True Blue LA - NLCS Game 1: Braves 3, Dodgers 2Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2021-10-17T08:04:00-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/224935872021-10-17T08:04:00-07:002021-10-17T08:04:00-07:003 takeaways from Game 1 loss
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<img alt="Championship Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Atlanta Braves - Game One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tFo-VWLgGNNkUA2MhtS_n6jzQ0w=/0x0:2908x1939/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70007089/1346998302.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers’ pitching was fantastic, but they didn’t get enough offense to take down the Braves </p> <p id="fScKvn">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> fell to the Braves in Game 1 of the NLCS. Here are my three takeaways. </p>
<h3 id="4LKhNh">Offense continues to be streaky </h3>
<p id="3TKHS9">The Dodgers have now played seven games this postseason, with their offense really showing up in only two of the games. LA scored nine runs in San Francisco and then seven runs at home. Aside from that, the Dodgers have scored a combined seven runs in their other five games. </p>
<p id="qu6M2G">That is simply not going to cut it. </p>
<p id="rcGHnB">Here is a look at the offensive production so far in October. </p>
<ul>
<li id="he5LOB">3 runs</li>
<li id="zZPAcz">0 runs </li>
<li id="IrSAcV">9 runs </li>
<li id="IUxhG4">0 runs </li>
<li id="Nzz9zW">7 runs </li>
<li id="0OOG41">2 runs </li>
<li id="aqmJVp">2 runs</li>
</ul>
<p id="CR5acz">With how good the pitching has been, it seems like all the Dodgers have to do to win the game is score four runs, but that is a struggle for them at the moment. </p>
<p id="xw0AMJ">This game was there for the taking, but LA was only able to string together two runs. They out-hit Atlanta 10-6, but that doesn’t matter at all. For the game, LA was 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded seven runners on base. There were countless opportunities for the Dodgers to drive in runs, and they failed to do so. </p>
<p id="OR1eXO">The biggest opportunity was in the seventh inning. With the game tied at two with one out, the Dodgers had a runner on third base. Mookie Betts and Trea Turner failed to bring in the go-ahead run. The two guys you wanted at the plate couldn’t even hit it out of the infield. </p>
<p id="9aWVgI">It was a frustrating night for the offense, and frankly it’s been a frustrating postseason. We’ve seen all season how boom-or-bust this offense is, and it’s on full display. I get that they are having good at bats and putting the ball in play, but this offense is too good to be scoring less than three runs on a consistent basis. </p>
<h3 id="4lCQWJ">Costly mistakes</h3>
<p id="4hPhYC">The offense certainly didn’t help, but there were some costly mistakes that hurt the Dodgers as well. </p>
<p id="YEufuQ">In the first inning, Corey Seager failed to hold the tag on Eddie Rosario who was attempting to steal. He slid off the base, but since Seager took his glove off, Rosario was able to get back to the bag. This ended up costing the Dodgers, as Rosario ended up scoring on a wild pitch with two outs. </p>
<p id="h6Ygz6">Between the failed tag and wild pitch, Atlanta was gifted a run that could have been prevented by LA. </p>
<p id="uoCZmX">The biggest mistake came in the ninth inning from Chris Taylor. With two outs, Cody Bellinger singled to right field. Taylor was about <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> of the way to third base, when he turned around and tried going back to second base. He was caught in a rundown and was tagged out, ending the inning. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Taylor with a massive blunder on the bases <a href="https://t.co/Cfk6mwqObf">pic.twitter.com/Cfk6mwqObf</a></p>— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeHarrisTBLA/status/1449573050131705860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a>
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<p id="TNwnk3">By the looks of the throw from Joc Pederson, I think Taylor would have made it to third base had he kept his head down and kept running. Following the game, he said he should have stayed at second base. If he does that, the Dodgers have two runners on with Betts coming up to the plate.</p>
<p id="gP4lIp">Obviously, anything could have happened there. Betts could have gotten out and the Taylor error wouldn’t have made a difference. With that being said, Betts also could have given the Dodgers the lead and LA might have won the game. </p>
<p id="E7FvNV">It’s a baffle that you rarely see Taylor make on the field. It happens. But in the biggest moment of the game, it’s a mistake that cost the Dodgers. </p>
