What to know: Dodgers ready to host Brewers for NLCS series

While the Boys in Blue work toward a triumphant three-peat, Dodger Stadium is ready to welcome the World Series champions Wednesday as the Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers for Games 3 and 4 of the National League Championship Series.

Los Angeles is vying for a turnaround in the series since the Brewers are leading 2-0. Whoever wins in this year’s NLCS will go on to face either the Tampa Bay Rays or the Cleveland Guardians in the 2026 World Series.

Those who are attending one of the postseason games are encouraged to head to the ballpark early. Parking opens three hours before the first pitch while stadium gates will open two and a half hours before the first pitch.

Wednesday – The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by former Dodger and 1981 World Series champion Rick Monday. The National Anthem will be sung by Keith Williams Jr.

Thursday -- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by former Dodger and 1988 World Series champion Orel Hershiser to catcher, 1988 World Series champion Mike Scioscia. The National Anthem will be sung by Kaleena Zanders.

Friday (if necessary) -- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by All-Star Shawn Green. The National Anthem will be sung by Joshua Guerrero.

The ballpark will offer new items on its menu. Among the additions are:

For tickets to postseason games, click here.

The Brewers jumped out to a 2-0 series lead in a battle of two 100-win teams in Milwaukee. Wednesday's Game 3 will be the 10th meeting of the season between the familiar foes.

Milwaukee leads the season series 6-3.

LA will turn to lefty Blake Snell (4-1, 1.90 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 55 strikeouts) in a bid to claw its way back and keep the dream of a World Series three-peat alive. The Brewers will send Robert Gasser (5-5, 3.87 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 103 strikeouts) to the mound.

LA's star-filled lineup, including Shohei Ohtani, struggled to generate offense in Milwaukee, leading to questions about whether the four-time MVP would be held out of Game 3 due to nagging injuries.

Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Ohtani will bat anywhere from second to sixth in Game 3.

“He was very convicted that he is onto something mechanically (with his swing),” Roberts said. “He was adamant that he can help us. He’s well enough to help us win a baseball game, so that’s all I needed to hear.”

Ohtani is hitting .150 (3 for 20) over six postseason games in a dramatic decline. He has seven strikeouts, three walks and one stolen base with no home runs, no RBIs and an OPS of .411. He hasn’t homered since Aug. 18 at Colorado.

Right biceps and left knee issues hampered Ohtani over the past few months of the regular season.

“The symptoms have subdued a lot,” Ohtani said Tuesday through a translator while making an unscheduled appearance in the off-day interview room. “The symptoms shouldn’t be the reason why I can’t hit, and even if the injuries happen by accident, I take full responsibility.”

Ohtani and the Dodgers swept the Brewers in the 2025 NLCS, limiting Milwaukee to a .118 batting average.

Expect clear skies and temperatures in the high 70s at first pitch.

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