Brewers Clinch First World Series Berth Since 1982

The context

Milwaukee's run came through a postseason field that thinned quickly. According to CBS Sports' bracket, the Phillies, Astros, Red Sox and Cubs were eliminated in the Wild Card Series, and the Padres, Yankees, Braves and White Sox fell in the division series round. That left the Brewers to face the Dodgers for the NL pennant, a series Milwaukee swept in four games without a loss.

The ALCS has been tighter. Cleveland won Games 1 and 3 by scores of 7-3 and 3-2, with Tampa Bay taking Game 2 by 3-1, per the CBS Sports schedule. Friday's rainout in Cleveland forced MLB to update the remainder of the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is now set for Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern, with Game 5 on Sunday and, if needed, Games 6 and 7 in Tampa Bay on Monday and Tuesday.

Why it matters

A 44-year wait between World Series trips ends for Milwaukee, and the franchise now has a chance at its first title ever. The Brewers reached this point by sweeping the Dodgers, one of the sport's marquee teams, at the peak of the MLB postseason. The result also sets the stage for the Fall Classic: Milwaukee holds home-field advantage, with Games 1 and 2 scheduled at the Brewers' park, according to the CBS Sports schedule. For the Rays and Guardians, the stakes of their remaining games are now fully defined -- the winner goes straight to Milwaukee.

What’s next

The ALCS resumes Saturday with Game 4 between the Rays and Guardians in Cleveland at 8 p.m. Eastern, with Cleveland up 2-1 in the series. Game 5 follows Sunday, and Games 6 and 7, if needed, are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Tampa Bay. World Series Game 1 is set for Friday, Oct. 23, in Milwaukee, per CBS Sports. The open question is which AL team the Brewers will face.