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The two-time defending champion Dodgers are done. The Milwaukee Brewers swept Los Angeles 4-0 in the NLCS, closing it out on Thursday 15 October at Chavez Ravine — Milwaukee’s first National League pennant since 1982. The American League side of the bracket is a different story: the Rays rallied from a 2-1 deficit against Cleveland, winning Games 4 and 5 to lead the ALCS 3-2 heading into Monday’s Game 6 at Tropicana Field. Here’s the week in October baseball.
Brewers sweep the Dodgers — NLCS 4-0
Milwaukee came in as the better regular-season team and left no doubt. Game 1 (2-1), Game 2 (7-4), Game 3 (6-2) and Game 4 (6-4) — the Brewers took them in order, with Thursday 15 October’s Game 4 clincher coming in Los Angeles.
What the Dodgers couldn’t solve: the Milwaukee pitching staff. The Brewers held LA under 5 runs in three of four games. Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani combined couldn’t crack the sequence. The two-time defending champions go into an offseason of hard questions about an aging roster.
What this means for Milwaukee: first World Series since Harvey’s Wallbangers in 1982. Franchise-defining moment. The Brewers now wait for the ALCS winner — currently the Rays.
ALCS — Rays rally to lead 3-2
Cleveland led the series 2-1 after taking Game 3 at the Trop 3-2 on Thursday. The Rays swept the next two:
- Game 4 (Sat 17 Oct) — Rays 7, Guardians 3. Tampa Bay bats finally woke up.
- Game 5 (Sun 18 Oct) — Rays 3, Guardians 1. Tight, pitching-driven, Nick Martinez and the bullpen locked it down.
The Rays now lead 3-2 and have Game 6 in St Petersburg on Monday 19 October. Cleveland facing elimination. The Rays’ remarkable postseason (they also beat the Yankees in the Division Series) continues.
Milwaukee waits — World Series preview
The Brewers will host World Series Game 1 on Friday 23 October. Milwaukee last played in the Fall Classic in 1982 (Harvey’s Wallbangers, lost to St Louis). The World Series format: 2-3-2, home-field going to the Brewers as the better regular-season team. First pitch Friday US time, which is Saturday morning AEDT.
Potential matchups: Brewers vs Rays would be a David-vs-David story — both small-market franchises reaching the Fall Classic. Brewers vs Guardians would be two 1-vs-1 teams from the regular season.
Storylines to watch
Dodgers dynasty questions. Three-peat gone. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts both aging. Shohei Ohtani’s prime years need better October performances around him.
Milwaukee pitching staff. Freddy Peralta and Jacob Misiorowski have been the twin aces. Any team facing them in the World Series will know who they’re seeing.
Rays bullpen bite. Nick Martinez has become a key arm. Pete Fairbanks closing. Tampa’s October formula still works.
How to watch MLB postseason in Australia
Every ALCS Game 6 (and if-necessary Game 7) and all World Series games on ESPN via Disney+ and MLB.TV as the standing postseason default. Kayo is added only when confirmed on the Kayo carousel — check the TV Guide widget before each game.
One email per day at 7:00pm AEDT. World Series schedule, AEST first-pitch times, confirmed broadcasters, pick of the day. Free.
What’s next?
All results accurate as of Sunday 18 October 2026 US time. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.