The back-to-back reigning MLB champions are on the ropes. The Dodgers are down 3-0 against the Brewers in the 2026 NLCS, facing a potential sweep and their first playoff loss since the 2023 NLDS. The Brewers, meanwhile, are one win away from their second World Series appearance — and their first National League pennant. Milwaukee won the American League pennant in 1982 before losing in the Fall Classic.
The Brewers’ 3-0 lead in the NLCS is no fluke. Milwaukee, the best regular-season team in baseball, has been better than Los Angeles in every area this series. So, can the Brewers close out Thursday night in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium? Or can the Dodgers rally and live to fight another day – and give the ball back to Tarik Skubal in Game 5?
Here’s what our CBS Sports experts expect on Thursday.
Dodgers vs. Brewers: Game 4 Predictions
Axisa: Dodgers 4, Brewers 3. This is perhaps more of a hope than a prediction. As a baseball fan, I wish the Dodgers would extend the series so there would be more baseball. The Dodgers look so old and broken, but it’s really nothing new. They looked like this after being beaten in Game 5 of the World Series last year, only to fall behind in the series 3-2. I think the Dodgers will find a way to win Game 4 and extend the series, even if it won’t be a convincing victory. They will fight like crazy to score a few runs, then Edwin Díaz will leave the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Something like that.
Feldman: Brewers 3, Dodgers 1. I’m a big believer in the mental side of the game, maybe too much, but the Dodgers look broken. This is not an offense on the verge of escape. Dave Roberts manages like he’s in a movie rather than trying to reach the World Series. And the Brewers are doing everything right. The NLCS ends Thursday.
Perry: Brewers 4, Dodgers 3. Although the Brewers’ pitching plan for Game 4 is a little uncertain and top-heavy and the Dodgers have ace Tyler Glasnow, I think Milwaukee will close out the game. The Dodgers’ power is simply lacking, and I’m not sure that’s changing. I don’t believe much in momentum in a sport like baseball, but his situation — a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven game — is perhaps an exception. Teams with a historic 3-0 record in MLB are 32-10 in Game 4, so I’ll say the Brewers continue that trend.
Snyder: Brewers 5, Dodgers 4. I think the Dodgers will finally score some runs in this game, the key word being “think”. I’ve also seen enough Brewers bounce back every time the Dodgers score to believe this really is their year. Dodgers score early, Brewers respond. Rinse and repeat. The Brewers sweep and celebrate their first-ever NL pennant.
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