Dodgers shut down by Brewers 2-1 in NLCS opener as lineup struggles again

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers created a handful of scoring opportunities in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series. They ended up with one big hit.

It’s been that kind of October for Los Angeles so far.

The Dodgers went 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position during Sunday night’s 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. They grounded into three double plays and left nine runners on base.

“Any loss in the playoffs is not great but it’s a long series and it’s just the first game,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said.

The Dodgers have scored a total of 15 runs in their five playoff games so far. They are 2 for 22 with runners in scoring position, adding to the difficulty of their pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.

They scored 24 runs and hit .324 with runners in scoring position over their first five postseason games in 2024. They scored 29 times and batted .265 with runners in scoring position over the same period in last year’s playoffs.