It has stared at them for a year now, dancing beyond their reach, swaggering around their pain, teasing, taunting, challenging.

On a cold Saturday night at Miller Park, a blue-hot baseball team finally confronted their demon, stuck their chin in its face, and challenged it to another fight.

Welcome back, Dodgers, to the World Series.

Welcome back to your dream. Welcome back to your nightmare.

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This time, one more win, OK?

After spending six months investing all their energy in returning to the spot that left them so empty, the Dodgers were rewarded with a second consecutive World Series berth after a 5-1 comeback victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the deciding Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.

They will play the favored American League champion Boston Red Sox beginning Tuesday in Boston, a tough task, but the Dodgers will revel in it. After losing last year’s World Series to the Houston Astros in Game 7, they spent all season in search of redemption, and they finally earned that chance on a night of rich history and dazzling beauty.

And, oh yeah, also a night of poetic symmetry, as the final score exactly matched the score of last year’s lost World Series Game 7.

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“It’s a magical thing,” said co-owner Peter Guber, standing amid the spraying champagne of the Dodgers’ fourth such party in three weeks.

It ended with Clayton Kershaw fittingly on the mound, the ace pitching the ninth inning in relief, his giant figure smothered by hugging and leaping Dodgers who clearly can’t wait to begin the final leg of their journey.

“There was a message in last year’s Game 7, we learned from that as a team, and everybody thought about this moment, getting back to the World Series,” said Chris Taylor.

1 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates with Manny Machado in locker room after capturing the National League Championship Series. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 2 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates in locker room after Dodgers defeated Brewers 5-1. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 3 / 42 Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after winning game seven of the National League Championship Series. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 42 The Dodgers celebrate a 5-1 win over the Brewers in game seven. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 42 Dodgers celebrate after capturing game seven of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 6 / 42 The Dodgers pose for pictures after beating the Brewers in game seven of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 7 / 42 Dodgers Clayton Kershaw celebrate with teammates after defeating the Brewers 5-1 in game 7 at Miller Park. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 8 / 42 David Freese’s baby crawls over the NLCS logo as the team celebrates a 5-1 win over the Brewers. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 42 Dodgers Clayton Kershaw kisses his daughter after game seven. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 42 Joc Pederson celebrates with Dodgers teammates after beating the Brewers 5-1 in game sevem. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 42 Dodgers Clayton Kershaw celebrates following the National League Championship Series. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 12 / 42 Yasiel Puig and Clayton Kershaw celebrate a 5-1 win over the Brewers in game seven. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 42 Dodgers Manny Machado celebrate after game seven of the National League Championship Series. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 14 / 42 Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia tags Kiké Hernandez who is caught stealing in the seventh inning in game seven. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates after hitting a three run homer in the sixth inning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates with teammates after hitting a three run homer in the sixth inning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 42 Yasiel Puig celebrates after hitting a three run homer in the sixth inning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 42 Yasiel Puig is pumped after hitting a three run homer in the sixth inning (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates after hitting a three run homerun in the 6th inning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates with Max Muncy after hitting a three run home run in the 6th inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 21 / 42 Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor celebrates after catching a drive by Brewers Christian Yelich in the 5th inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 22 / 42 Dodgers relief pitcher Juan Urias throws in the fifth inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 23 / 42 Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pats Walker Buehler after taking him out of the game in the fifth inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 24 / 42 Dodgers Walker Buehler lays down a bunt as Brewers catcher Erik Kratz looks on in the 5th inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 25 / 42 Yasiel Puig misses a fourth inning double by Brewers second baseman Travis Shaw. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 42 Brewer fans cheer on the home team during game seven. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 27 / 42 Walker Buehler readies himself for the next batter during a budding Brewers rally in the second inning. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 42 Dodgers Yasiel Puig celebrates hitting a second-inning double. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 42 Cody Bellinger celebrates with Yasiel Puig after hitting a second inning, two run homer. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 42 Cody Bellinger flexes his muscle as he rounds the bases on a second inning, two run homer. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 42 Dodgers Cody Bellinger celebrates with Manny Machado after hitting a two run homerun the second inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times / ) 32 / 42 As Brewers first baseman, Jesus Aquilar, looks on, Dodgers Cody Bellinger rounds first base after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 33 / 42 Dodgers Cody Bellinger tosses the bat after hitting a two run home run in the second inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 34 / 42 Dodgers Cody Bellinger watches his towering home run in the second inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 35 / 42 Dodgers Max Muncy is out at second base as Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Travis Shaw throw to first to complete the double play in the first inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 36 / 42 Fans take photos with Manny Machado before Game 7. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 42 Milwaukee Brewers Christian Yelich celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo homerun in the first inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 38 / 42 Yasiel Puig can’t reach a first inning homer by Christian Yelich. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 42 Chorizo Sausage glances at a follower as the rest of the famous racing sausages head to the main level of Miller Park before Game 7. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 42 With the Dodgers looking on, Milwaukee Brewers Christian Yelich celebrates after hitting a solo homerun in the first inning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times ) 41 / 42 Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw works out before the start of Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 42 Dodgers pitchers Pedro Baez and Julio Urías head to the clubhouse after pregame warmups. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The franchise’s first consecutive World Series appearances in 40 years was a milestone that crossed time zones. Back in Los Angeles, in the middle of LeBron James’ Staples Center debut, the video board broadcast the final out to a roaring crowd and Randy Newman singing, “I Love L.A.’”

