The roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and the sheer unpredictability of postseason baseball were all on full display during the National League Championship Series. Game 4 between the Brewers and Dodgers promised high drama, especially with the Dodgers facing elimination after losing the first three games. This was not just another game; it was a do-or-die situation for a team that had previously swept the Brewers in last year’s championship series and harbored aspirations of a historic three-peat.
Indeed, the pressure in the NLCS Game 4 was immense for both teams. Historically, overcoming a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series is an incredibly rare feat, having been accomplished only once before in MLB history. The Dodgers, burdened by their previous postseason struggles and a desire to make their own history, entered the game with a clear understanding of the challenge before them.
Early Innings: Pitching Dominance and Dodgers’ Initial Strike
The game began with a pitching duel, showcasing the talent on both sides. Tyler Glasnow, a imposing 6-foot-8-inch right-hander, took the mound for the Dodgers and quickly asserted his dominance. He was observed retiring the first two Brewers batters with impressive efficiency, including a high fastball that caught Bryce Turang looking for the first strikeout of the game. Jackson Chourio led off the game for the Brewers with instant action, but his ball ricocheted for an out.
Glasnow’s performance continued to be remarkable during the initial frames. By the end of the second inning, he had already recorded six strikeouts out of the eight batters faced. This early success highlighted his exceptional control and the challenge he presented to the Milwaukee lineup.
For the Brewers, their pitching strategy involved a less experienced arm, 27-year-old rookie Shane Drohan. Drohan, who had not pitched for three weeks due to an elbow issue and had only thrown 10 innings over the past month and a half, faced a formidable Dodgers lineup. Despite the inexperience, he managed to escape a bases-loaded threat in the first inning with a crucial 6-4-3 double play turned by the Brewers’ defense, maintaining a scoreless game momentarily.
However, the Dodgers were eventually able to break through in the second inning. Kyle Tucker started the frame with a base hit, continuing his impressive streak of reaching base in all eight of his playoff games. Teoscar Hernandez followed with another hit, setting the stage for Andy Paez. Paez, known for his clutch hitting with runners in scoring position, delivered an RBI single, which opened the scoring for the Dodgers. This hit was significant as it was revealed that three of the Dodgers’ four hits with runners in scoring position this postseason had come from Paez, demonstrating his reliability in crucial moments.
Ohtani’s Resurgence and the Brewers’ Incredible Comeback
Momentum seemed to swing further in the Dodgers’ favor when Shohei Ohtani stepped to the plate. Despite enduring a dreadful slump since mid-August, Ohtani launched a high drive deep to center field. This home run, his first since August 18th, sent an electrifying jolt through Dodger Stadium, extending the lead to 4-0. The emotion displayed by Ohtani, a rare sight, underscored the relief felt by both the player and the team.
Nevertheless, the Brewers, a team known for their resilience, were not prepared to concede. Their offense began to chip away at the Dodgers’ lead in the fourth inning. William Contreras hit a hard ball down the left-field line, resulting in an automatic double and marking Milwaukee’s first hit of the game. With runners in scoring position, Jake Bauers, a player celebrated for his long at-bats and clutch hitting, delivered a two-run double. This significant hit, a curveball smoked 109 mph into the right-field corner, cut the Dodgers’ lead in half, making the score 4-2.
The Brewers’ comeback continued into the fifth inning. David Frelick, known for his speed and ability to create chaos on the bases, reached base and successfully stole second. This put the tying run in scoring position. David Hamilton then capitalized on the opportunity with a run-scoring single, bringing the Brewers within one run at 4-3. This sequence led to the departure of Tyler Glasnow from the game, marking an end to his impressive but ultimately challenged outing.
The relentless Brewers offense refused to be silenced. Against the Dodgers’ bullpen, which had struggled to maintain length, Milwaukee managed to load the bases. A walk issued to a batter with nowhere to put him resulted in the tying run scoring. Just like that, from being down 4-0, the Brewers had tied the NLCS Game 4 at four runs apiece, creating a palpable sense of disbelief within Dodger Stadium.
Late-Game Drama: Mitchell’s Go-Ahead Homer and Bullpen Battles
The game’s narrative took another dramatic turn in the sixth inning. Garrett Mitchell, who had homered in the previous game, once again showcased his power, sending a fly ball deep to right-center field that cleared the wall. This go-ahead home run propelled the Brewers into a 5-4 lead, completing an astonishing five-run unanswered surge. The sudden shift in score caused the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium to deflate, as the Brewers now found themselves in a position to sweep the series.
The late innings were characterized by intense bullpen performances. For the Brewers, JoJo Romero entered the game and immediately struck out Shohei Ohtani, showcasing a nasty breaking ball. Aaron Ashby also proved to be a critical component of the Milwaukee bullpen, effectively shutting down the Dodgers’ offense. He demonstrated remarkable composure, stranding runners in scoring position in consecutive innings during the late stages of this critical game.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, were consistently presented with opportunities to score but struggled to capitalize. Players such as Freddy Freeman, who was 1 for 18 in the Championship Series, found it challenging to deliver key hits. Despite having runners in scoring position in three consecutive innings during the late game, the Dodgers were O for 5 in those high-pressure situations, a recurring theme that contributed to their struggles in the NLCS Game 4.
Extra Innings: Your NLCS Game 4 Questions
What baseball game is this article about?
This article describes Game 4 of the 2026 National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What was the initial score of the game?
The Los Angeles Dodgers took an early lead in Game 4, going up 4-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
How did the Milwaukee Brewers win the game?
The Brewers achieved an incredible comeback, scoring five unanswered runs to overcome a 4-0 deficit and take the lead, ultimately winning the game.
Who hit a key home run for the Dodgers early in the game?
Shohei Ohtani hit an emotional home run, his first since mid-August, which extended the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0.
Who hit the go-ahead home run for the Brewers?
Garrett Mitchell hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, propelling the Brewers into a 5-4 lead after their comeback.