Milwaukee v Dodgers in the NLCS pits grinding depth against star power, with the Brewers leaning on crafty pitching and a late-inning backbone, while the Dodgers ride elite lineup firepower and bullpen resilience. Seattle and Toronto bring high-octane offenses lead by Cal Raleigh and Vlad Guerrero Jr., each team hungry for its first title and capable of sparking a breakout moment. Pete Alonso’s looming contract dialogue colors Mets’ winter talks as the sport weighs payroll against parity.

Seattle surged in Game 1 in Toronto behind Cal Raleigh’s sixth‑inning blast off Gosman and Bryce Miller’s steady six innings, lifting the Mariners to a 3‑1 win as the bullpen cruised. George Springer started Toronto with a first‑pitch homer, but Seattle quieted the Blue Jays afterward. In Milwaukee, Miserowski spun four solid innings, Chad Patrick opened the bullpen parade, and Abner Uribe closed it as the Brewers topped the Cubs 3‑1 to reach the NLCS and set up a Dodgers duel.

Across the NL matchup, the Dodgers’ rotation depth looms large against Milwaukee’s depth and late‑season momentum, while Otani’s murky October wake‑up remains the wild card. The Tigers’ season closed with Tarik Skubal and co. showing grit but insufficient offense, leaving questions about long‑term positioning and the window for Detroit’s next push. The episode also nods to in‑stadium promos like the Mariners’ salmon race that fire up the crowd in crucial moments.