Shohei Ohtani becomes the target of Brewers’ pointed celebration after Dodgers collapse

The Milwaukee Brewers have secured their first National League pennant appearance since 1982 by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic four-game NLCS series. The series defeat was a significant setback for the Dodgers, reigning back-to-back World Series champions, who entered October as strong favorites to make history with a potential three-peat.

Milwaukee’s decisive victory over Los Angeles was marked not only by on-field resilience but also by a symbolic moment in the Brewers’ clubhouse celebration. As the team commemorated their triumph, Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good” — famously Shohei Ohtani’s walk-up song — played loudly. This choice was widely interpreted as a deliberate nod to Ohtani, whose postseason performance was below expectations due to injuries and offensive struggles.

Ohtani, who has been sidelined from pitching since early July due to left knee and right biceps issues, saw his batting average dip to .192 over 26 postseason at-bats. Despite a memorable three-run homer in Game 4 that ended a lengthy home run drought, his overall impact was limited compared to his usual electrifying presence. The Brewers' use of his entrance song amid their celebration underscored the emotional and competitive intensity between the teams.

The series itself was a testament to Milwaukee’s determination. After falling behind early in Game 4, with Ohtani blasting a three-run shot to give the Dodgers a 4-0 lead, the Brewers rallied steadily. They tied the game by the fifth inning and eventually took the lead in the sixth, riding strong pitching and timely hits to a 6-4 victory. Key contributions came from Garrett Mitchell, who hit a go-ahead homer, and David Hamilton, who added insurance late in the game.

Milwaukee’s pitching staff was a dominant force throughout the postseason, highlighted by starter Jacob Misiorowski’s league-leading 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts. The team’s collective effort in shutting down the Dodgers’ offense was a decisive factor in their sweep, forcing Los Angeles to confront the challenges posed by an aging roster and injuries.

The Brewers’ sweep halted the Dodgers’ quest to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles, a milestone no team has reached since the Yankees’ late-1990s dynasty. Milwaukee’s consistent excellence throughout the regular season, where they achieved the best record in MLB at 103-59, carried through the playoffs, culminating in this hard-fought NLCS victory.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the superior play of the Brewers over the series, noting that his team struggled to generate offense and was hampered by physical wear. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s manager Pat Murphy and NLCS MVP Jake Bauers spoke to the significance of the moment, as the club prepares to host the World Series starting October 23 at American Family Field.

The impending World Series marks the Brewers’ first opportunity to compete for the championship in over four decades, igniting excitement among their fanbase and the wider baseball community. The team will face the American League champion, with the series broadcast on FOX and FOX ONE, and Milwaukee hosting the first two games as well as potential Games 6 and 7.

As the Dodgers regroup for an offseason filled with questions about roster adjustments and recovery, the Brewers continue to build momentum in pursuit of their first World Series title. Their recent use of Ohtani’s personal walk-up song in celebration not only amplified the rivalry but also symbolized the shifting dynamics of postseason baseball, where victories are celebrated with both passion and pointed messages.