Milwaukee Brewers hold on in Game 1 of NLCS: Highlights and reactions

The Milwaukee Brewers jumped out to a 6-1 lead before holding on in the final inning. Here are all the highlights from the game.

The Milwaukee Brewers got off to the fast start they were hoping for by taking Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Brewers were able to build a nice lead, but nearly blew the game late. Thankfully, they were able to hold on and take Game 1 6-5.

Game 1 showed us anyone can make a difference and Brewers’ manager Craig Counsell will have to rely on all 25 guys to make an impact in this series. Counsell got off to a good start and seemed to be making all the right moves in every aspect of the game.

However, the Dodgers wouldn’t go quietly and furiously rallied in the late innings to try and come back. Thankfully, it was thwarted and the Brewers walked away with Game 1. Here are all the highlights you may have missed.

After a quick 1-2-3 inning for Gio Gonzales, he ran into trouble in the name of Manny Machado to lead off the top of the second. Machado went yard for a solo home run and started off his big night with a bang.

Relief pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who entered the game in the top of the third, helped Milwaukee’s cause by going yard for a solo shot in the bottom of the third. That tied the game at 1-1, as Woodruff and the Brewers went absolutley bonkers.

With the Brewers leading 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, pinch-hitter extraordinaire Domingo Santana came through in a big way. He singled to the outfield and drove in two runs in the process.

Even with a 5-1 lead, Counsell went to his studs in the bullpen. Counsell allowed pitcher Josh Hader to pitch three innings. Hader was dominate in his outing and never allowed a runner to get past first base.

Jesus Aguilar also homered for the second consecutive game (both solo shots) in order to extend the Brewers lead in the bottom of the seventh.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers wouldn’t go quietly. They rallied in the top of the eighth and Machado was a key part of it again. He singled with the bases loaded and drove in two runs to cut into the lead. This forced Counsell to use all his best bullpen pieces.

With the tieing run on third base, Corey Knebel came through in a big way. He struck out the final batter and allowed the Brewers to go home with Game 1.

The Brewers and Dodgers play Game 2 on Saturday at 3:09 pm CT. Make sure to tune in to Dairyland Express before, during and after the game for all your Brewers’ coverage. You can also find us on Twitter @DairylandXpress.