For all the anticipation and attention that’s been given to upcoming three-game set between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, this weekend’s series with the Atlanta Braves is similarly intriguing.
After facing National League bottom-feeder Miami Marlins, the Dodgers figured to receive more of challenge from the division-leading Braves. Along with sitting atop the NL East standings, Atlanta went into the series opener in second place in the league — albeit nine games back of the Dodgers.
With rookie starter Mike Soroka having allowed just two runs, the Braves took a lead into the seventh inning. He was removed with two outs and the Dodgers went on to rally for an 8-3 comeback win.
Although most have identified them as the favorite to win the NL pennant, Soroka cautioned against giving the Dodgers too much acclaim, via FOX Sports:
“Sometimes I think that we might give them a little too much credit. They’ve got some great hitters, they might have the MVP over there and you’ve got to be careful with that. But at the same time, they’re not [invincible]. They’re still getting out 70% of the time. It’s about making pitches. Belli got me on that one that leaked out over the plate. I tried to get that one in and didn’t get it there. They’re going to beat you on ones like that but it still comes down to making your pitch … and ultimately going out there with the belief you’re going to come out on top.”
Soroka certainly did his part to help the Braves, as he regularly induced soft contact and benefitted from timely double plays to limit the damage.
The Dodgers nonetheless defeated the Braves in each of their first four head-to-head meetings this season. L.A. outscored Atlanta, 31-10, in those games. The Braves bounced back with consecutive wins over the weekend to take the series.
Friday’s matchup was the Dodgers’ first time playing at SunTrust Field since eliminating the Braves in Game 4 of the 2018 NL Division Series. While it’s plausible the teams will meet again this October, it would likely need to come in the NL Championship Series.
So long as the Dodgers maintain their standing with the best record in the NL, they will draw the winner of the Wild Card Game.
