Brewers Take 2-0 NLDS Lead as Postseason Pitching Trends Emerge

The Milwaukee Brewers hold a 2-0 series lead over the San Diego Padres after coming from behind in both opening contests.

One week into the 2026 MLB playoffs, the Milwaukee Brewers have established a 2-0 lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series. Milwaukee secured both home-field victories by coming from behind. Jackson Chourio has led the Brewers' offense with one home run and four RBIs through the first two games.

In the American League, the Chicago White Sox have utilized unconventional pitching strategies to advance. Rookie left-hander Hagen Smith threw 3.0 scoreless innings against Houston and 2.2 scoreless innings against Cleveland as an opener. Reliever Grant Taylor pitched 2.1 innings against the Astros before recording a four-inning save on 42 pitches to close out Game 1 against the Guardians.

Statistical trends show a resurgence of the fastball, with four-seam velocity averaging 96.6 mph this postseason compared to 95.9 mph last year. Fastball usage has increased to 51.2%, the highest mark since 2018. Conversely, stars Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have yet to record a home run this October while recovering from injuries.

Young pitchers have combined for a 2.10 ERA across 25.2 innings in the opening two days of the division series. This group, including Jacob Misiorowski, Parker Messick, and Bradgley Rodriguez, has surrendered 13 hits and six earned runs while striking out 31 batters. The Padres return home to Petco Park for Game 3, where they have maintained a 23-5 record since the beginning of August.