The Dodgers are set to face the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday at 5 p.m. PDT. The game will air on FS1, Fox One, and Fox Deportes. For radio listeners in the Los Angeles area, broadcasts will be available on 570 AM and 1020 AM (Spanish).
Betting Odds for Game 2 of the NLDS
Here are the betting odds and TV schedule for the rest of the series:
- Game 3: Tuesday, 3 p.m. at Truist Park | FS1, Fox One, Fox Deportes
- Game 4: Wednesday, 3 p.m. at Truist Park | FS1, Fox One, Fox Deportes*
- Game 5: Friday, 5 p.m. at Dodger Stadium | Fox, Fox One, Fox Deportes*
*If necessary
Dodgers vs. Braves Lineup Insights for NLDS Game 2
The Dodgers will have Mookie Betts leading off in Game 2 against another left-handed starter, Ray Kerr. The Braves opted for their third consecutive bullpen game, making Kerr the starter. Atlanta faces a potential two-game deficit in this best-of-five series if they lose before returning home for Game 3.
Kerr initially started in Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching into the fourth inning during the Braves’ 6-2 victory. The Dodgers’ lineup adjustment includes Miguel Rojas playing third base instead of Max Muncy. The complete lineup features Betts at shortstop, Ohtani as designated hitter, Smith at catcher, Freeman at first base, Teo in left field, Tucker in right field, Pages in center field, Rojas at third base, Edman at second base, and Snell as the starting left-hander.
Braves lead with a one-run gap after the first inning.
First Inning Recap
In the top of the first inning, Drake Baldwin’s tapper was fielded by Will Smith, getting the out at first. Ronald Acuña Jr. singled to right field, advancing to second after Matt Olson’s walk. Ozzie Albies also walked, loading the bases. Michael Harris II’s foul pop out left two away, but Mauricio Dubón’s infield single brought Acuña home. Blake Snell completed the inning with Sean Murphy’s strikeout.
For the Dodgers, Betts grounded out, followed by strikeouts from Ohtani and Smith, as Ray Kerr efficiently completed the first inning with only 12 pitches.
Commentary and Insights
The Dodgers cannot clinch a third straight championship without the right player stepping up. During a speech in Cincinnati, Dave Roberts encouraged players to be ready for their moment in October. He emphasized the unpredictability of who might emerge as the key player in crucial games.
Miguel Rojas, once a hero in the World Series, acknowledges the emotional gravity as he approaches what might be his last postseason run with the Dodgers. Despite the achievements, he shares the difficulty of managing emotions off the field.
Concerns for Dodgers Against Braves
The Braves have solidified their place at the top of the National League East with a new manager, Walt Weiss. His leadership and support during pivotal moments, like the confrontation with Jorge Soler, have enhanced his reputation and helped the team maintain their lead throughout the season.
The Dodgers’ Strategic Rotation
The Dodgers have demonstrated confidence in their pitching rotation, setting up Yoshinobu Yamamoto to pitch in Game 3 against the Braves. This strategic decision underscores their preparedness not only for the series at hand but looking beyond to future challenges.
As the series continues, fans and players confront the physical demands and intense competition, both on the field and in the stands.