The National League Championship Series (NLCS) is heating up as the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers face off in Game 4. Both teams are bringing their A-game to the field, rolling out strategic lineups and pitching matchups in hopes of snagging a crucial win.
This article dives into the starting lineups and pitching strategies for both teams. Here’s what fans might expect in this high-stakes game.
Milwaukee Brewers: Starting Lineup and Key Players
The Milwaukee Brewers have put together a lineup that mixes power, speed, and versatility. Manager Craig Counsell made some interesting choices to help his team exploit the Dodgers’ weak spots.
Top of the Order
Lorenzo Cain leads off for the Brewers. He brings speed and plenty of experience to the top of the lineup.
Cain’s knack for getting on base and creating scoring chances matters a lot for Milwaukee’s offense. Right behind him, Christian Yelich, the 2018 NL MVP, steps up to the plate.
Yelich is a powerhouse, always a threat to go deep or drive in runs. If he gets hot, the Brewers’ chances shoot up.
Middle of the Order
In the heart of the lineup, Ryan Braun and Travis Shaw take their swings. Braun, the veteran, provides leadership and can deliver in the clutch.
Shaw—sometimes called the “Mayor of Ding Dong City”—offers power and has the ability to turn a game around with one swing. That nickname always cracks me up.
Bottom of the Order
Orlando Arcia and Erik Kratz round out the lineup. Arcia plays a slick shortstop and has a habit of coming up big in the postseason.
Kratz, the veteran catcher, brings some calm behind the plate. Lately, he’s even chipped in surprisingly well with the bat.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Starting Lineup and Key Players
The Los Angeles Dodgers, managed by Dave Roberts, have a lineup full of All-Stars and rising stars. Their depth and flexibility make them tough to beat.
Top of the Order
Chris Taylor leads off for the Dodgers. He can play all over the field and usually finds a way to get on base.
Next up is Justin Turner, the rock at third base. Turner’s clutch hitting and knack for driving in runs make him a real threat.
Middle of the Order
Manny Machado and Max Muncy anchor the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup. Machado, who joined mid-season, brings power and strong defense.
Muncy has been a breakout star, blasting homers and keeping pitchers honest. He’s been fun to watch this year.
Bottom of the Order
Yasiel Puig and Yasmani Grandal hit near the bottom. Puig, always entertaining, can change things with one big swing.
Grandal, the catcher, brings power and a good eye to the plate. He’s definitely not an easy out.
Pitching Matchup: Brewers vs. Dodgers
The Game 4 pitching matchup is shaping up to be a good one. Both teams are sending experienced left-handers to the mound.
Milwaukee Brewers: Gio Gonzalez
The Brewers hand the ball to Gio Gonzalez. He’s been steady since joining the team late in the season.
Gonzalez likes to mix his pitches and tries to keep hitters guessing. That’s going to be important against the Dodgers’ stacked lineup.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Rich Hill
Rich Hill gets the start for the Dodgers. He’s known for his curveball and his fiery competitiveness.
Hill often pitches deep into games, and the Dodgers will count on him to keep the Brewers’ hitters in check.
Key Matchups to Watch
Some individual battles could swing the outcome of Game 4. Here are a few worth watching:
- Christian Yelich vs. Rich Hill: Yelich’s power and Hill’s curveball should make for a fun showdown.
- Manny Machado vs. Gio Gonzalez: Machado will test his skills against a tough lefty in Gonzalez.
- Dodgers’ bullpen vs. Brewers’ late-inning offense: The Dodgers need their bullpen to hold the line if they want to close out the game.
Conclusion: The Stakes Are High
The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers head into Game 4 of the NLCS with everything on the line. You can feel the tension—both teams want this win so badly.
They’ve got the talent, sure, and the strategies seem dialed in. But only one team will walk away with the W tonight.
Honestly, fans should gear up for a wild, close game with some unforgettable moments. I wouldn’t want to miss it.
If you want a deep dive into the starting lineups and pitching matchup, check out the MLB website’s coverage of the Brewers vs. Dodgers NLCS Game 4.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
