Game Preview
On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves will meet in the second game of a National League showdown series. Both teams feature outstanding pitchers who have battled back from injuries this season. Max Fried of the Braves and Julio Urias of the Dodgers will square off in a battle of left-handers, and both will have their work cut out for them against two of the best offenses in baseball.
The first game of the series was a showcase of run creation, as the Braves won 8-7 despite losing a six-run lead. Seven home runs were hit in total. The Braves took a 5-0 lead over the Dodgers in the National League with Ronald Acuna Jr.’s grand slam in the second inning.
Acuna’s historic home run made him the only baseball player to ever hit 30 home runs and steal 60 bases in the same season. In the ninth inning, he stole his 62nd base of the season.
Even with a six-week absence in the first half due to a hamstring injury, Urias has not been able to regain the form that made him the NL ERA champion last year. Since his return, he has posted a mixed record: four starts in which he allowed no runs, three starts in which he allowed two or three runs, and three starts in which he allowed five or more runs.
Fried’s performance has vastly improved since his return to action following a three-month absence due to an injury of his left forearm. After returning on August 4th, he made five August starts and finished 3-0 with a 3.58 ERA. The Los Angeles-area native is 2-2 versus the Dodgers with a 3.19 ERA in seven career regular-season starts. He is 0-2 with a 4.21 ERA in eight playoff outings (four starts) vs. Los Angeles.
Betts and Acuna are the two most likely candidates for National League MVP, and they both delivered in the series opener. Acuna had three hits, including a grand slam, and a walk. Betts now leads the National League in OPS at 1.033 thanks to his 38 home runs.
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Atlanta Braves vs Los Angeles Dodgers Game Information
- Date: 09/01/2023
- Time: 10:10 PM ET
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Ángeles, California.
- How to Watch: Braves vs Dodgers MLB.TV
- Live Stream: MLB.TV