<h3 id="7Q7MpT">The Dodgers will be just fine </h3>
<p id="DSyj5P">Luckily, it’s no longer a five-game series. It’s a seven-game series. This was a game the Braves were expected to win. LA had to travel all the way from San Francisco and had to have a bullpen game. The fact the Dodgers had a chance to win this game was a win in itself. </p>
<p id="hdoxer">They have Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler and Julio Urias lined up for the next three games, which is a major advantage for the Dodgers. </p>
<p id="VYFSwL">Plus, we’ve seen this Dodgers team fall behind the Braves before in the playoffs. Last season they fell behind 2-0 and 3-1 in the NLCS. I have plenty of faith in this team. </p>
<p id="oRdZYW">Just please.... score more than two runs. </p>
<p id="G5XqpZ"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/17/22730687/los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-postseason-nlcs-2021-atlanta-braves-chris-taylorBlake Harris2021-10-16T21:41:50-07:002021-10-16T21:41:50-07:00Dodgers pitching plan worked, even though they lost Game 1
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DuNV_CilsD6gvtomuIrc__p33iY=/0x0:3615x2410/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70005918/usa_today_16971843.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>“I’ve learned to kind of soften on it,” Dave Roberts said of bullpen games. “Different isn’t always bad.”</p> <p id="pqCB3P">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> used a bullpen game in Game 1 of the NLCS, a situation forced by circumstance. And though the move was unconventional, the gambit helped Los Angeles navigate through the Braves lineup effectively, and more importantly had the support of everyone involved.</p>
<p id="FFaRsk">Atlanta <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22730473/dodgers-offense-wasted-opportunities-braves-capitalize-austin-riley-nlds-game-1">won Game 1 by taking advantage of the scant few opportunities they had</a>, but the lack of Dodgers offense was a bigger factor in the 3-2 defeat.</p>
<p id="zDN6RM">“We didn’t not win the game because we didn’t prevent runs,” manager Dave Roberts said after the game. “We didn’t get the hits when we needed it.”</p>
<p id="osE0EE">Max Scherzer would have been the choice to start Game 1 under usual circumstances, though things turned unusual when <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22727153/dodgers-pitching-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlds-game-5-giants">Scherzer was summoned to save Game 5 of the NLDS against the Giants on Thursday</a>. With only one day of rest, Scherzer was unsure how effective he would be in a Saturday start, and that he wasn’t sure how long he could have pitched.</p>
<p id="0RRZi2">So <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves">Scherzer was pushed back to Game 2</a>, with one more day of rest to provide what he described as “a full slate” in his start.</p>
<p id="8touc9">That opened the door for <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729197/dodgers-bullpen-game-nlcs-game-1-pitching-plans">Corey Knebel to start his second straight postseason game</a>. He allowed a run on a wild pitch, but even with that, Dodgers arms were effective. Eight Dodgers pitchers combined to allow three runs on six hits in 8⅓ innings, striking out 14 with no walks. That’s a winnable game.</p>
<p id="U6pwaG">Roberts said he’s come around on the idea of bullpen games, openers, using matchups over the years. </p>
<p id="9GmeWo">“I hated it. It wasn’t baseball,” <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1449520589748670468">Roberts told reporters in Atlanta before the game</a>. “I like to see the starters, and starters go deep, but when you sit in this chair, you’re trying to win games. That’s the bottom line. It doesn’t matter how appealing it is or what it is. The goal is to prevent runs on the pitching side.</p>
<p id="fn0h9C">“I’ve learned to kind of soften on it. Different isn’t always bad.”</p>
<p id="bIFuEj">Different got the Dodgers two different trips through the lefty-heavy top of the Braves batting order for their two left-handed relief pitchers. Both Justin Bruihl and Alex Vesia struck out Freddie Freeman, Atlanta’s most dangerous hitter.</p>
<p id="HzTRoC">Bruihl, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729292/dodgers-national-league-championship-series-roster-2021">just added to the roster on Saturday</a>, retired all three batters he faced — all lefties — in his postseason debut, just 10 weeks after his major league debut. He was put into a situation with his best chance to succeed, and knew his role to a tee.</p>
<p id="oDHPsa">Getting buy-in from the players is crucial to any strategy, especially if it deviates even slightly from the norm. Scherzer said though he might not like such a move during the regular season, he’d be okay with following an opener during the playoffs.</p>
