In the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, the Milwaukee Brewers’ bullpen arguably provided the difference between two evenly matched teams.

Brewers relievers allowed only one run in 19 innings against San Diego (0.47 ERA), while recording 16 strikeouts and eight walks.

The number of walks was somewhat high, but Milwaukee’s relievers repeatedly escaped trouble. They worked around those free passes and the 11 hits surrendered without letting the Padres turn baserunners into significant offensive production.

That ability will remain critical against a Los Angeles Dodgers lineup capable of putting runners on base and creating pressure situations.

Milwaukee’s relievers nevertheless have plenty of confidence heading into Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.

During Sunday’s 2-1 win in Game 1, DL Hall, Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill combined for 4.2 scoreless innings, surrendering two hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

The Brewers have relied on the same group of relievers consistently throughout the year, allowing familiarity and trust to develop between them.

Each pitcher understands that his responsibility is not necessarily to complete an inning without assistance. If one reliever allows runners to reach base, he knows Milwaukee has dependable options behind him capable of escaping the situation.

That support gives every member of the bullpen an opportunity to take a deep breath, remain composed and trust the pitchers who could follow. Having that depth available creates a special feeling for the entire unit.

Milwaukee’s relievers have demonstrated an ability to enter difficult situations without allowing the moment to accelerate their approach.

They can inherit runners, face the strongest part of an opposing lineup and continue attacking hitters without becoming overwhelmed.

Their different styles also give the Brewers flexibility. Manager Pat Murphy can turn to a reliever based on the hitter, inning or game situation rather than assigning every pitcher one rigid responsibility.

That versatility becomes particularly valuable during the postseason, when one matchup can determine whether an opponent extends an inning or leaves runners stranded.

The bullpen’s confidence is also rooted in accountability. Each reliever understands that he may be asked to protect another pitcher’s work, and the same teammates will be ready to support him when he encounters trouble.

That shared responsibility helps prevent one walk, hit or difficult plate appearance from becoming a larger problem.

Milwaukee cannot expect every relief appearance to remain scoreless against Los Angeles. The Dodgers will create traffic and force the Brewers to execute under pressure.

However, Hall, Uribe, Ashby, Megill and the rest of the bullpen have already shown that they can bend without allowing a game to break open.

Their composure, flexibility and trust in one another remain central to Milwaukee’s chances in the National League Championship Series.