League Championship Series Day Four Game Thread

Last night, the American League (AL) Championship Series took center stage, while the National League (NL) Championship Series was off for a scheduled travel day.

After losing Game 1 at home to the Cleveland Guardians, the Tampa Bay Rays bounced back with a 3-1 victory to even the series at one apiece heading into the next three games in Cleveland. The outcome may have been different if Guardians third baseman José Ramírez had fielded a ground ball cleanly instead of letting it slip through his legs, allowing the Rays to score the first run of a three-run fourth inning.

Today, the schedule shifts, with Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers the only game on the slate.

Brewers at Dodgers (8:00 PM EDT)

After winning the first two games of this best-of-seven affair, the Brewers enter this evening’s matchup in Los Angeles two wins away from dethroning the Dodgers and claiming just their second NL pennant in franchise history.

The Dodgers, who are chasing a historic three-peat, will not go quietly. Given that the teams were the two best in the NL this season, it would not be surprising if the NLCS returns to Milwaukee for Game 6, and if necessary, a win-or-go-home Game 7.

Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser will make his second career postseason start tonight. The 27-year-old started Game 4 of the Division Series against the San Diego Padres, receiving a no-decision after allowing one run on three hits over four innings. Will Gasser deliver a second consecutive strong postseason outing, or will the Dodgers’ offense rattle the southpaw and force Milwaukee to turn to its bullpen earlier than expected?

Gasser’s counterpart, Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell, has considerably more postseason experience. The veteran southpaw will make his second start of this postseason and 17th of his career. Snell started Game 2 of the Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, receiving a no-decision after allowing one run on three hits and five walks in 3 2/3 innings.

Following right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s shortest career postseason start in Game 2, the Dodgers need a quality start from Snell to begin their comeback. However, another subpar outing could put Los Angeles on the brink of elimination.

What are your predictions for this game? Will Shohei Ohtani finally break out of his slump, or will the Brewers contain the Dodgers’ offense once again?