<p id="Y0o3Oq">“As players, all we want to do is win, so if you tell us this is going to help us win, yeah, we’re all on board. Let’s go for it,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/scherzer-full-presser-10-16-21">Scherzer told reporters in Atlanta</a>. “When you get down to elimination games, you get into postseason games, you do whatever it takes to win.”</p>
<p id="bWbZSP">In an ideal situation, the Dodgers would have a fourth starting pitcher to turn to in a game like this. Clayton Kershaw would have started on Saturday, for instance, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/8/22717433/clayton-kershaw-injury-prp-injection-spring-training-2022-dodgers">if he was healthy</a>. Or maybe in a season in which Tony Gonsolin didn’t spend two long stints on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, he might have been given a longer leash.</p>
<p id="n24wgP">On Saturday, Roberts mentioned before the game 60 or more pitches for Gonsolin was possible. But after five hard-hit balls at least 96 mph in his seven batters faced, Gonsolin was pulled after 1⅔ innings. He only allowed one run — a rocket home run down the left field line by Austin Riley — but with the margin of error so thin in a close game, he wasn’t allowed to face Freeman.</p>
<p id="UWEjTw">The Dodgers were faced with plenty of non-ideal pitching situations in the second half of the season, with <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/22531600/dodgers-injured-list-tracker-2021">several pitchers on the injured list</a>, and churning through relievers due to heavy reliance on the bullpen.</p>
<p id="kmp4zF">Los Angeles used an opener 15 times during the regular season, then again in each of the last two postseason games. Nearly half (eight of 17) of them featured a bulk pitcher following with at least three innings. Some, like Game 1, were more of a traditional bullpen game.</p>
<p id="AWiuoi">In those games, the Dodgers have used an average of 6.5 pitchers, compared to 4.5 in all other games. LA in these bullpen/opener games has a better ERA, lower walk rate, and higher strikeout rate. </p>
<div id="ilwGG5"><div data-anthem-component="table:10811620"></div></div>
<p id="HTMmkc">They are 11-6 (.647) in those games, many times doing the best with what they had available. </p>
<p id="267AyB">With the players on board, and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2891046%2F2021%2F10%2F15%2Fmccullough-inside-the-dodgers-decision-to-open-their-way-back-to-the-nlcs%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2021%2F10%2F16%2F22730157%2Fdodgers-pitching-plan-nlcs-game-1-opener-bullpen-dave-roberts" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">a collaborative effort between the coaching staff and front office</a>, it’s hard to say the pitching plans haven’t worked. At the very least, it’s worth appreciating the openness to think outside the box, even to try to gain the slightest edge.</p>
<p id="jgLIZb">“What got me and I think a lot of people into baseball is the players and the superstars in the game itself,” <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1449520589748670468">Roberts explained</a>. “But the game within the game I think is something that I learned to appreciate more. </p>
<p id="x2h4uB">“I think that, for some reason, baseball fans are hesitant to hop on board of the game within the game. When you’re talking about an opener, or having relievers face certain parts of the lineup, that’s the game within the game, and dig on <em>why</em> that particular manager wants to use that pitcher in that lane instead of saying, ‘It’s stupid, I don’t like it, it’s not sexy to me.’ I mean, that just doesn’t make sense.”</p>
<p id="SzGwlx"></p>
<p id="kPY7c8"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22730157/dodgers-pitching-plan-nlcs-game-1-opener-bullpen-dave-robertsEric Stephen2021-10-16T20:43:18-07:002021-10-16T20:43:18-07:00Braves maximize opportunities to beat Dodgers in Game 1
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<img alt="National League Championship Series Game 1: Los Angeles Dodgers v. Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fqhgjclufQcWwsy5HWi39m5-guY=/0x0:5640x3760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70005812/1235928487.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Riley’s walk-off hit in 9th lifts Atlanta in Game 1</p> <p id="GzUcdX">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> offense didn’t take advantage of opportunities, and paid the price when Austin Riley singled home Ozzie Albies for a walk-off, 3-2 win for the Braves, taking Game 1 of the NLCS at Truist Park in Atlanta.</p>
