BREWERS AND PADRES WILL MEET IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

The Padres outscored the Cubs 12-1 during their two-game sweep in the 2026 National League Wild Card Series and will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Central Time at American Family Field in Milwaukee. A compelling pitching matchup is expected when Milwaukee’s ace and Cy Young favorite takes the mound against San Diego in Game 1. The Padres have listed their game 1 starter as “to be announced,” but Walker Buehler is widely projected as the likely candidate. Until San Diego confirms its choice, that pairing remains a projection rather than a set lineup; but if Buehler gets the ball, the game could hinge on a striking contrast: Milwaukee’s young ace facing a veteran right-hander with a formidable resume.

The Brewers may own baseball’s best record, but that doesn’t make the Padres an easy out. Milwaukee’s consistency and strong pitching make it a deserved favorite, while San Diego has enough talent to turn one big inning or a timely bullpen appearance into an upset. The gap on paper is real; the series still needs to be played.

In the other National League Division Series, the Atlanta Braves will face the Los Angeles Dodgers. The best-of-five series begins on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers are favored to win the World Series and are led by Shohei Ohtani, a rare mix of power and speed many consider the best player in baseball. Mookie Betts is also a force to be reckoned with and is one of the main reasons the Dodgers are favored to beat the Braves and advance to the World Series.

Mookie Betts gives the Dodgers more than a powerful bat: his quick reads, sure hands, and versatility make him a standout defender, while his steady approach at the plate keeps pressure on opposing pitchers. Whether he’s turning a tough play in the field or delivering a timely hit, Betts brings consistency and energy to every part of the game. That rare blend of athleticism and reliability makes him a valuable piece of the Dodgers’ lineup and a joy to watch.

It’s a bold October forecast: Milwaukee and Los Angeles meet in the National League Championship Series, with the Brewers emerging from a heavyweight showdown to reach the World Series. There, they outlast the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and claim the championship.