ajc
A fresh playoff series brings new beginnings and new questions as the Atlanta Braves prepare to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
The Braves face a formidable challenge against a Dodgers team that is chasing its third consecutive World Series championship. The matchup pits rest against rust: Los Angeles earned a first-round bye, while Atlanta battled through a three-game Wild Card Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
All the pressure is on the Dodgers, and if the Braves can steal a game in Los Angeles, the series could become very interesting.
Game 1 Details
The series opener is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The game will be televised on Fox, with Joe Davis, John Smoltz, and Ken Rosenthal on the broadcast. The Braves have not yet named a starting pitcher, while the Dodgers will send left-hander Tarik Skubal to the mound.
Series Schedule (Best-of-Five)
- Game 2: Sunday at Dodger Stadium, 8 p.m. ET
- Game 3: Tuesday at Truist Park, 6 p.m. ET
- Game 4: Wednesday at Truist Park, 6 p.m. ET
- Game 5: Friday at Dodger Stadium, 8 p.m. ET
* if necessary
Braves in La-La Land
The road to the National League Championship Series goes through Los Angeles, and if the Braves are going to return to greatness, they must dethrone the Dodgers, who have won the last two World Series. It is a quick turnaround for Atlanta, which finished its Wild Card Series on Thursday night, and the trip out west is rarely easy.
Yes, the Braves have handled the Dodgers well this season, and yes, Los Angeles will not have Shohei Ohtani on the mound, but the Dodgers have plenty of other options to try to quiet the Braves' bats. There is always a chance the Braves can pull the upset, but it will be an uphill climb with the Dodgers' pitching staff and the back-and-forth to Los Angeles if the series goes to a deciding fifth game.
Originally reported by ajc.