<aside id="DrI0hS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Dodgers pitching plan worked, even though they lost Game 1","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22730157/dodgers-pitching-plan-nlcs-game-1-opener-bullpen-dave-roberts"}]}'></div></aside><p id="JSremN">Riley was at the plate for all three Atlanta runs on Saturday, including a solo home run in the fourth inning, his second of the postseason. The winning run scored after Albies reached on a fly ball single with one out in the ninth off Blake Treinen, then stole second base to set the stage for Riley’s walk-off.</p>
<p id="ThP99H">The first inning was similar, in that Eddie Rosario singled and stole second off Corey Knebel, though Rosario might have been out had shortstop Corey Seager kept the tag as he slid slightly off the bag. A grounder got Rosario to third, then he scored on a wild pitch for the game’s first run. With Riley at the plate.</p>
<p id="hgR7UP">Atlanta only had six hits, didn’t walk, and had just one at-bat with a runner in scoring position before Riley’s walk-off single. They maximized their scoring opportunities off a Dodgers bullpen game that did pretty much everything the team wanted, allowing three runs while striking out 14 batters.</p>
<p id="b5JYfU">The Dodgers on offense though weren’t as effective with their chances.</p>
<p id="URzbLL">Will Smith hit his third home run in seven games this postseason, <a href="https://stathead.com/sharing/nwA1T">the most ever in a single postseason by a Dodgers catcher</a>. AJ Pollock doubled and Chris Taylor singled for another run.</p>
<p id="bag5ET">The best chance to score late came in the seventh, when Taylor doubled to lead off the frame. Pinch-hitter Austin Barnes bunted Taylor to third with one out with the top of the order coming up, but Mookie Betts popped out and Trea Turner struck out against Tyler Matzek to waste the golden opportunity.</p>
<p id="IzEsDu">In the ninth, a walk by Taylor with two outs was followed by a single to right by pinch-hitter Cody Bellinger. Taylor had designs on advancing to third, but inexplicably stopped a third of the way between bases. Had he kept going, Joc Pederson’s low throw likely wouldn’t have caught him. But instead, the throw was cut off, and Taylor was a dead duck, ending the inning in a rundown.</p>
<div id="YQJTcp">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Taylor with a massive blunder on the bases <a href="https://t.co/Cfk6mwqObf">pic.twitter.com/Cfk6mwqObf</a></p>— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeHarrisTBLA/status/1449573050131705860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a>
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<p id="k2MItn">The Dodgers had 10 hits in the game, including eight off starter Max Fried, and even stole two bases themselves. But Taylor’s second-inning single was LA’s only hit with runners in scoring position all game, in eight at-bats.</p>
<p id="3QIy2o">“We threw out some hits, we just couldn’t get the hit when we needed,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters after the game.</p>
<p id="vZxOPG">Through seven games, the Dodgers are averaging just 3.29 runs per game, and have scored three or fewer runs five times.</p>
<h3 id="CaS8Jo">NLCS Game 1 particulars</h3>
<p id="zlJsNq"><strong>Home runs</strong>: Will Smith (3); Austin Riley (2)</p>
<p id="aw80t4"><strong>WP — Will Smith (1-0)</strong>: 1 IP, 1 hits, 1 walk</p>
<p id="qyEXsl"><strong>LP — Blake Treinen (0-1)</strong>: ⅓ IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 strikeout</p>
<h3 id="cKZJYp">Up next</h3>
<p id="1tZSsa">Max Scherzer got an extra day of rest after his NLDS-closing save, and will start Sunday night in Game 2 (<a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves">4:38 p.m. PT, TBS</a>), with right-hander Ian Anderson starting for the Braves.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22730473/dodgers-offense-wasted-opportunities-braves-capitalize-austin-riley-nlds-game-1Eric Stephen2021-10-16T16:46:00-07:002021-10-16T16:46:00-07:00Dodgers vs. Braves NLCS Game 1 chat
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<img alt="Division Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants - Game Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J1YE_Cv5c18UZRcyo5jDRR5DGPg=/0x0:5159x3439/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70005318/1345760339.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="WHYh49">The NLCS gets underway in Atlanta, with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and everyday starter Corey Knebel (plus several pitching friends) taking on Max Fried and the Braves in Game 1 on Saturday night at Truist Park.</p>
<h3 id="T1nFIx">Pregame reading & listening</h3>
