The Los Angeles Dodgers will open the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday at 1 p.m. PDT at Dodger Stadium after the Braves secured their spot with a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the deciding Wild Card Game on Thursday.
The Phillies and Braves played a three-game Wild Card series marked by late-inning drama, including a walk-off loss for Atlanta in Game 2 and a decisive 6-2 victory in Game 3. The Dodgers, who received a bye during the Wild Card round, practiced at Dodger Stadium on Friday as the Braves prepared for their first postseason series since 2021.
The Dodgers enter the NLDS as defending champions, seeking to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles. Veteran utility player Kiké Hernández emphasized the team’s confidence, stating, “We are the team to beat. We are the team that you have to go through.”
Veteran third baseman Max Muncy downplayed the significance of a potential three-peat, saying, “Obviously it’s there, but it’s not something we’re really focused on. We’re trying to focus on ourselves getting ready this week.” Muncy added that the team avoids adding extra pressure, noting that winning a World Series is already challenging without additional expectations.
The Braves advanced to the NLDS with a 6-2 victory over the Phillies in Game 3, overcoming early deficits in each game. In Game 1, Atlanta trailed late before Austin Riley hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to secure a 5-3 win. The Phillies responded in Game 2 with a 7-6 victory in 10 innings, highlighted by a misplayed fly ball by Bryce Harper and a walk-off RBI by Alec Bohm in the 10th.
Game 3 saw the Braves take control early, with Tyler Mahle and the bullpen holding off Philadelphia’s late rally. The series win marked Atlanta’s first postseason series victory since 2021 and set up a rematch with the Dodgers, whom they last faced in the 2020 NLCS.
Dodger Stadium will host the first two games of the best-of-five series, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. PDT. The Dodgers, who swept the Wild Card round in 2023, have home-field advantage in the NLDS after posting the best record in the National League during the regular season.
The Dodgers’ preparation included intrasquad scrimmages on Thursday, with the Phillies-Braves series serving as the backdrop on the scoreboard. The Dodgers’ bye week allowed for focused postseason readiness, though their primary focus remains on their upcoming opponent rather than long-term goals.
Key Matchup Notes:
- Dodgers: Reigning back-to-back champions; seeking first NL three-peat.
- Braves: Advanced with late-inning heroics; last postseason series win came in 2021.
- Series Schedule: Games 1 and 2 at Dodger Stadium; Games 3-5 (if necessary) in Atlanta.
The NLDS begins Saturday, with both teams emphasizing preparation over narratives.