can match. Their rotation features veteran arms and the unique asset of Ohtani, who can start on the mound and then swing the bat later in the same game. The lineup also includes perennial All‑Star Mookie Betts, who, according to CBS Sports HQ analyst Matt Snyder, “has been his old self for the last six weeks, really hitting the ball hard.”
Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernández add consistency, while Max Muncy and Will Smith (back from a hand injury) provide late‑order punch. Snyder summed it up in a six‑minute, nineteen‑second video preview: “The Dodgers again have the better rotation. They have the better lineup.”
Brewers’ Edge: Bullpen and Home‑Field Advantage
While the Dodgers’ rotation shines, the Brewers may counter with a superior bullpen, especially if left‑hander Brandon Woodruff returns from injury. Snyder noted, “Having an extra starter there just makes the bullpen better because you get guys down to the bullpen from the rotation.” Woodruff’s fastball (averaging 95 mph) could be a game‑changer in late innings.
American Family Field also grants Milwaukee a familiar backdrop. The sun‑baked Midwest evenings often favor power hitters, and the Brewers’ roster is packed with right‑handed sluggers ready to exploit the wind‑assisted conditions.
What’s at Stake: Money, Glory, and the World Series Ticket
The winner walks away with a shot at the 2025 World Series, set to begin on Friday, October 25. The champion receives the Commissioner's Trophy and a $37,941,808 prize pool, according to MLB’s postseason distribution guidelines. Beyond the cash, the series offers a massive boost in merchandise sales, TV ratings, and local economic impact for the host city.
For the Brewers, a win would end a 43‑year curtain‑call without a pennant. For the Dodgers, it’s a chance to add another league title to an already glittering résumé and defend the title they captured just five years earlier.
Looking Ahead: Possible Scenarios
If the series splits the first two games in Milwaukee, the momentum could swing dramatically when the action moves to Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers’ home‑field advantage, combined with the roar of over 56,000 fans, could tilt close contests in their favor.
Conversely, a decisive Game 1 win for Milwaukee could shift the pressure onto Los Angeles, forcing them to rely on Ohtani’s versatility and Betts’ bat to stay alive. The series is poised to be a tactical chess match between rotation depth and bullpen firepower.
- Start Date: October 20, 2025 – 8:08 p.m. ET
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- Broadcast: FOX (national TV)
- Key Players: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, William Contreras, Brandon Woodruff
- Expert Vote: 81 % favor Dodgers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers’ bullpen advantage affect the series?
A strong bullpen can shut down late‑inning rallies and preserve leads. If Brandon Woodruff returns, his high‑velocity fastball adds depth, allowing the Brewers to shorten the Dodgers’ rotation advantage and force more high‑leverage situations.
What makes Shohei Ohtani’s role unique in this NLCS?
Ohtani can start games as a pitcher and then bat in the lineup, giving the Dodgers flexibility in managing their rotation. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball could allow Los Angeles to rest a starter without losing offensive firepower.
Why is the 2025 NLCS considered a historic showdown?
It pits the Dodgers against the Brewers for the first time since the 2018 NLCS, a series that started a six‑year postseason losing streak for Milwaukee. The matchup also features a team seeking its first pennant since 1982 versus a franchise with multiple recent titles.
What are the financial implications of the series for both clubs?
Both clubs stand to earn significant revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and merchandise. While exact figures are undisclosed, past NLCS games have generated upwards of $30 million in combined local and national economic activity.
When will the World Series begin if a team wins the NLCS?
The 2025 World Series is scheduled to start on Friday, October 25, 2025, just five days after the NLCS opener, giving the winning club a short turnaround before the championship showdown.
Written by Kieran Blackthorne
Hello, I'm Kieran Blackthorne, a gaming enthusiast and expert. I have an extensive knowledge of various games, ranging from popular mainstream titles to hidden indie gems. As a passionate writer, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and in-depth analysis of the gaming world through articles and blogs. I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing, whether it's a groundbreaking game or an innovative piece of gaming technology. My ultimate goal is to help fellow gamers discover and appreciate the incredible experiences that the gaming world has to offer.
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