In the joyous Miller Park visiting clubhouse, any singing would have been drowned out by the spraying and screaming and thinking about the next step.

“It’s not a time to take a breath and relax,’’ said Justin Turner. “We’re not satisfied with being there. We want to show up and win four games and be the last team standing.’’

This was the 30th anniversary of the day the Dodgers clinched their last World Series championship, a reminder of the drought that shadows their every move. Yet it was a victory filled with the kind of memories that could allow this bunch to write a new history.

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They won with an audacious two-strike bunt single by the constantly booed Manny Machado that led to a two-run homer by Cody Bellinger in the second inning.

“It was unbelievable how he actually got the bunt down, and to think about getting the bunt down,” said Bellinger.

They won with a stunning, lunging, over-the-shoulder catch by Taylor in deep left field to keep the tying run from scoring in in the fifth inning.

“It was a big moment,’’ said Taylor. “I’m just glad I made the play.”

They won with rookie starter Walker Buehler rising up to equal the biggest moment of his young career with one allowed run in 42/3 innings, and kid Julio Urias coming out of nowhere to record the biggest out of his career.

And, of course, this emotionally swinging team couldn’t have done it without Yasiel Puig putting on a nutty show with a game-clinching three-run homer in the sixth inning featuring an accompanying trot filled with a veritable Swiss Army knife of gestures.

He did a crotch chop. He did a throat slash. He did a chest thump. He raised the roof. He danced in the dirt.

It was all in good fun, but there is much more fun to be had, if they can navigate the difficulties awaiting them next week at Fenway Park.

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“Great for baseball, two storied franchises going head to head,” said Dodger manager Dave Roberts. “It’s going to be a great series.”

The Red Sox had the best record in baseball this season with 108 wins, 16 more than the Dodgers. The Red Sox breezed through their postseason, winning seven of nine games. The Red Sox will be favored in this series by anybody who has seen them play.

Any of that sound familiar? They sound just like the Dodgers in last season’s World Series against the Houston Astros, no?

So anything can happen, something which the Dodgers proved in this NLCS, a thrill ride featuring memorable highs and striking lows.

“This is definitely a more battle-tested group,” said General Manager Farhan Zaidi. “Last year we kind of cruised through the season and the first two rounds of the playoffs. This year has definitely been more of a grind getting to this point.”

The Dodgers could have clinched this Friday, but suffered a dispirited Game 6 loss, sending them stumbling into Game 7. But once they arrived, they soared.

“We had a lot of doubters along the way, but not in here, nobody doubted us in here,” said Taylor.

After Christian Yelich had given the Brewers a 1-0 lead after with a first-inning homer, Machado led off the second amid deafening boos by taking a huge risk with a two-strike bunt attempt. It was a perfect, the ball crawling toward third base, and he was safe at first with a single.

