The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 on Thursday in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series in Los Angeles, sweeping the series and securing their first World Series berth since 1982. The Brewers, who have never won an MLB title, will face either the Cleveland Guardians or Tampa Bay Rays in the Fall Classic.

How did the Brewers complete the sweep?

Garrett Mitchell hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, according to the Associated Press. Milwaukee's bullpen held the Dodgers scoreless late to preserve the win.

David Hamilton also homered in the ninth inning. The victory ended Los Angeles' bid for a third consecutive championship. The Dodgers had entered the postseason as two-time defending champions, and a third straight title would have placed them alongside the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics as the only teams to accomplish the feat, according to NBC News.

What fueled Milwaukee's run through the NLCS?

Milwaukee's bullpen and timely hitting were critical in building a 3-0 series lead.

  • In Game 1, Jacob Misiorowski allowed one run over 4.1 innings, and four relievers combined for two hits and no runs in a 2-1 win.
  • In Game 2, four relievers retired the final 15 Dodgers batters in order after starter Logan Henderson struggled early, sealing a 7-4 victory.
  • In Game 3, rookie Robert Gasser pitched five scoreless innings, and back-to-back home runs by Jake Bauers and Mitchell in the seventh provided the winning margin.

"All three games we've played so far, and hopefully that continues, where just every time they score, we come back and score," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said, according to NBC News. "That's not easy to do in baseball."

What does this mean for the Dodgers?

The loss ends Los Angeles' pursuit of a third straight World Series title. The Brewers, meanwhile, advance to the World Series for the first time in 44 years. Their only previous appearance came in 1982, when they won the American League pennant as a member of the AL.

FAQ

When did the Brewers last reach the World Series?

The Brewers last reached the World Series in 1982, when they were in the American League. This is their first NL pennant.

Who will the Brewers face in the World Series?

Milwaukee will play either the Cleveland Guardians or the Tampa Bay Rays in the Fall Classic.