NLDS preview: Brewers and Rockies bring underrated stars to big stage

If you’re thirsty for a classic MLB playoff series, keep your eyes on Miller Park and Coors Field over the next week. The Milwaukee Brewers and Colorado Rockies are poised to produce just that after each doing their part in eliminating the National League powerhouse Chicago Cubs from the playoff picture.

The Brewers surged from 4.5 games back in the NL Central standings to begin September to home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs with a sizzling final month, which included a Game 163 win at Wrigley Field. They’ll look to stay hot against a Rockies team that’s gone through the wringer this week, going from the doorstep of their first NL West title, to playing three games in three different cities, which included a wild-card win at Wrigley Field.

Different paths. Same destination. Same goals, too, and more importantly, same opportunity with a clean slate for both sides.

This series will have no shortage of star power too. Players from Milwaukee and Colorado don’t get a lot of national attention, but the Brewers Christian Yelich especially has forced his way into the MVP conversation over the last month. He’s proven to be the centerpiece of a powerful Brewers lineup that still includes Ryan Braun, and has added Lorenzo Cain, Jesus Aguilar, Mike Moustakas and Jonathan Schoop. The bullpen is powerful too, led by All-Stars Josh Hader and Jeremy Jeffress.

The Rockies will counter with a triumvirate of All-Stars. Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon have done much of their offensive heavy lifting, but it’s the Rockies starting rotation that’s truly paved their way to the NLDS. Kyle Freeland and German Marquez have both broken a host of Rockies pitching records, while Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson have at times flashed the upside that made them first round picks.

Schedule

Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 4, in Milwaukee, 5:07 p.m. ET (FS1)
Game 2: Friday, Oct. 5, in Milwaukee, 4:15 p.m. ET (FS1)
Game 3: Sunday, Oct. 7, in Colorado, 4:37 p.m. ET (MLB Network)
Game 4*: Monday, Oct. 8, in Colorado, TBD (FS1)
Game 5*: Wednesday, Oct. 10, in Milwaukee, TBD (FS1)

*If necessary

Previously

Milwaukee controlled the season series against Colorado, winning five of seven games. The Brewers took three of four at Coors Field in June, with the only the loss being a shutout started by Freeland. To begin August, the Brewers won two of three from the Rockies at Miller Park.

Pitching

Game 1: Antonio Senzatela (6-6, 4.38) vs. Bullpen
Game 2: Tyler Anderson (7-9, 4.55) vs. Jhoulys Chacin (15-8, 3.50)
Game 3: TBD vs. German Marquez (14-11, 3.77)
Game 4*: TBD vs. Kyle Freeland (17-7, 2.85)
Game 5*: TBD vs. TBD

Winning Game 163 at Wrigley Field has allowed the Brewers a little more flexibility when setting their rotation. Even still, manager Craig Counsell took his time before announcing Milwaukee will go full bullpen in Game 1. Yes, bullpenning is alive in the NLDS. Jhoulys Chacin, a former Rockies hurler who also pitched the Game 163 win, will get Game 2. Also in the mix are veteran left-handers Wade Miley and Gio Gonzalez, along with right-handers Chase Anderson and Freddy Peralta. There’s not a true ace in that group, which is probably why Counsell is going outside the box.

The Rockies options for Game 1 are limited after German Marquez and Kyle Freeland were needed in Game 163 and the NL wild-card game. With Jon Gray faltering down the stretch, it will be Antonio Senzatela getting the call in Game 1. The 23-year-old has exceptional stuff, but like most young pitchers lacks consistency. The Rockies need one of his plus games so they can get back to Marquez and Freeland in good shape.

Rockies keys to victory

• There’s one position the Rockies don’t want to be in during this series. That’s trailing with the game in the hands of Milwaukee’s dominant late-inning relievers. The Rockies won’t just want to score first, they’ll want to score often against whomever Milwaukee turns to in the early innings. Doing so will set a positive tone and potential guard against getting locked down by Josh Hader and company.

• If would help if the Rockies’ role players stayed hot. So many unexpected contributors pitched in during the wild-card game win in Chicago. Tony Wolters got the headlines, but Gerardo Parra, Scott Oberg and a whole host of relief pitchers picked up the slack in those crucial late innings. Those part-timers and more will be needed to win this series.

Brewers keys to victory

• The biggest key for Milwaukee will be getting to the bullpen with the lead. Counsell will undoubtedly look to shorten games and let his power arms control their fate in the money innings. If the starters can give them five innings and keep them in the game, they’re in good position.

• Like the Rockies, the Brewers’ offense can run hot and cold. That means we could see some weird ebs and flows during this series. It also means Milwaukee’s ability to manufacture runs might come in to focus. There are a lot of pure mashers in their lineup and on their bench — but getting guys on base and in to score with any consistency could be the difference.

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• Why Dodgers aren’t starting Kershaw in Game 1
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