When Machado stopped running, he endeared himself further to all of Wisconsin by grabbing his crotch, a vile gesture by a bad actor, at which point the fans chanted, “You still suck, you still suck!” But four pitches later, it was all forgotten when Bellinger, who was named the NLCS MVP, drove a pitch into the right-field seats, adding to his game-winning hit in the 13th inning in Game 4.

The lead seemed on the verge of evaporating in the fifth inning after Lorenzo Cain hit a two-out double into the left-field corner, chasing Buehler and bringing in Urias, who pitched in three regular season games while recovering from shoulder surgery.

Yelich greeted Urias with a line shot deep to left-center field, but somehow Taylor was able to chase it down and nab it with an outstretched glove while running and falling with his back to home plate.

It ended the inning and essentially demoralized the Brewers, who never made much of a peep again.

As for that 30th-anniversary stuff, Orel Hershiser, the winning pitcher in that last World Series championship victory against Oakland, recently turned 60. The winning manager, Tom Lasorda, is 91.

That last title was a long time ago. The Dodgers’ close call last October made the drought seem even longer.

Now they have another shot. That’s all they’ve wanted. They played like it on Saturday night. Bring on the demon. Bring on the dream.

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate in the clubhouse after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 in Game 7 of the 2018 National League Championship Series.

bill.plaschke@latimes.com

Get more of Bill Plaschke’s work and follow him on Twitter @BillPlaschke</s>In Game 7 of the National League Championship Series Yasiel Puig and the Los Angeles Dodgers made a thunderous appearance in Miller Park on Saturday night as they defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1, sending the National League West team to their 24th World Series in franchise history.

In the top of the sixth inning the Cuban All-Star made a roaring statement to the Brewers and their faithful fans as he launched a three-run home run on a 1-1 pitch to left-center field to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead. The 27-year-old right fielder went 3-for-4 on the night, with his three-run home run holding off as the insurance runs the Dodgers needed to send them to the World Series for a second year in a row.

“We go out and play, practice every day and thank god we’re given this opportunity again to go to the World Series and now we see what happens in Boston,” Puig stated after being sent to the World Series for the second time in his career, “The best team that plays on the field will win the World Series.”

“He’s the energy of this team, he’s the heart of this team.” Hall of Famer and FOX Sports analysis Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas said on Puig after the game, “When he’s happy, making a difference, then that’s when he’s at his best. This guy can really play the game.”

Manny Machado went 2-4 on the night before celebrating his first conquest to baseball’s holy land. Machado, who was born and raised in Miami, FL and is of Dominican decent, started the season with the last place Baltimore Orioles (47-115) and was later traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 18.

“This is awesome.” Machado said as champagne soared in the air of the visitor’s team clubhouse, “There’s no better feeling. Coming here. Winning. We had this goal since I got here, we finally made it here. There’s no better feeling.”

Jhoulys Chacin from Maracaibo, Venezuela, is one of six Venezuelans on the Brewers playoff roster, received the honors of pitching the start of Game 7. Chacin was pulled out of the game after giving up two runs in two innings pitched.

The Brewers end the season having gone 97-67, fighting tooth and nail to clinch the National League Central and get to Game 7 for the National League Pennant.

The Boston Red Soxs will host the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 1 of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park in Boston, MA on Tuesday November 23 with first pitch set for 8:09 p.m. EST.</s>The Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 in the deciding Game 7 of the National League Championship Series Saturday night.

With the win, the Dodgers will return to the World Series for the second year in a row, to face off against the Boston Red Sox — and look to rewrite last year's fate, after losing Game 7 of the World Series to the Houston Astros.

It was a tight game until the sixth inning, when Yasiel Puig's three-run homer handed the Dodgers a promising cushion. By the ninth inning, star pitcher Clayton Kershaw stepped in as relief pitcher to finish off the Brewers with the final three outs.

The Brewers, meanwhile, were betting against Dodgers rookie pitcher Walker Buehler, who's struggled as a two-time starter this playoffs. The 24-year-old let in six hits, including Milwaukee's Christian Yelich's first-inning home run.

But, as The Associated Press reports, Dodger Chris Taylor cut Yelich off with a crucial catch:



"Yelich looked like he would hurt the Dodgers again in the fifth with Lorenzo Cain on second with two outs. The NL MVP candidate hit a high, hard liner to left that seemed destined to fall in for a double. "Running at full speed to his left, Taylor extended his glove high in the air just as the ball settled into the mitt to end the inning."



