Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts praised Milwaukee Brewers fans for their energetic home atmosphere while urging his team's supporters to match that intensity for Wednesday's NLCS Game 3.
The Brewers hold a 2-0 series lead over the Dodgers after winning Sunday's opener 2-1 and Monday's Game 2, 7-4. More than 42,000 fans attended each contest at American Family Field, where the Brewers secured two victories over the defending World Series champions.
The Dodgers now return home seeking their first victory of the series. Although Los Angeles swept Milwaukee in the 2025 NLCS, the Brewers have opened this year's rematch with two consecutive victories.
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale underscored Betts' remarks Wednesday on his X, formerly Twitter, sharing the four-time World Series champion's praise for Milwaukee's crowd and his expectations for Dodgers fans.
“Mookie Betts praises the home crowd atmosphere the Brewers had in Milwaukee and hopes their fans can replicate that in LA tonight.”
Meanwhile, Dodgers teammate Max Muncy delivered a similar message following Monday's loss, acknowledging Milwaukee's atmosphere while encouraging Los Angeles fans to provide strong support at Dodger Stadium.
However, the Dodgers face challenges beyond crowd support. Los Angeles entered Wednesday batting just .193 during the postseason and 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position. Those offensive struggles have contributed to Milwaukee's early advantage.
Article Continues BelowFurthermore, the Brewers finished the regular season with an MLB-best 103-59 record, compared with the Dodgers' 100-62 mark. Milwaukee now needs two additional victories to reach its first World Series since 1982.
Blake Snell will start Game 3 for Los Angeles against Milwaukee left-hander Robert Gasser, with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
The Dodgers enter Wednesday's matchup trailing 2-0, looking to secure their first NLCS victory before Thursday's Game 4.