<aside id="lJ0iIn"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Dodgers insist no letdown heading into NLCS","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729544/dodgers-nlcs-preview-braves-letdown-offense"},{"title":"Dodgers using bullpen game in Game 1","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729197/dodgers-bullpen-game-nlcs-game-1-pitching-plans"},{"title":"Dodgers-Braves postseason history","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729515/dodgers-braves-postseason-history-will-smith-nlcs-nlds"},{"title":"Podcast: Goodbye Giants, hello Braves","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/15/22729223/dodgers-podcast-nlds-giants-nlcs-braves-preview"},{"title":"SB Nation’s NLCS preview podcast","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22728646/nlcs-preview-sb-nation-podcast-dodgers-braves"},{"title":"Dodgers-Braves NLCS schedule","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves"},{"title":"NLCS Game 1 viewing guide ","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729553/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-1-viewing-guide"}]}'></div></aside><div id="KAGT4I">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NLCS Game 1, let's do this. <a href="https://t.co/anKPwfqIPu">pic.twitter.com/anKPwfqIPu</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1449501369774264327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a>
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<h3 id="EO1hdm">NLCS Game 1 info</h3>
<p id="9uGKnW">Teams: Dodgers (106-56) at Braves (88-73)</p>
<p id="YH0Se4">Location: Truist Park, Atlanta</p>
<p id="Fkv76B">Time: 5:08 p.m.</p>
<p id="jv6JbB">TV: TBS</p>
<p id="XfF6jw"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729545/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-1-chatEric Stephen2021-10-16T12:12:52-07:002021-10-16T12:12:52-07:00Pujols starts Game 1 against LHP
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<img alt="Division Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants - Game Five" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YaH8dp4XeARPUYJSFTaKkUUhkI4=/0x0:8390x5593/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70004499/1346634983.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers release their lineup for Game 1 of the NLCS, with Albert Pujols starting at first base in place of Game 5 hero Cody Bellinger. </p> <p id="r3Noj4">There are lot of changes in the Dodgers lineup compared to Game 5 of the NLDS.</p>
<p id="mTRyYg">The most notable switch in the lineup is having Albert Pujols at first base in replacement of Cody Bellinger. It makes sense, as lefty Max Fried is starting for the Braves. We’ll likely see Bellinger replace Pujols later in the game, but it does suck just a tad for Bellinger to not get the start. </p>
<p id="6iadnP">What’s your reward for winning Game 5? El bencho!</p>
<p id="anHPUd">Again, the move makes total sense. </p>
<p id="2JtWWO">AJ Pollock returns to the lineup after not starting the last two games of the NLDS. He replaces Gavin Lux in the lineup. With Pollock in left field, Chris Taylor slides over to center field. </p>
<p id="HRfQmx">Position changes aside, there are also some changes in the batting order. Trea Turner and Corey Seager have swapped spots again, as Turner is now hitting second with Seager hitting third.</p>
<p id="MBSick">Will Smith and Justin Turner also swapped spots, as Smith is hitting fifth with Turner hitting fourth. </p>
<p id="gaVGo5">With the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> using an opener yet again, we’ll likely see a pinch-hitter before seeing a pitcher hit for LA. In Game 5, Julio Urias only had one at-bat. It was the only at-bat by a Dodgers pitcher for the entire game. </p>
<h3 id="ilIcXy"><em><strong>Dodgers lineup </strong></em></h3>
<ol>
<li id="pNodab">Mookie Betts, RF</li>
<li id="0WiELZ">Trea Turner, 2B</li>
<li id="TqxMWu">Corey Seager, SS</li>
<li id="82htGF">Justin Turner, 3B</li>
<li id="UepQwL">Will Smith, C</li>
<li id="EkkbS5">Albert Pujols, 1B</li>
<li id="E3ApUy">AJ Pollock, LF</li>
<li id="elU5rs">Chris Taylor, CF</li>
<li id="je3lk3">Corey Knebel, P</li>
</ol>
<h3 id="TqIX7M"><em><strong>Braves lineup </strong></em></h3>
<ol>
<li id="osnfu3">Eddie Rosario, LF</li>
<li id="BTNJ9z">Freddie Freeman, 1B</li>
<li id="Swi9f9">Ozzie Albies, 2B</li>
<li id="uS7RoE">Austin Riley, 3B</li>
<li id="vrTCVu">Joc Pederson, RF</li>
<li id="EoWU0e">Adam Duvall, CF</li>
<li id="stQjpD">Travis d’Arnaud, C</li>
<li id="kclz7b">Dansby Swanson, SS</li>
<li id="17xkuY">Max Fried, P</li>
</ol>
https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/16/22730006/los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-2021-nlcs-cody-bellinger-lineup-atlanta-bravesBlake Harris2021-10-16T11:03:00-07:002021-10-16T11:03:00-07:00Dodgers insist no letdown heading into NLCS
