What Is 2018 National League Division Series

Overview

The 2018 National League Division Series (NLDS) marked the opening round of the National League postseason, determining which two teams would advance to the NL Championship Series. This best-of-five format featured the top eight National League teams based on regular season performance and divisional rankings.

Two matchups were set following the conclusion of the 2018 MLB regular season: the Milwaukee Brewers (96-66) faced the Colorado Rockies (91-72), while the Los Angeles Dodgers (92-71) took on the Atlanta Braves (90-72). All games were played between October 3 and October 9, 2018.

• Milwaukee Brewers: As the NL Central champions, they earned home-field advantage in their series against the Rockies, winning all three games at Miller Park.
• Colorado Rockies: Entered as the second Wild Card team and defeated the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Game before facing Milwaukee.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: Defending NL champions and NL West winners, they secured home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.
• Atlanta Braves: Won the NL East in their first postseason appearance since 2013, led by rookie phenom Ronald Acuña Jr.
• Game Format: Each NLDS followed a 2-2-1 structure, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2, and 5 (if necessary).

How It Works

The NLDS is a critical step in Major League Baseball’s postseason structure, serving as a bridge between the Wild Card Game and the NLCS. Each series is best-of-five, with the winners advancing to compete for the National League pennant.

• Best-of-Five Format: Teams must win three games to advance. This format increases competitiveness while minimizing scheduling strain compared to a seven-game series.
• Seeding & Matchups: The three division winners and one Wild Card team are seeded 1–4 based on regular season records, with the top seed facing the lowest seed.
• Home-Field Advantage: The higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, and 5, giving them a strategic edge in crowd support and travel logistics.
• Wild Card Path: The two Wild Card teams play a single-elimination game, with the winner advancing to face the top seed in the NLDS.
• Roster Rules: Teams may expand rosters slightly, but must submit a 25-player active roster before the series begins.
• Officiating: MLB umpire crews rotate series assignments, with each game overseen by a four-person crew, including replay review protocols.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two 2018 NLDS matchups:

The table highlights how regular season performance translated into postseason success. Both higher-seeded teams won their series, with the Brewers sweeping the Rockies and the Dodgers overcoming early resistance from the Braves. The Dodgers eventually advanced to the World Series, losing to the Boston Red Sox in five games.

Why It Matters

The 2018 NLDS was pivotal in shaping the narrative of that year’s MLB postseason, showcasing rising stars and setting the stage for a dramatic NLCS between Milwaukee and Los Angeles.

• Competitive Balance: The format ensures division winners are rewarded, but Wild Card teams still have a realistic path to the championship.
• Player Development: Young talents like Acuña Jr. and Bellinger demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure on a national stage.
• Market Exposure: Smaller-market teams like Milwaukee gained national attention, boosting fan engagement and merchandise sales.
• Strategic Depth: Managers like Craig Counsell and Dave Roberts used bullpen strategies that influenced future playoff approaches.
• Replay Impact: Several key calls were overturned, reinforcing the importance of instant replay in high-stakes games.
• Historical Context: The Brewers reached the NLCS for the first time since 2011, marking a franchise milestone.

The 2018 NLDS not only determined the final NL contenders but also highlighted the growing parity and excitement in modern MLB playoffs, setting a benchmark for future postseason formats.