In the second inning, a two-run homer from Cody Bellinger lifted the Dodgers to 2-1.

"They made the plays, they made the pitches when they had to (make) to win," Yelich said, the AP reports.

The last time Los Angeles won the World Series was in 1988.

"It's pretty cool. It's going to be a pretty special series," newly crowned NLCS MVP Bellinger said, according to the AP. "I know how lucky I am to be a part of it two years in a row."

The Red Sox — who beat the Houston Astros to win the American League Championship Series on Friday — will host the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night at Boston's Fenway Park.</s>Ryan Braun slid across home plate and raised his arms in sheer joy.

A big lead, a bruising bullpen and a boisterous crowd have the Milwaukee Brewers all set up for Game 7.

Jesus Aguilar sparked Milwaukee's slumping lineup with three RBIs on a pair of two-out hits, and the Brewers beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-2 on Friday night to even the NL Championship Series at three games each.

Game 7 is Saturday night in front of the same frenzied crowd that booed Manny Machado vociferously after he tangled with Aguilar while the series was in Los Angeles. Dodgers rookie Walker Buehler faces journeyman Jhoulys Chacin, with well-rested relief ace Josh Hader looming in the bullpen for Milwaukee after a surprise day off.

It will the Brewers' first Game 7 since losing to St. Louis in 1982 in their only World Series appearance. The Dodgers dropped Game 7 of the World Series last year to Houston.

David Freese led off this Game 6 with a home run that quieted Miller Park — but just for a moment.

Backed by raucous fans waving yellow towels that read "ONE TOUGH CREW," Milwaukee rebounded from consecutive losses at Dodger Stadium with the same formula it used to win the NL Central during a breakout season.

Some timely hitting by Aguilar and company produced an early lead, and Corey Knebel and Jeremy Jeffress led the way in another shutdown performance by Milwaukee's tough bullpen.

Los Angeles was looking for its second straight NL pennant and some time to prepare for the mighty Boston Red Sox in the World Series. But Hyun-Jin Ryu was tagged for four runs in the first inning, two on a double by Aguilar that sent Braun sliding home.

After Wade Miley pitched into the fifth inning in his second straight start, Knebel, Jeffress and Corbin Burnes closed it out with hitless relief. Knebel got the win and Burnes retired the Dodgers in order in the ninth, setting off a wild celebration for the crowd of 43,619.

If manager Craig Counsell was tempted to bring in the dominant Hader, Aguilar likely erased that urge when he scored on a wild pitch in the seventh and then singled in Cain in the eighth. The big first baseman had driven in just one run in the series heading into Game 6.

Freese drove in both runs for the Dodgers. The rest of the Los Angeles lineup managed just three measly singles. Hounded by boos all night long, Machado went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts

© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers advance to face Boston Red Sox in World Series, beating Milwaukee 5-1 in Game 7 for 23rd NL pennant.</s>MILWAUKEE — Yasiel Puig hit a three-run homer, Chris Taylor made a key catch and the Los Angeles Dodgers reached the World Series for the second straight year, beating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 on Saturday night in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series.

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw closed out the win, setting up a showdown with the Boston Red Sox starting Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Los Angeles fell short last year, losing to Houston in Game 7.

Christian Yelich put Milwaukee ahead with a solo home run in the first inning off rookie Walker Buehler. Cody Bellinger hit a two-run shot in the second that gave Los Angeles the lead.

Puig broke it open with his drive in the sixth. He celebrated wildly going around the bases as the Dodgers made it 5-1.

Taylor’s running, sliding grab in left-center field came in the fifth with the Dodgers nursing a 2-1 lead. He robbed Yelich of an extra-base hit with a runner on second and two outs.

Los Angeles hasn’t won the World Series since 1988. The Dodgers and Red Sox have met once before in the World Series, back in 1916 with Boston beating Brooklyn behind a big game from pitcher Babe Ruth.</s>MILWAUKEE — Yasiel Puig and Cody Bellinger flexed their muscles. Chris Taylor flashed some leather.

