The Los Angeles Dodgers will meet the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS after both clubs punched their tickets to the League Championship Series.
The NL West champion Dodgers swept the San Diego Padres 3-0 in the Divisional Round. Their emphatic 12-3 win in Game 3 sent them through to the NLCS. The Atlanta Braves also swept their way to the NLCS, eliminating the Miami Marlins 3-0.
Now, the Dodgers and Braves will meet on Monday in Game 1 of the NLCS. At the time of this writing, the ALCS is still awaiting its second team. The Houston Astros qualified for the ALCS and will face off with either the New York Yankees or the Tampa Bay Rays.
As we know the NLCS already, let’s take a look at the series before the first pitch on Monday.
MLB Futures: Who will win the World Series?
With the MLB playoffs now set for the LCS, sportsbooks have released new outright World Series winner odds. The odds are according to Bet365 on Friday, October 9:
- LA Dodgers +175
- NY Yankees +375
- ATL Braves +400
- TB Rays +500
- Hou Astros +500
Atlanta Braves vs. LA Dodgers — Game 1
Game 1 will take place on Monday, October 12. The Braves and Dodgers both head into the game having swept their previous opponents, the Marlins and Padres, respectively. The two teams will play on the neutral site of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The neutral venue will take away any kind of home-field advantage these teams would have playing in their actual ballparks.
The LA Dodgers have played in two of the last three World Series. The Dodgers have been knocking on the door and could finally win the trophy that has eluded them for 32 years.
Neither team has posted which pitcher will start the game. Although the playoffs were expanded, the Dodgers have played just five games thus far in the MLB Playoffs. Dave Roberts’ team has not faced adversity in the postseason, sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers and Padres in two and three games, respectively.
The Braves are the same. They swept the Cincinnati Reds prior to pushing the Marlins to the side. Now, the two best teams in the NL will face off.
Due to the shortened MLB season, the Braves and Dodgers did not face each other this season. The Dodgers did post the best record in the NL at 43-17. The Braves had the third-best record on the senior circuit at 35-25.
Atlanta Braves vs. LA Dodgers H2H
Between 2018 and 2019, the Braves and Dodgers met 17 times. The Dodgers posted a 12-5 record in that time. The clubs met six times in 2019 alone with the Dodgers claiming four victories.
Atlanta Braves vs. LA Dodgers — Game 1 Pick
The last time these teams played, the Dodgers did not have outfielder Mookie Betts on the roster. Betts has been brilliant in the NL Playoffs. He has .368 BA, .435 OBP, and 1.066 OPS. Add in four RBI and six runs scored, and Betts is on track for a possible World Series ring.
The Braves strong pitching has led them through to the NLCS. However, Atlanta’s bats have been alive. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud is playing well for the Braves. He has two home runs, seven RBI, and a 1.342 OPS. Will he stay hot for the game on Monday?
The LA Dodgers have been so close in recent years. They stormed through the shortened regular season and made mincemeat out of the high-powered San Diego Padres.
Atlanta’s pitching has been good, but the Dodgers are the “home team” for the game. Having the chance to bat last could be the difference.
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