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: NLDS-Milwaukee Brewers at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2HtbVkRUZABEhzX0OtyTJAuQRrc=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70004291/usa_today_16934594.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dodgers at Braves, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729553/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-1-viewing-guide">Game 1: 5:08 p.m. PT (TBS)</a></p> <p id="90ZCAW">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> already beat the toughest opponent they will face this October, but that doesn’t mean the remaining path is easy. Next up is the Braves in a second straight National League Championship Series, but also rebounding <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/15/22728275/dodgers-nlds-recap-reaction-game-5-giants">after “pouring everything we could” into the NLDS</a>.</p>
<aside id="dEm0tD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Dodgers-Braves NLCS schedule","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves"},{"title":"Dodgers using bullpen game in Game 1","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729197/dodgers-bullpen-game-nlcs-game-1-pitching-plans"},{"title":"NLCS Game 1 viewing guide ","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729553/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-1-viewing-guide"}]}'></div></aside><p id="hfTh8u">It’s natural to expect some sort of a letdown after the emotional high and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlds-2021-dodgers-giants">exhausting five-game battle with the 107-win Giants</a>, though the Dodgers insist that won’t be the case.</p>
<p id="8XwLH7">“I think that the variable of a letdown emotionally, the moment getting too big for a potential player, I do believe that — I have all the confidence that we wouldn’t be a victim of that,” manager Dave Roberts said Friday. “We can prepare all we can for a particular game, but knowing that I don’t have to worry about that is a huge kind of confidence. It just gives me added confidence in our guys.”</p>
<p id="ILHpPE">“Nothing’s taken lightly, nothing’s taken for granted,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/turner-on-facing-the-braves">third baseman Justin Turner told reporters in Atlanta on Friday</a>. “We celebrate each one of those steps that we take, and enjoy it in that moment, then the next day it’s time to prepare for whatever’s in front of us next.”</p>
<p id="LSikuB">At this point, the Dodgers have earned the faith to believe them, or at least not be worried should they fall behind. Under Roberts, Los Angeles is 10-4 in elimination games, including winning <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/16/21519919/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-5">each of</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/17/21520907/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-6">their</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/18/21522075/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-7">last</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/6/22713605/chris-taylor-walk-off-home-run-dodgers-wild-card-game-cardinals">six</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/12/22722924/dodgers-giants-nlds-game-4">such</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725868/dodgers-giants-nlds-game-5">games</a>.</p>
<p id="41NDVj">That streak started in last year’s NLCS, when they <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/16/21519919/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-5">erased a</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/17/21520907/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-6">3-1 series deficit</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/18/21522075/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-7">to the Braves</a>.</p>
<p id="glOewp">“To look at how daunting that was, against a very good ball club in the Braves, and to know that essentially everything has to go your way to win three in a row,” Roberts explained, “It’s probably the most proud I’ve been of a team and an organization, staff, to kind of stick together and find a way to win one game each night, to come out the other side.”</p>
<p id="2SgvzM">The Dodgers find themselves on the other side of a grueling NLDS, and back in their <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2016-cubs-dodgers">fifth</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2017-dodgers-cubs">NLCS</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2018-nlcs-dodgers-vs-brewers">in</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2020-dodgers-braves">six</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves">years</a>, despite hitting just .239/.295/.358, and averaging 3.5 runs per game in this postseason, scoring more than three runs only twice in six games so far in the playoffs. </p>
