NLDS Preview: Game One Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers

Time: 5:37 PM PT

Venue: Dodger Stadium

Series Tied 0-0

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers enter the playoffs trending in the right direction. They won their final four games of the regular season, which included a sweep of the Giants and a victory over the Rockies to secure their sixth consecutive division win.

Why is this Game Important?

In recent memory, game one has been the deciding factor in the success for the Dodgers in the playoffs. Since 2013, they have won four out of five playoff series when they won the opener. Their one loss came in the 2017 World Series against the Astros, which went seven games. They have not won a series in which they were trailing after game one.

Pitching Matchup

Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97 ERA) vs Mike Foltynewicz (13-10, 2.85 ERA)

The Dodgers announced the surprising move on Tuesday that they would start Hyun-Jin Ryu over Clayton Kershaw to open the playoffs. Ryu won each of his last three starts of the regular season, posting a 0.47 ERA during that span.

Ryu has made just three career starts in the postseason, with his last coming in 2014. He made his first career playoff start against the Braves in 2013, where he allowed four runs in three innings. Since that start, Ryu allowed just one run over his next 13 playoff innings.

Mike Foltynewicz makes his postseason debut for the Braves. The 2018 All-Star led the Atlanta staff with 183 innings pitched and 13 victories. He faced the Dodgers once during the season, in a losing effort where he allowed four runs in five innings.

Matchup of the Day

Manny Machado vs Mike Foltynewicz

Ultimately, the Dodgers acquired Manny Machado for this part of the season. The 26-year-old infielder batted .273 with 13 home runs in his 66 games with Los Angeles, though his legacy in a Dodger uniform lies on his performance in October.

Machado’s only playoff experience came in the 2012 ALDS when he was 20-years-old and the 2016 Wild Card Game.

In his career against Foltynewicz, Machado has four base hits in six at-bats.

Vegas Odds

OddsShark

Dodgers: -185

Atlanta: +135

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 61% chance of winning

Atlanta: 39% chance of winning

Fun Fact

Freddie Freeman is the only Braves player who was on the team when they last appeared in the postseason in 2013.