The Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of reaching the World Series for the first time since 1982. The Brew Crew hold a commanding 3-0 lead over the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who had swept them in last year's National League Championship Series en route to winning the title. Now, Milwaukee's one game away from returning the favor.
However, Pat Murphy knows their job is not done just yet. The Brewers skipper is well aware of the danger the Dodgers still pose despite being down 3-0. That's why he has sent his team a warning not to get too complacent and slip up at a crucial time.
“The way I look at it, you're climbing a mountain, and you're getting really close to the top, and when you are, usually that path narrows a little bit. You know what I mean?” Murphy said, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. “It's not as wide. When you start the mountain, it seems like this wide [spreading his arms].
“I think as you get closer, you've just got to keep your footing, keep your head down, and you can't look too far ahead. When you look up for the prize, “Oh, where's the top,’ you might step in a crack or a pothole. You've got to keep your head down and go forward.
“If you don't, adversity is coming.”
Article Continues BelowThe Brewers do have history on their side, though. Only one team has ever lost a best-of-seven MLB playoff series when up 3-0. That was the New York Yankees, who fell to the Boston Red Sox in 2004. However, Murphy's opposite number, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, was part of that Red Sox team, so he knows better than anyone what it takes to achieve such a feat.
Murphy and Milwaukee will be hoping history does not repeat itself for Roberts. The Brewers have four chances to clinch the National League pennant, but they will be looking to close it out in Game 4 on Thursday.