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MILWAUKEE –– Grading the performance of every Dodgers player from the 2-1 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series:
Mookie Betts: B
Hit a single in the third. Drew a walk in the fifth. And was denied another potential hit by Brice Turang to open the game. All in all, more good at-bats from the leadoff spot.
Freddie Freeman: C
Hit a trademark opposite-field single off Jacob Misiorowski in the first, but also a double-play grounder that ended the fifth inning four pitches after Misiorowski’s exit.
Will Smith: D
After an ugly 1-for-16 performance in the NLDS, Smith rolled into an inning-ending double-play in the first, then weakly flied out his next two times. He finally reached base with a walk in the eighth, but it might be time for him to move down in the lineup.
Shohei Ohtani: B
Drew a four-pitch walk in his first at-bat. Then sliced a looping single the other way in the sixth. Still doesn’t look like himself. But has reached safely in all five games this postseason.
Teoscar Hernández: B
Epitomized the Dodgers’ approach against Misiorowski with a pair of singles the other way early on. But didn’t do anything against a couple relievers. Not that he was alone on that.
Max Muncy: D
Had a sixth-inning single, but also struck out twice. Also booted a grounder at third that helped create a bases-loaded jam in the fifth, ultimately contributing to Tarik Skubal’s early exit from the game.
Andy Pages: B
Drove in the game’s first run with an opposite-field single in the second. But left runners stranded on the corners in the sixth, whiffing on a 99 mph fastball from Abner Uribe.
Kyle Tucker: B
Worked an impressive 10-pitch walk in the Dodgers’ second-inning rally, then another free pass that briefly delayed defeat with two outs in the ninth. Struck out twice in between, though.
Kiké Hernández: D
Hit into first, and most costly, double-play of the night with the bases loaded in the second. Overall, finished 0-for-3 and also had some shaky moments at second base.
Josue De Paula: B+
Came off the bench again for a pinch-hit at-bat in the ninth and drew a walk. Once again, an October moment wasn’t too big for him.
Tarik Skubal: C-
Was dominant early, striking out six of first nine batters (including three on three pitches). But gave up a home run to Brice Turang after falling behind in the count in the fourth. Then paid for a leadoff walk in the fifth, which allowed the Brewers to play some #BrewerBall (sac bunt, RBI single). First time in his playoff career he didn’t complete six innings.
Alex Vesia: B+
Walked the leadoff man in the sixth, but recovered by picking him off and striking out the next two batters.
Evan Phillips: B+
Struck out the side in the seventh in his first full inning of work this postseason. Then returned for the eighth but was quickly replaced after a leadoff single. Still, he has looked sharp so far this October.
Tanner Scott: A
Got out of an eighth-inning jam by retiring a couple lefties (amid Dave Roberts intentionally walking two righties to risk a bases-loaded jam).
Dave Roberts: B
His offense had the right approach, and he pressed the right buttons with his bullpen. But there was nothing he could do about the offense’s missed chances.