Brewers’ Jackson Chourio joins Shohei Ohtani in MLB history with leadoff home run vs. Blake Snell appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were hoping that a return to LA would help them get back on track. While that could still happen, things are not looking good early. Brewers leadoff hitter Jackson Chourio crushed a home run on the first pitch of the game against Blake Snell in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday. According to Sarah Langs, Chourio joinedShohei Ohtani and others in MLB history with the long ball.
Most postseason leadoff home runs:
Kyle Schwarber: 5
Jackson Chourio: 3
Shohei Ohtani: 3
Derek Jeter: 3
Jimmy Rollins: 3 https://t.co/hCZahidpVkWatch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 15, 2026
Chourio is now tied with Ohtani, Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins for the second most leadoff postseason home runs of all-time with a mark of three. Only Kyle Schwarber has more with five.
The Brewers have dominated the NLCS so far. While Game 1 was a competitive 2-1 contest, Milwaukee took a 2-0 series lead with a Game 2 7-3 victory. The series is far from over, but the Brewers are in a quality position.
Game 3 is a must-win matchup for the Dodgers. Only one team in MLB history — the 2004 Boston Red Sox — has completed a 3-0 comeback in a postseason series. The Dodgers would like to avoid having to attempt to be the second team to accomplish that feat. It goes without saying, but a 2-1 deficit is far more manageable.
Speaking of Ohtani, he has struggled so far in the postseason. There were even rumors that he could be removed from the lineup on Wednesday. The Dodgers ultimately decided to stick with him, but he was moved down to the No. 6 spot in the batting order.
Ohtani bouncing back would give the Dodgers a crucial boost. If he continues to slump at the plate, the Brewers will have an especially favorable opportunity to win the series.
Related: Are Brewers disrespecting Christian Yelich by not starting him vs. lefties in NLCS?
Related: Brewers star Christian Yelich out of NLCS Game 3 starting lineup vs. Blake Snell