Brewers Sweep the Dodgers and Open as -170 World Series Favorites

Brewers Sweep the Dodgers and Reach the World Series

Garrett Mitchell hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning off Tanner Scott, and Milwaukee beat Los Angeles 6-4 on Thursday to finish an NLCS sweep of the two-time defending champions, ESPN reported. It is the Brewers' first trip to the World Series since 1982, when the franchise was still in the American League.

The Dodgers led 4-0 after Shohei Ohtani's three-run homer in the second inning. Milwaukee tied it by the top of the fifth on walks, two ground-rule doubles and two stolen bases, then leaned on a bullpen that ESPN says has been close to impenetrable during a 7-1 run through the NL bracket. Jake Bauers was named NLCS MVP.

We can't just be their whipping boy all the time.

ESPN notes it is the first time in MLB postseason history that a team has swept an opponent that swept it the year before. The Dodgers had swept the Brewers on the way to last year's title.

World Series Odds: What the Market Did

The futures market has Milwaukee as a clear favorite against either American League finalist, per ESPN's betting desk (odds by DraftKings as published October 16 at 6:53 AM ET). Implied chances below are our arithmetic on the American odds and include the sportsbook's margin.

The feed does not say why a price moved, so everything after this table is our reading and not a reported cause.

Our Read: Why Milwaukee Is Priced Like a Favorite

A 63 percent implied chance is a strong number for a team that began the year 14th on the futures board. Four things may explain it.

• The sweep is the strongest evidence in the price. Beating the best team in the National League four straight is the sort of result a market rewards, though four games is a small sample.
• The roster does not fit the Dodgers storyline. Milwaukee won a franchise-record 103 games by running and drawing walks, and still outhomered Los Angeles 7-1. A team that can win both ways is hard to price against.
• The bullpen is carrying real weight. Aaron Ashby's three-inning save and a deep high-leverage group shorten games, which can matter more in October than in a 162-game season. Relievers also tire, and the Series is a new sample.
• The opponent is not set. The Guardians (+330) and Rays (+475) are separated by a game, so the favorite's price can still move once the ALCS ends. The evidence points both ways on whether Cleveland is truly the stronger side.

None of this makes Milwaukee a lock. It explains why the price looks the way it does.

What to Watch Before Game 1 on Oct. 23

• Tonight's ALCS Game 4 at Progressive Field, where Cleveland can move within one win of the pennant.
• Whether the Brewers' rotation is rested and lined up after the sweep, and who starts Game 1.
• How much the Series price changes once Milwaukee knows its opponent.
• Whether Ohtani's slump, which ESPN described, is a one-series story or a lasting concern for next season.

Read how sports betting odds and futures work

Odds describe a price and not an outcome. Set a limit before you bet, and bet only where it is legal.