Brewers Take 2-0 NLCS Lead Over Dodgers

Milwaukee beat Los Angeles 2-1 in Game 1 and 7-4 in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. In the opener, Garrett Mitchell caught Mookie Betts’ fly ball at the center-field warning track for the final out after the Brewers scored twice against starter Tarik Skubal and used four pitching changes to protect their lead. In Game 2, a walk to Brice Turang after catcher Will Smith did not challenge a called ball helped spark a two-run inning, and the Dodgers’ leads did not hold despite a reshuffled lineup. Milwaukee’s defense, pitching changes and franchise-record 103-win regular season have fueled its start, though limited traditional starting options could pose a challenge; Los Angeles remained a slight favorite to win the NL pennant. The Brewers are seeking their first World Series appearance since 1982, while the Dodgers are trying to defend their title after sweeping Milwaukee in last year’s NLCS.