Game Preview: Dodgers Continue Road Trip in Atlanta
Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves
Time: 4:35 PM PT
Venue: SunTrust Park
Los Angeles Record: 56-46
Atlanta Record: 54-44
How are the Dodgers Doing?
In less than 20 hours, the Dodgers managed to lose two times to the Phillies. Their 7-3 loss on Wednesday was the first time since July 13 that the team did not record a double digit hit total.
Why is this Game Important?
With both the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks losing on Friday, Los Angeles kept their 0.5 lead in the NL West. The Dodgers opponent, the Braves, are in similar situation to the Brewers and Phillies. The Braves are a young team that has overachieved in 2018. They trail the Phillies by only 1.5 games in the NL East.
The Dodgers are in jeopardy of losing three straight games for the first time since the end of June.
Pitching Matchup
Rich Hill (3-4, 4.26) vs. Anibal Sanchez (5-2, 2.76 ERA)
The Dodgers had Rich Hill run out to the bullpen late Tuesday night in the midst of their 16 inning game in Philadelphia. Instead of pitching that game, Hill will take the mound on Thursday in Atlanta. He won his last start in Milwaukee, where he struck out nine batters in six innings.
Anibal Sanchez’s 2.76 ERA is his lowest since 2013, when he led the American League with a 2.57 mark. He defeated the Dodgers earlier this year, allowing two runs in five innings.
Matchup of the Day
Manny Machado vs Anibal Sanchez
Manny Machado is still trying to connect for his first home run with the team. He has a chance to reach this milestone with Anibal Sanchez pitching for the Braves. Machado is 6-12 with two home runs in his career against Sanchez. He also played against the Braves in Atlanta in June, hitting a home run in his first game playing at SunTrust Park.
Vegas Odds
Odds Sharks
Los Angeles: -132
Atlanta: +122
FiveThirtyEight
Los Angeles: 53% chance of winning
Atlanta: 47% chance of winning
Fun Fact
From the time Dodger Stadium first opened in 1962, the Braves have played in four separate ballparks (Milwaukee County Stadium, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Turner Field, SunTrust Park).
