On Saturday, the Brewers capped off a back and forth 5 game NLDS series with a win to advance into the NLCS, for a 2018 NLCS rematch versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Brewers finished the grueling 162-game regular season with a new franchise record of 97 wins and the best record in baseball, earning them homefield advantage through the playoffs.
The Brewers earned a first-round Wild Card buy due to their exceptional record. However, the Chicago Cubs landed in the first Wild Card spot, where they had to go through a 3 game bout with the Padres to advance to the National League Division Series (NLDS) versus the Brewers. (RELATED: Legislators Weigh Controversial Red Light Camera Bill)
Game 1, was highlighted by a 6-run first inning featuring 3 consecutive doubles. The Crew ran Cubs starter Matthew Boyd out of the first inning, forcing Cubs Manager Craig Counsell’s hand to dip into his already tired bullpen. The Brewers would end up winning by putting up 9 and setting the tone for game 2 where the Brewers would go on to mash 3 more home runs. Including a game tying home run by breakout acquisition Andrew Vaughn, to help fuel them to a 7-3 win.
The Brewers would then go down to Wrigley where they would drop 2 games to even up the series sending it back to American Family Field.
The Brewers would go on to win game 5, courtesy of home runs by Andrew Vaughn, William Contrearas, and the solo-shot dagger by Brice Turang in the seventh inning to seal the deal. Standout pitching performances from opener Trevor Megill, Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, and de facto closer Abner Uribe helped keep the Cubs offense to only 1 run. (RELATED: Mayor Johnson Pushes Wheel Tax Hike to Plug Budget Hole)
The Brewers have now earned their shot to win the National League Pennant against the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers. The Brewers roster has remained relatively similar, besides the substitution of young starter Tobias Myers for reliever Nick Mears. The Crew will begin NLCS campaign on Monday against Blake Snell at 7:08 pm CST in American Family Field.