<p id="WBZuRe">But they are still standing <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22727153/dodgers-pitching-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlds-game-5-giants">thanks to a dominant pitching staff</a> that held the Cardinals and Giants to hit a combined .178/.225/.277, averaging 1.8 runs per game.</p>
<p id="g0KGEH">Atlanta’s success this postseason <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/15/22729058/atlanta-braves-pitching-2021-nlcs-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-postseason-playoffs">has also been pitching-heavy</a>, holding Milwaukee to six runs in four games in the NLDS. The Braves are hitting .234/.315/.383 in the early going, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22727775/atlanta-braves-offense-nlcs-preview-dodgers">driven by a highly-productive infield</a>. Atlanta’s rebuilt outfield <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/2021/10/16/22729786/braves-add-johan-camargo-chris-martin-to-nlcs-roster">will be without Jorge Soler for at least part of the NLCS</a>, while on the COVID-19 injured list.</p>
<p id="7UhyBq">Only three of 10 MLB playoff teams have an OPS above .700 this postseason, with the top two teams <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729532/mlb-postseason-schedule-los-angeles-dodgers-atlanta-braves-nlcs-houston-astros-boston-red-sox">currently playing in the ALCS</a>. MLB as a whole is hitting just .248/.309/.392 this postseason.</p>
<p id="DLWet7">Perhaps getting the offense going will go a long way in determining who wins this NLCS.</p>
<h3 id="EO1hdm">NLCS Game 1 info</h3>
<p id="9uGKnW">Teams: Dodgers (106-56) at Braves (88-73)</p>
<p id="YH0Se4">Location: Truist Park, Atlanta</p>
<p id="Fkv76B">Time: 5:08 p.m.</p>
<p id="jv6JbB">TV: TBS</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729544/dodgers-nlcs-preview-braves-letdown-offenseEric Stephen2021-10-16T09:40:57-07:002021-10-16T09:40:57-07:00Dodgers using bullpen game in Game 1
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<img alt="Division Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants - Game Five" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lbP6q2BarPO2TxO9lUMN4vZ1Rgw=/0x0:5190x3460/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70004033/1346648175.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Corey Knebel starts, Tony Gonsolin will likely see bulk innings</p> <p id="lGvjNf">Max Scherzer closed out the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ NLDS win against the Giants with his first career save. The cost of that was pushing him and the rest of the starting rotation back, and using a bullpen game in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Braves on Saturday night in Atlanta.</p>
<p id="3JqrMm">Corey Knebel, who started Game 5 of the NLDS on Thursday and pitched one inning, will also start for the Dodgers on Saturday. Left-hander Max Fried starts for the Braves in Game 1, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves">with a first pitch of 5:08 p.m. PT on TBS</a>.</p>
<p id="qY9kKp">The Dodgers <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729292/dodgers-national-league-championship-series-roster-2021">have 13 pitchers on their NLCS roster</a>, adding true relievers Justin Bruihl and Evan Phillips on Saturday.</p>
<p id="5TOVR7">The decision on the Dodgers side wasn’t announced until Saturday morning, the day of Game 1. Manager Dave Roberts said Friday the team was waiting to see how the off-day workout went before laying out the pitching plan.</p>
<p id="MkeWBW">Roberts said Saturday Scherzer was tired after the bullpen outing, and they wanted to make sure he had an extra day of rest.</p>
<p id="SmJ8r8">“I have zero experience of trying to pitch on one day rest. I do have experience pitching on two days rest, in ‘19,” Scherzer said Saturday. “I knew that if I was going to pitch today I was going to be limited in some form or capacity. </p>
<p id="O2e2ev">“That’s where we talked about what made the most sense to not pitch in Game 1, then I’m on a full slate.”</p>
<p id="giocE7">Roberts said Tony Gonsolin will figure prominently in a bullpen game, taking a bulk number of innings. Gonsolin did not pitch in the NLDS.</p>
<p id="z0Iih7">Scherzer <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/11/22721023/max-scherzer-great-dodgers-offense-blanked-giants-nlds-evan-longoria">struck out 10 in seven innings in Game 3 of the NLDS</a> on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, and Saturday will have him on standard, four days rest. But in between starts, instead of a side bullpen session, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22727153/dodgers-pitching-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlds-game-5-giants">Scherzer threw 13 pitches in the ninth inning to finish off Game 5</a>, a much more intense situation than usual between-starts fare.</p>
