Dodgers Seek Sweep, Brewers Fight Elimination in NLCS Game 4

• oleh Fahri Setiawan
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When Los Angeles Dodgers step onto the mound at Dodger Stadium this Friday, they’re eyeing a clean sweep of the 2025 National League Championship Series Game 4. Across the grass, the Milwaukee Brewers know they’re one win away from staving off elimination. The clash kicks off at 8:38 p.m. EDT on October 17, 2025, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer.

Series Overview

The NLCS has already tilted heavily in the Dodgers’ favor. After three games, they lead 3‑0 and have allowed a mere three runs total. By contrast, the Brewers’ offense—one of the most prolific units in the regular season with a 97‑65 record—has gone surprisingly silent, managing just two runs in the first three contests.

Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, has kept his rotation steady, leaning on a veteran‑heavy staff. The Brewers, led by manager Craig Counsell, experimented with an opener in Game 3 that backfired, leaving them without a clear starter for Friday’s must‑win.

Key Players and Matchups

At the heart of the Dodgers’ line‑up is Shohei Ohtani. The two‑way star will take the ball for his third straight NLCS start. In the previous round against Philadelphia, Ohtani surrendered three earned runs and three hits over six innings—solid, but not dominant. Still, his ability to flip between pitcher and hitter adds a layer of intrigue every time he steps onto the mound.

For Milwaukee, all eyes are on outfielder Christian Yelich. He’s tied with Robin Yount and Paul Molitor for second‑most postseason hits in franchise history, 22 to the leader’s 35 (Ryan Braun). Yelich’s bat could be the catalyst that snaps the Brewers’ slump, but it’s up against a Dodgers defense that has smothered opponents all series so far.

Other notable names include catcher William Contreras, who’s been a steady presence behind the plate for Milwaukee, and shortstop Gavin Lux, who has supplied timely hits for Los Angeles. Both teams also have depth in the bullpen; Dodgers’ closer Josh Hader boasts a career postseason ERA under 2.00, while Brewers rely on rookie closer Trevor Larnach, who made a splash in Game 2.

Betting Odds and Market Reaction

SportsChatPlace lists the Dodgers at -194 on the moneyline, meaning a $100 wager would net $51.40 if they win. The Brewers sit at +158, offering a $158 profit on a $100 bet. The over/under line wasn’t published in the sources we’ve seen, but given the low‑scoring nature of the first three games, many sportsbooks are setting the total under 7.5 runs.

Analyst Jordan Meyer from SportsChatPlace remarked, “I don’t think we’re getting much value on the Dodgers, but the Brewers are worth a look at these odds. If LA loses focus, Milwaukee could pull a surprise.” The sentiment reflects a small but growing contrarian edge, especially among bettors who favor high‑variance outcomes in elimination games.

Historical Context and Postseason Trends

The Brewers entered the 2025 postseason with the National League’s third‑best regular‑season record, yet their playoff résumé is thin. Their last NLCS appearance was in 2018, and they’ve never advanced past the league championship series. Conversely, the Dodgers boast five World Series titles since 2015 and have made the NLCS six times in the past decade.

When a team goes down 0‑3 in a best‑of‑seven series, history is unforgiving: no MLB team has ever rallied to win. The odds, both statistical and psychological, heavily favor the Dodgers. Still, the “magic brew” fans chant about after each Brewers run—referencing the team’s nickname—shows the city still believes in a miracle.

What’s at Stake for Both Teams

If the Dodgers clinch Game 4, they’ll march into the World Series with a rested bullpen and a confident lineup. Their next opponent is still unknown, but the early sweep gives them a strategic advantage: extra rest days, a chance to set a proper rotation, and the momentum of a decisive series victory.

For Milwaukee, a win forces a Game 5 back in the historic Milwaukee County Stadium on October 18. That would not only extend the series but also revive a city hungry for its first championship since 1982. The financial impact on the local economy—hotel bookings, restaurant traffic, souvenir sales—could be substantial, as past postseason runs have shown.

Looking Ahead: Possible Game 5

Should the Brewers survive, the series resets to a 3‑2 format. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts would likely revert to his ace, Walker Buehler, for Game 5, while Counsell would need to lock down a starter—perhaps right‑hander Brandon Woodruff, who’s been solid all season.

Experts argue that the Brewers’ best chance lies in reigniting their offense early. “If you can get two runs in the first three innings, you force the Dodgers to play catch‑up baseball,” said former MLB pitcher and ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian. That scenario would also test the Dodgers’ bullpen depth, which, despite its excellence, has shown minor cracks under pressure.