Dodgers and Braves Face Off in Critical Game 3
It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that we’re already at the halfway point of the National League Division Series. Historically, teams that win Game 3 while tied 1-1 have about a 72% chance of advancing. So, really, there doesn’t need to be a lot of emphasis placed on the significance of this match. That’s the scenario the Dodgers and Braves find themselves in today. It’s definitely not a matter of life or death, but one team will emerge feeling much better about their chances, while the other will be staring down some serious pressure.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have maintained a reputation as one of baseball’s top teams for several years now. They’ve secured two consecutive World Series titles and have consistently attracted star players to bolster their success. Fans of any team would likely envy what the Dodgers have built. After their second World Series win, they didn’t just sit back; they addressed weaknesses, signing the best available closer and a top hitter. Additionally, they traded for what many consider the best pitcher on the market, Tarik Skubal.
Investing in your team is, well, just part of the game. Other franchises shouldn’t view this with jealousy. Before this year’s major signings, the Dodgers had already acquired pivotal pieces that contributed to their World Series victories. One key player, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who takes the mound tonight, proved invaluable last season. He was named World Series MVP and arguably was the standout player throughout the postseason, giving up only six earned runs across 37.1 innings. These numbers include two complete games and a critical showing in Game 7. The Braves hitters, by the way, have not fared well against him, managing only a .196 average over 51 at-bats.
The Atlanta Braves didn’t have the best season last year, but they bounced back strongly this year. They led the National League East for virtually the entire season. Sure, there were brief moments when the Phillies seemed competitive, but Atlanta always managed to regain control. It’s a bit surprising, given the injuries plaguing their pitching staff, yet the available players have stepped up to the challenge.
This evening, Chris Sale, who has been a reliable asset, will take the mound for the Braves in this crucial contest. In the postseason, Sale has appeared in two games so far, pitching 7.2 innings with just five hits allowed and striking out 12 batters. He pitched in Game 1 and also threw in Game 3 on short rest, but today’s matchup gives him a more regular recovery period. Historically, the Dodgers hitters have struggled against him. Mookie Betts has had some success, but if we look at the rest of the Dodgers’ lineup without Betts, they’re batting only 21-for-122 against Sale.
This matchup feels almost like a toss-up, which is typical in the playoffs when two strong teams collide. The Braves hold a 23-game lead above .500 at home, yet the Dodgers perform well even away. Honestly, it could swing either way, but I lean slightly towards the Dodgers. A lot of that boils down to Sale’s recent workload in Game 3, which could have affected his recovery time. Plus, Yamamoto seems to shine in high-pressure situations. I’m siding with Los Angeles here.
