Milwaukee’s bullpen has been the story of the first two games of the National League Championship Series. The Brewers’ relievers have combined for nine and two‑thirds scoreless innings, holding the Dodgers to just four runs in eight and one‑third innings while striking out fifteen. Aaron Ashby has pitched multiple innings in each contest, totaling three and two‑thirds, and Abner Uribe has added four strikeouts in two and one‑third innings. Manager Pat Murphy said after the off day that he plans to keep using his top arms, including closer Trevor Megill, and that other relievers will need to step up as the series moves forward. On the Los Angeles side, the Dodgers have already deployed eight of their nine relievers, with only Edwin Díaz yet to appear. Their bullpen has posted a 3.13 ERA in the postseason, but in this series they have allowed four runs in eight and one‑third innings. The offense has been quiet, managing just two hits in thirty at‑bats and three walks, scoring its only run in the second inning of Game 1 and failing to cross the plate after the fifth inning of Game 2. Manager Dave Roberts noted that the Brewers’ pitchers are all different and that his team must find a way to create opportunities. The Brewers have used six relievers so far, including Dustin May for an inning in Game 2, and still have right‑handers Antonio Senzatela and Chad Patrick, plus left‑handers Shane Drohan and Kyle Harrison, available for the next games. The Dodgers will need to figure out how to break through against a bullpen that has been nearly flawless early in the series.