Then the Los Angeles Dodgers got a lift from ace Clayton Kershaw out of the bullpen to finish off the Milwaukee Brewers and return to the World Series.

Puig broke open a tight game with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, Taylor robbed Christian Yelich with a super catch and the Dodgers took Game 7 of the NL Championship Series with a 5-1 win on Saturday night.

It’s off to Fenway Park for a showdown against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

Los Angeles hasn’t won the World Series since 1988. The Dodgers and Red Sox have met once before in the World Series, back in 1916 with Boston beating Brooklyn behind a big game from pitcher Babe Ruth.

Kenley Jansen tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings before yielding to Kershaw in the ninth. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, pitching on two days of rest after starting Game 5, tossed a perfect inning and finished off the Brewers by striking out Mike Moustakas.

Kershaw’s teammates mobbed Kershaw near the mound after the final out, and the celebration was just beginning for manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers.

They’ve talked about having unfinished business after losing Game 7 of the World Series last year to the Houston Astros. Now the Dodgers have made baseball’s final series of the year in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1977-78.

The Brewers had their chances against rookie starter Walker Buehler, a 24-year-old right-hander who navigated through trouble over 4 2/3 innings. He allowed six hits, including a home run in the first by Yelich that made it 1-0.

Yelich looked like he would get to the Dodgers again in the fifth with Lorenzo Cain on second with two outs. The MVP candidate hit a high, hard liner to left that seemed destined to fall in for a double.

Running at full speed to his left, Taylor extended his glove hand high in the air just as the ball settled into the mitt to end the inning.

Taylor reversed course and ran excitedly back to the dugout, screaming “Let’s go!”

The Dodgers they waited for lights-out left-hander Josh Hader to leave the game to get their bats going again.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell inserted Hader into the game in the third after starter Jhoulys Chacin gave up a two-run homer to Cody Bellinger in the second for a 2-1 lead for the Dodgers. Hader tossed three shutout innings, striking out four being pulled after 31 pitches.

Puig’s three-run shot off reliever Jeremy Jeffress quieted the breathless, screaming Brewers fans at Miller Park.

The excitable outfielder raised both arms as he rounded second, wiggling his fingers skyward to mimic the Brewers’ trademark celebration move. Manny Machado, the object of nonstop boos from Milwaukee fans, obliged with the same gesture as he watched from the dugout steps.

Bellinger raised his right arm and pointing to his biceps as he rounded third after his homer.

The mighty Dodgers, who hit an NL-best 235 homers, outslugged the Brewers, who were second in the league with 218.

The loss ended a remarkable year for the Brewers. A late surge led by Yelich lifted Milwaukee from 5 1/2 games out of the NL Central lead on Aug. 28 to one win short of the franchise’s second World Series appearance.

An American League team in 1982, the Brewers lost the Series in seven games that year to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Game 7 against the Dodgers was the first at home for the franchise, coming 36 years to the day after losing the seventh game to the Cardinals in the Series.

But with Yelich and first baseman Jesus Aguilar emerging as offensive cornerstones, and a deep well of young pitching in the majors, the Brewers figure to be a team to beat again in the National League in 2019.

They’ll have to dethrone the Dodgers.</s>The Dodgers are headed to the World Series for the second straight season after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series on Saturday.Los Angeles won by a score of 5-1.The Dodgers' Yasiel Puig delivered the game's biggest moment in the sixth inning when he hit a home run with two runners on base to give the team a 5-1 lead.The Dodgers first scored in the second inning when Cody Bellinger hit a two-run home run that put the Dodgers ahead 2-1.Los Angeles will play against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.The Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros to reach the World Series.The Dodgers will attempt to win the franchise's first World Series since 1988.</s>During a break in the action between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, the fans at Staples Center could be heard cheering as they watch the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Milwaukee Brewers and advance to the World Series for a second consecutive year.
• Watch the Dodgers celebrate after NLCS Game 7, advance to World Series
• How the Dodgers outplayed Brewers in Game 7 to return to the World Series
• Whicker: Dodgers again refuse to fall off the edge, return to World Series</s>Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joc Pederson (31) is checked by a trainer after getting hit by a pitch during the sixth inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Los Angeles Dodgers return to the World Series after a 5–1 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers in game 7 of the National League Championship Series.