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These two teams have been in this position before. Like, last year, when the Braves were up on the Dodgers 2-0 and 3-1, only to see L.A. come back and win the NLCS.
That was a much different situation, with the NLCS played in Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, with only 25 percent capacity for fans. This year, with Atlanta having home field and up 3-1, they still have two home games to put this series away even if they lose Game 5 tonight. The Braves are a hot team right now, too:
Beginning with Sept. 19 win at SFrancisco to snap 4-game skid, #Braves are 18-4 inc. 6-2 in postseason & haven’t lost consecutive games (Sept. 24 loss at S.D. was completion of suspended game, counts as July 21 loss). In that same stretch, Dodgers are 16-7 inc. 5-5 in postseason.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 21, 2021
Here’s a bit more on the current situation in this series:
The Braves are the 4th team with a 3-1 series lead against the same opponent in consecutive seasons.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 21, 2021
The Dodgers came back to win last year's NLCS after going down 3-1. pic.twitter.com/e31o4kNwIo
A couple of roster notes for this game:
Jorge Soler of the @Braves has been cleared by the Joint Committee to return from the COVID-19 Related Injured List, and he will be available for tonight’s Game Five in Los Angeles. He will replace OF Cristian Pache on the active NLCS roster. #Postseason
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 21, 2021
#Dodgers will add Andy Burns to replace injured Justin Turner on roster. Defensive versatility and RH bat, Dave Roberts says.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 21, 2021
Also, a humorous note from last night’s Game 4:
Tonight is the first time in MLB history the same pitcher will start for both teams pic.twitter.com/WrS6O5o6Xk
— Baseball Doesn't Exist (@BaseballDoesnt) October 21, 2021
Here’s everything you need to know for today’s LCS game.
Braves vs. Dodgers, 7:08 p.m. CT. Braves lead series 3-1.
Max Fried, LHP vs. Joe Kelly, RHP
The Dodgers are going with an opener again, because that worked so well last night.
TV: TBS. Announcers: Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, Jeff Francoeur and Lauren Shehadi.
Baseball-reference.com preview
This is the only thread for today’s game. Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves.