The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to kick off the NLCS versus the top-seeded Milwaukee Brewers on Monday evening in American Family Field.
As has been reported across several media outlets, the full schedule for the seven-game series has officially been released:
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Game 1: Monday, Oct. 13 — 8:08 pm ET/5:08 pm PT
Game 2: Tuesday, Oct. 14 — 8:08 pm ET/5:08 pm PT
Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 16 — 6:08 pm ET/3:08 pm PT*
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 17 — 8:38 pm ET/5:38 pm PT*
Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 18 — 8:08 pm ET/5:08 pm PT*
Game 6 (if necessary): Monday, Oct 20 — 5:08 pm ET/2:08 pm PT
Game 7 (if necessary): Tuesday, Oct. 21 — 8:08 pm ET/5:08 pm PT
*Indicates home games
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A couple of the start times do stand out specifically. Game 3 marks the first home game of the series for the Dodgers. It also comes at a very inopportune time — literally. As we saw in the series versus the Philadelphia Phillies, starting a game in Los Angeles at three in the afternoon is not ideal for anyone.
The traffic getting into Dodger Stadium is difficult at any time, and that’s only elevated when making that trek during the heart of rush hour. Clusters of empty seats remained midway through the last contest beginning at 3:00 pm. Despite the assumptions of rival fan bases, it’s not for lack of interest in the team. That should be clear given the fact the Dodgers yet again led the league in attendance.
There’s also the factor that multiple games in this series could be hindered by the late afternoon start times pertaining to shadows behind home plate. In the Dodgers/Phillies NLDS series, the lack of ideal visibility did a number on hitters trying to slug against elite pitching. This is a major benefit on one side of the proverbial coin — yet also a hindrance on the other.
Regardless, both teams will have to perform at very high levels in order to advance to the World Series.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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