LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Dodgers will hand the ball to Tarik Skubal for Game 1 of their National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to start the second game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced the initial pitching plans on Friday, ahead of the team’s trip to Milwaukee for Saturday’s workout.
Game 1 will take place at American Family Field on Sunday at 8pm ET, while Game 2 is scheduled for Monday at 5pm ET.
Skubal gets the Game 1 nod
Skubal joined the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers in a blockbuster trade on August 2. He impressed in the opening game of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, pitching six innings and conceding just one run.
His record against Milwaukee this season is less flattering. During the regular season, he conceded six runs (five earned) across 12 innings against the Brewers.
Yamamoto follows in Game 2
Yamamoto also delivered a strong performance in the NLDS, throwing seven innings and allowing one run to outduel Braves ace Chris Sale in Game 3 of the series.
His numbers against the Brewers are stronger. He allowed two runs in 13 innings against Milwaukee during the regular season, and threw a complete game in Game 2 of last year’s NLCS sweep, conceding just one run.
Snell and Glasnow in line for Games 3 and 4
Blake Snell is expected to start Game 3 at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, after managing just 11 outs in the Dodgers’ only NLDS defeat. Roberts was not ready to confirm his starting pitchers beyond the opening two games, but Tyler Glasnow is the likely option for Game 4.
Brewers’ plans for the series
The Brewers are expected to start Jacob Misiorowski, a leading contender for the National League Cy Young Award, in Game 1, followed by Logan Henderson.
The Dodgers reached the NLCS after seeing off the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series, with Skubal and Yamamoto starring in the first and third games respectively.
A busy October across sport
The Dodgers’ postseason run is being watched closely at home, with Shohei Ohtani managing knee and biceps injuries through the playoffs. It is championship season across sport: Pakistan’s cricketers have also been in finals action, beating Bangladesh to reach the Asian Games cricket final, and opened their T20I series against Sri Lanka with a win. At home, attention has turned to the PSL 11 playoffs and their playoff format.
When is Game 1 of the NLCS?
Sunday at 8pm ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Game 2 follows on Monday at 5pm ET.
Who are the Brewers starting?
Milwaukee are expected to open with Jacob Misiorowski, a leading contender for the National League Cy Young Award, in Game 1, followed by Logan Henderson in Game 2.
How did Skubal and Yamamoto fare against the Brewers this season?
Skubal conceded six runs (five earned) across 12 innings. Yamamoto allowed two runs in 13 innings.
Did Roberts name starters beyond Game 2?
No. The Dodgers manager was not ready to confirm his starters beyond the opening two games, though Tyler Glasnow is the likely option for Game 4.
Read more: Geo Super
