With the Brewers holding a 2-0 series lead, the Dodgers are looking to avoid falling into a dangerous 3-0 deficit in the best-of-seven series.
A Dodgers victory would bring Los Angeles back into contention, while a loss would put Milwaukee just one win away from advancing to the 2026 World Series.
Here is everything to know about what happens if the Dodgers win or lose Game 3 against the Brewers.
What Happens if the Dodgers Win Game 3 vs. Brewers?
If the Dodgers defeat the Brewers in Game 3, Milwaukee’s NLCS lead would shrink to 2-1.
A Los Angeles victory would create several important scenarios:
- Brewers lead series 2-1: Milwaukee would maintain the advantage but lose its opportunity to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
- Dodgers move closer to tying the series: Los Angeles could even the NLCS at 2-2 by winning Game 4.
- Game 5 becomes guaranteed: Both teams would return to Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 16.
- Dodgers need three more victories: Los Angeles would need to win three of the remaining four games to reach the World Series.
A Game 3 victory would provide the Dodgers with momentum and keep their hopes of reaching another World Series alive.
What Happens if the Dodgers Lose Game 3 vs. Brewers?
If the Dodgers lose Game 3, the Brewers would take a commanding 3-0 lead in the 2026 NLCS.
That would put Los Angeles on the brink of elimination.
Here is what a Dodgers loss would mean:
- Brewers lead series 3-0: Milwaukee would need just one more victory to advance.
- Dodgers face elimination in Game 4: Another loss would officially end Los Angeles’ postseason.
- Dodgers must win four consecutive games: Los Angeles would need victories in Games 4, 5, 6 and 7.
- Brewers could clinch Thursday: Milwaukee would have its first opportunity to secure the National League pennant on October 15.
Overcoming a 3-0 deficit would require the Dodgers to accomplish something that has happened only once in Major League Baseball postseason history.
Has an MLB Team Ever Come Back From a 3-0 Deficit?
Yes. The 2004 Boston Red Sox are the only team in MLB history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven postseason series.
Boston accomplished the historic comeback against the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series.
The Red Sox won four consecutive games to advance to the World Series, where they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals.
If the Dodgers fall behind 3-0 against Milwaukee, they would need to repeat that historic accomplishment to advance.
Can the Brewers Clinch the 2026 NLCS in Game 3?
No. The Brewers cannot clinch the National League Championship Series in Game 3.
MLB’s League Championship Series uses a best-of-seven format, meaning a team must win four games to advance to the World Series.
Even with a Game 3 victory, Milwaukee would have only three wins.
The earliest the Brewers could clinch the 2026 National League pennant is Thursday, October 15, in Game 4.
Dodgers vs. Brewers 2026 NLCS Schedule
Here is the NLCS schedule, with Milwaukee entering Game 3 holding a 2-0 series advantage.
| Game | Date | Result / Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 11 | Brewers won 2-1 |
| Game 2 | October 12 | Brewers won 7-4 |
| Game 3 | October 14 | 8 p.m. |
| Game 4 | October 15 | 9 p.m. |
| Game 5* | October 16 | 9 p.m. |
| Game 6* | October 18 | 8 p.m. |
| Game 7* | October 19 | 8 p.m. |
*Games 5, 6 and 7 will be played only if necessary. Listed times are Eastern.
Where to Watch Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3
Fans can watch the Dodgers take on the Brewers in Game 3 of the 2026 NLCS on Wednesday, October 14.
- Matchup: Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- TV Channel: FS1
- Streaming: FOX One
- Spanish-language coverage: FOX Deportes
- Series: Brewers lead 2-0
What Is at Stake for the Dodgers and Brewers?
The stakes are significant for both teams entering Game 3.
For Los Angeles, a victory would keep the Dodgers within striking distance of another National League pennant and preserve their pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.
A loss would leave Los Angeles facing elimination for the remainder of the series.
For Milwaukee, a Game 3 victory would move the franchise within one win of its first World Series appearance since 1982.
The Brewers would also have the opportunity to sweep the Dodgers in four games with another victory Thursday.
Final Takeaway: Dodgers Face Must-Win Situation Against Brewers
Although Game 3 is not officially an elimination game for the Dodgers, it represents a critical moment in their 2026 postseason.
If the Dodgers win: Milwaukee leads 2-1, and Los Angeles can tie the series with a Game 4 victory.
If the Dodgers lose: Milwaukee leads 3-0, and Los Angeles must win four consecutive games to advance to the World Series.
For the Dodgers, Wednesday’s matchup could determine whether they mount an NLCS comeback or find themselves facing one of the most difficult challenges in baseball postseason history.