The Braves celebrate a tight Game 1 win in Thursday’s series opener against the Dodgers. Photo Credit: Bally Sports South
FeaturedMLBBy Michael Dixon on

While there’s a lot to be determined in the National League playoff race, there’s very little doubt that the top two seeds will belong to the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. The two National League powerhouses opened up a four-game series on Thursday in Los Angeles. It did not disappoint.

While the game looked like it might be a snoozer, it was anything but. The Braves jumped out to a commanding 7-1 lead. But a pair of home runs from Mookie Betts, along with solo shots from Michael Busch and Max Muncy got the Dodgers back into it.

Trailing 8-7, Los Angeles had two runners on in both the eighth and ninth innings. But both times, Atlanta’s bullpen came through to secure the victory.

Not only was the game thrilling, but the stars were the best players in it. Betts, Los Angeles’ MVP candidate, hit two home runs. Atlanta’s MVP candidate, Ronald Acuña Jr., launched a grand slam. In doing so, he became the charter member of MLB’s 30-60 club.

The tense game between the two star-studded teams had baseball fans clamoring for an NLCS between the two powerhouses.

The odds would certainly favorite a National League Championship matchup between Atlanta and Los Angeles. At 83-50, the Dodgers have the second-best record in the National League. That’s a full nine games clear of the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, who are tied for the third-best mark.

[Photo Credit: Bally Sports South]

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About Michael Dixon

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