Dodgers Notes: Why LA Lost NLCS Game 1, Andrew Friedman's Request, Dodgers Can't Overlook Brewers

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Dodgers Notes: Why LA Lost NLCS Game 1, Andrew Friedman's Request, Dodgers Can't Overlook Brewers

will smith — Oct 11, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) reacts as Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell (5) scores during the fifth inning in game one of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Gabe Smallson · Los Angeles Dodgers On SI

Mon, Oct 12, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The Los Angeles Dodgers lost Game 1 of the National League Championship Series to the Milwaukee Brewers, 2-1, on Sunday evening.

Reigning two-time Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal got the start and struck out seven across five innings of work. He allowed two earned runs, five hits and two walks on the night.

Offensively, the lone run was scored in the second inning by the only Dodger who has successfully hit with runners in scoring position this postseason: Andy Pages. The two-time defending champions left nine on base during Game 1, something that has become all too familiar this October- and a big reason why LA lost the series opener.

In other news, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman had one request for his offense during the NLCS. After Pages' bases-loaded single during Game 4 of the NL Division Series, Friedman was asked if it was part of the plan for the team to win while having just one hit with runners in scoring position the whole series.

"No, it was not [part of the plan], but the one [hit] was big," Friedman said. "I think it speaks to the vast number of ways we can win a baseball game. But certainly, for quality of life, [I] would like us to cash in a few more of those opportunities in the next round."

Finally, heading into the NLCS, the Dodgers On SI staff revealed why LA couldn't overlook the Brewers. Jacob Misiorowski represented the elite starting pitching power Milwaukee has (five strikeouts and one earned run in 4.1 innings), but aspects of the team like their dominant bullpen and youth may prove to be difference-makers moving forward.

Another area the Brewers appeared to best the Dodgers at was the ability to play their own brand of small-ball baseball. A solo home run tied things up in the fourth inning - something reminiscent of the Dodgers' main source of run production - but the team manufactured the eventual game-winning run in the fifth inning via a walk, sacrifice bunt and a single.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/onsi as Dodgers Notes: Why LA Lost NLCS Game 1, Andrew Friedman's Request, Dodgers Can't Overlook Brewers .

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