The Milwaukee Brewers can clinch home-field advantage throughout the MLB playoffs with a win Thursday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. Sitting at 99-59, the Brewers hold a magic number of two to reach 100 wins and secure the top seed, a first in franchise history.
The Brewers face the Phillies at 5:10 p.m. CT, and later that evening the Los Angeles Dodgers, who trail Milwaukee by two games at 97-61, take on the San Diego Padres at 9:10 p.m. CT. If the Brewers win and the Dodgers lose, Milwaukee would lock up home-field advantage for the entire postseason.
Milwaukee already secured the National League Central division title and earned a first-round bye. Their 99 wins have set a new franchise record, and a 100th victory would reinforce their standing as the best team in the league this season. The Brewers also hold the tiebreaker against the Dodgers, having won the season series 4-3. Even if the teams finish tied, Milwaukee would claim the top seed and home-field advantage for the NL playoffs.
The Brewers close out the regular season with a three-game home series against the St. Louis Cardinals, who are 77-81. Meanwhile, the Dodgers finish with a three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants, who have struggled at 65-94.
Beyond the National League, Milwaukee also holds a magic number of one to finish ahead of the American League’s top team, the Tampa Bay Rays, who sit at 96-62. The Brewers won their early-season series against Tampa Bay 2-1, giving them the tiebreaker. Any additional win by Milwaukee would guarantee home-field advantage in the World Series if the Brewers advance that far.
The race for the best record has become a focal point for Milwaukee’s postseason ambitions. Securing home-field advantage means the Brewers would play the majority of their playoff games at American Family Field, where they have been dominant this year.
The Dodgers’ late-season schedule provides an opportunity for Milwaukee to pull ahead further, but their outcome depends on both teams’ performances tonight. The Brewers’ chance to clinch top seed hinges on their own victory and a Dodgers loss to the Padres.
Milwaukee’s focus remains on Thursday’s matchup in Philadelphia, where the Phillies have already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Brewers will look to close the regular season with a strong finish, aiming to reach 100 wins and the top seed before the postseason begins.
The Brewers’ next confirmed step toward home-field advantage depends on tonight’s game and how the Dodgers fare later Thursday evening.
According to Yahoo Sports.