Well, it was just about 365 days ago that the Braves were in the same position as today. Braves had a 2-0 lead over the Dodgers in the best four out of seven in the NLCS. But with this year’s team, unlike last year’s team, it just feels different. For one, all teams are not in the Texas Ranger’s bubble like last year. There was no true home field advantage. And there were about a third of fans in the stadium last year. This year the home field is back in play and the fans are energized. Atlanta fans have brought the noise and I wouldn’t think any different for the LA fans beginning tomorrow as the Braves head west for game three at Chavez Ravine.
The unsung hero, but really isn’t un-song for Atlanta fans, is 3rd baseman Austin Riley. Riley has had three meaningful hits in the first two games of the NLCS, a homerun in game one and a game winning single to left to secure the game one victory. In game two Riley had a double in the bottom of the eighth to left center that plated 2B Ozzie Albies to tied the game at four all. Left fielder Eddie Rosario hit the ball up the middle in the bottom of the ninth that sent SS Dansby Swanson to the plate for the game two win.
What do you think?
Can’t really get enough of the highlights of those plays…so here they are if you missed them, but why would you had missed them? Just kidding…there are other things to life then sports.
The best quote from yesterday actually came from Braves Manager Brian Snitker. Yesterday was Snit’s birthday and he was asked by a reporter, “What present would you like for your birthday”? He looks at the reporters and says, “What do you think?” He wants a game 2 victory and that’s exactly what he got.
Now I’m not saying the Braves are going to go into Dodger Stadium and win the next two games on way to the World Series, that would be nice, but hopefully we can win one game. Even if the Dodgers win all games in LA, the NLCS shifts back to Atlanta. But one win in LA would give Atlanta the 3-2 series lead going back to Truist Park. If that is the case I will say I like the Braves chances, but not going to get too over confident until Braves win, if that is what happens.
The feel good news for this Braves series against the Dodgers is Rosario. Rosario was injured but the Braves still traded for him during the trade deadline in July sending the Panda Mascot to the Cleveland Indians for Rosario. Who knew, maybe not even General Manager Alex Anthopolous, what he would have in Rosario. The GM knew his resume, but never knew he would be clutch so far in this NLCS.
IN OTHER BRAVES NEWS:
The Braves are heading to Los Angeles today for game 3 which begins tomorrow, first pitch is 5:08pm, est; 2:08pm pst. As they left this morning they hosted a send off party where people lined up to send them to the City of Angels.
Header photo courtesy of Atlanta Braves
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