<p id="VyG6XG">“I’ve got to come in [Friday], see how my arm feels, and then make a decision,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/betts-scherzer-presser-full-10-14">Scherzer told reporters in San Francisco on Thursday night</a>.</p>
<p id="q89lUI">“We knew going into this if we used him [in Game 5] there might be a cost,” Roberts said Thursday. </p>
<p id="IlpKrf">Roberts said Scherzer will start Game 2 on Sunday, with Walker Buehler and Julio Urías in Games 3 and 4 at Dodger Stadium, all getting extra rest. </p>
<p id="bEXDeU">Knebel is the <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/xbE65">second Dodgers pitcher to start consecutive games in the same postseason</a>. Clayton Kershaw started Game 5 of the NLCS in 2017, then in Game 1 of the World Series, but had four days rest in between starts. Knebel has one day in between his two starts, but of course his outings are much shorter.</p>
<p id="wP3KTg"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729197/dodgers-bullpen-game-nlcs-game-1-pitching-plansEric Stephen2021-10-16T06:02:00-07:002021-10-16T06:02:00-07:00NLCS Game 1 viewing guide
<figure>
<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZUHhGqaFsiITTVaZdtmE45e9vRQ=/8x0:4928x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70003428/1322766384.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>First pitch at 5:08 p.m. PT tonight</p> <p id="OMPbTx">It feels like we need a longer time to breathe after the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Giants finished their series Thursday. But the show must go on and the Braves are waiting in a repeat of the 2020 NLCS, minus the neutral site.</p>
<p id="McJiIe">Due to a wild-card berth into this postseason, the Dodgers start the NLCS at Truist Park as the road team. The fun begins at 5:08 p.m. PT when Max Fried delivers the first pitch to Mookie Betts. Television coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. on TBS.</p>
<p id="cLyrXU">While the Braves have Fried written in pen for their lineup card, the Dodgers were less sure when they arrived in Atlanta Friday. Scherzer <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22727153/dodgers-pitching-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlds-game-5-giants">came out of the bullpen in Game 5</a> of the NLDS to close the door on the series and the Giants season.</p>
<div id="VkjhaK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dave Roberts said they'll see how Max Scherzer feels tonight before determining if he starts Game 1 <br><br>If he doesn't go it will be a bullpen game for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a></p>— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeHarrisTBLA/status/1449165604695412740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="CL11bv">Fried was fantastic down the stretch for the Braves, going 8-2 in 14 starts after the All-Star break. The lefty struck out 86 and walked only 16 in 93 innings, pitching to a .849 WHIP and 1.74 ERA for a Braves team that finished 36-18 over the final 54 games of the season.</p>
<p id="Am7gCG">Atlanta sent Fried out for Game 2 of the NLDS against the Brewers last weekend and the 27-year-old delivered six scoreless on just three hits, striking out nine without surrendering a walk.</p>
<aside id="3vsSaR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"DraftKings Sportsbook odds: Dodgers -130 to win Game 1","url":"https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/w25s?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D325181840%26wpcid%3D163863%26wpcn%3DSBNation%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DMLB&pcid=163863&pcn=SBNation&pscn=MLB&pcrid=MLB&psn=Vox"}]}'></div></aside><p id="y2fQmb">ESPN Radio has the national radio call, with Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Jessica Mendoza calling the Dodgers-Braves NLCS. AM 570 has the local radio broadcast, with Charley Steiner and Rick Monday.</p>
<h3 id="l94dSL">NLCS Game 1 info</h3>
<ul>
<li id="0KWYIG">Time: 5:08 p.m. PT</li>
<li id="LZyPhE">Teams: Dodgers (110-58)* at Braves (91-74)*</li>
<li id="EAGuKo">Location: Truist Park</li>
<li id="9EMaky">TV: TBS (Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, Jeff Francoeur, Lauren Shehadi)</li>
<li id="2fxpsv">Streaming: <a href="http://www.tbs.com/">TBS.com</a>, Watch TBS app</li>
</ul>
<p id="TaMkiN"><em>*includes postseason games</em></p>
<p id="TEnMJt"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729553/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-1-viewing-guideRyan Walton