Clash of NL Titans: Dodgers vs. Brewers Division Leader Preview
Dodgers vs. Brewers: A Big Test for LA’s Confidence
The Story So Far: Two Steps Forward
Think of the Dodgers’ season like a video game with levels. They just beat Level 1, and now Level 2 is waiting—and it’s a boss battle.
Step 1: Finding Ways to Win (Done )
- The Dodgers just swept the Kansas City Royals (won all 3 games).
- The Royals are one of the worst teams in baseball this year.
- But here’s the catch: All three games were close. The Dodgers didn’t dominate; they just found a way to scrape out wins.
- Why it matters: In sports, "winning ugly" builds confidence. It proves you can grind out results even when you’re not playing your best.
Step 2: Doing It Against the Best (Starting Now )
- Next up: A 4-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
- The Brewers have the best record in the National League for the second year in a row.
- This is the real test: Can the Dodgers keep winning against a great team?
IMPORTANT POINT
Beating bad teams close is nice. Beating great teams is how you prove you’re a championship contender.
Meet the Brewers’ Secret Weapons: The "Red Sox Rejects" Who Got Good
The Brewers are famous for taking pitchers other teams gave up on and turning them into stars. They’ve done it again.
1. Kyle Harrison → Now a Dominant Starter
- The Brewers fixed him up. He’s pitching like an ace.
2. Shane Drohan → The New Success Story
- Where he came from: Traded from the Boston Red Sox this past offseason.
- The trade cost: The Brewers gave up Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Seigler to get Harrison and Drohan.
- His 2024 season so far:
- Only his 3rd start of the year.
- Last time out: Rough game — gave up 6 runs in a loss to the Twins.
- Previous experience vs. Dodgers: Pitched in relief (not starting) back in May — 4.1 innings, 3 runs (2 earned).
KEY TAKEAWAY
The Brewers turn "broken" pitchers into weapons. Drohan is their latest project — and he’s getting the ball in a huge game.
The Matchup to Watch: Roki Sasaki vs. the "No-Homer" Brewers
Who is Roki Sasaki?
- Dodgers’ starting pitcher for Game 1 of this series.
- Only his 2nd home start in the last month (he’s been on the road a lot).
- Current record: 5–5 (exactly .500 — one more win puts him over).
The Cool Stat: Home Runs (or Lack Thereof)
| Team | Home Runs Hit | MLB Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Brewers | 111 | Lowest in ALL of baseball |
| Dodgers | 155 | Tied for 6th most |
- The Brewers hit 44 fewer homers than the Dodgers.
- Sasaki has the highest HR/9 (home runs allowed per 9 innings) of any Dodgers starter.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Sasaki’s biggest weakness (giving up homers) matches up perfectly with the Brewers’ biggest offensive trait (not hitting homers). It’s like a boxer who struggles with left hooks facing an opponent who only throws jabs.
Sasaki’s Chance
- If he keeps the ball in the park, he has a great shot at win #6 and a winning record.
- The ballpark and opponent are basically giving him a "friendly difficulty setting."
Summary: What to Watch For
-
Can the Dodgers win convincingly against a top team?
Sweeping the Royals close was Step 1. Step 2 is proving it wasn’t luck. -
Will Shane Drohan continue the Brewers’ pitching magic?
He’s got a bad last start to bounce back from — and a history vs. LA. -
Does Roki Sasaki finally get his 6th win?
The matchup sets up perfectly for him. Low-homer team + home start = opportunity. - Is this series a playoff preview?
Both teams are elite. How they play now might hint at October.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered Simply
Why does it matter that the Dodgers barely beat a bad team?
Because how you win matters. Blowing out bad teams shows dominance. Barely beating them shows grit — but also raises questions: "Can they beat good teams?" This series answers that.
Who is Shane Drohan and why should I care?
He’s a lefty pitcher the Brewers got from the Red Sox in a trade. They have a history of fixing pitchers (like Kyle Harrison). Drohan struggled last time out, but the Brewers believe in him enough to start him in a big series.
What is HR/9 and why is Sasaki’s high?
HR/9 = Home Runs allowed per 9 innings. It measures how often a pitcher gives up dingers. Sasaki gives up the most among Dodgers starters — but he’s facing the team that hits the fewest. That’s a rare advantage.
Why only 2 home starts in a month for Sasaki?
The schedule! MLB teams play in "series" (3–4 games vs. same team). The Dodgers have been on a long road trip. This is his first real chance to pitch at home in weeks.
Are the Brewers actually that good?
Yes. Best record in the NL two years running. They develop pitching like no one else, play great defense, and manufacture runs without needing home runs. They’re a complete team.
Final Thought: This isn’t just a 4-game series. It’s a statement opportunity for the Dodgers — and a chance for Sasaki to turn his season around against the perfect opponent. Grab some popcorn. This one’s gonna be fun.