The Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of elimination after falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. Down 3-0 in the series, the Brewers now face elimination on the road in Game 4.
Unfortunately for Milwaukee, a return to American Family Field would require winning two straight in Los Angeles. They won’t play at home again until a potential Game 6.
While the Brewers’ pitching has been serviceable, their offense has completely disappeared. In Game 2, Milwaukee surrendered a series-high five runs, but Games 1 and 3 were competitive, with the Dodgers scoring just two and three runs. Still, Milwaukee’s lack of offense has left little margin for error.
The Brewers have scored three runs or fewer in six straight playoff games, a drought that began in the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs. Over their last five postseason games, they have scored one run or fewer four times, including one shutout.
Only three Brewers are batting above .215 in consistent at-bats: pinch-hitter Jake Bauers, third baseman Caleb Durbin and leadoff man Jackson Chourio. Key regulars Brice Turang and Sal Frelick are hitting below .190, while Christian Yelich and William Contreras are each at .200.
The Brewers have totaled just nine hits in the first three games of the NLCS. The Dodgers surpassed that number in Game 2 alone, recording 11 hits.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Brewers still have the talent that led them to baseball’s best regular-season record. To avoid elimination — and mount a historic comeback — they’ll need their bats to wake up immediately.