Los Angeles Dodgers vs Milwaukee Brewers Predictions

Misiorowski drives Milwaukee’s case

Milwaukee is a -113 home favorite in NLCS Game 1, with Los Angeles at -107 and the total at 6. MLB.com lists Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski and Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal as the probable starters.

Misiorowski led MLB during the regular season with a 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts, a 0.80 WHIP and a .157 opponents’ average. Those numbers give Milwaukee the clearest matchup advantage, but the near-even moneylines show how little separates the teams.

Skubal and bullpen usage keep it close

Skubal struck out seven and allowed one run in six innings against Atlanta in NLDS Game 1. That performance supports the low total and gives Los Angeles a credible chance to win a close game.

Milwaukee’s relievers recorded a 0.47 ERA and held opponents to a .169 average over 19 NLDS innings. Their recent workload adds uncertainty: Abner Uribe appeared in all four games, while Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill each pitched three times.

The Dodgers also have health questions. MLB.com reported that Shohei Ohtani is managing right-biceps and left-knee issues, Freddie Freeman is managing a right-knee issue, and Miguel Rojas’ Game 1 availability remained uncertain because of lower-back pain. The projected lineups had not been confirmed.

Betting verdict

Milwaukee is the more likely winner because Misiorowski owns the stronger season-long record and the Brewers have home field. Still, -113 offers little margin in a matchup against Skubal, so the moneyline is a pass.