The Milwaukee Brewers are currently two games up on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the No. 1 seed in the National League.
The Brewers also own the season series over the Dodgers, so that two-game lead is essentially a three-game lead. With just four games left to play, the Brewers are trying to secure the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. However, they have two different magic numbers fans need to pay attention to.
Magic Number For No. 1 Seed In NL And Home Field Advantage To World Series: 2
The Brewers' magic number to claim the National League's top seed is just two. That means that with a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, coupled with a Dodgers loss to the San Diego Padres, the Brewers would secure home-field advantage to the World Series.
The Brewers are starting Bryse Wilson against Andrew Painter, meaning the Brewers' relievers will have to get 27 outs against the Phillies. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are starting Tyler Glasnow against Nick Pivetta.
However, there's a scenario where the Brewers don't clinch home-field advantage in the World Series, but do clinch home-field advantage in the World Series on Thursday night.
Magic Number To Clinch Home Field Advantage In World Series: 1
Home field advantage in the Fall Classic goes to the team with the better record. The best record in the American League belongs to the Tampa Bay Rays entering play on Thursday.
The Brewers own the season series against the Rays, who are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the American League. If the Rays lose or the Brewers win on Thursday, the Brewers will be guaranteed home field advantage in the World Series.
The Rays are facing the Yankees on Thursday, who are starting American League Cy Young Award favorite Cam Schlittler.