Braves look for 2-0 NLCS lead against Dodgers

After a thrilling win in Game 1, the Atlanta Braves will try to take a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers when the NLCS continues Sunday at Truist Park.

Austin Riley came up big in the Game 1 win tying the game with a solo home run in the fourth inning and then delivering a walk-off single in the ninth to send the Braves to a 3-2 win. Max Fried allowed two runs over six innings while the bullpen allowed two hits and a walk but were able to keep the Dodgers off the scoreboard over the final three innings. The Braves recorded just six hits in the game and struck out 14 times, but still found a way to pull out the win.

Atlanta announced Saturday that Ian Anderson would get the start in Game 2 Sunday. Starting Anderson will give Charlie Morton a couple of days of extra rest following after starting on short rest in Game 4 of the NLDS. Anderson was up and down after returning for the stretch run from the injured list due to a shoulder issue. He turned in a good performance in Game 3 of the NLDS tossing five scoreless innings and striking out six while limiting the Brewers to just three hits. That performance lowered Anderson’s postseason ERA to 0.76 through five career starts. He faced the Dodgers twice in the NLCS last season allowing six hits and seven walks but just two runs in seven innings.

The Braves will have their work cut out for them against Max Scherzer who will take the ball for Los Angeles in Game 2. Scherzer had been penciled in as the starter for Game 1 but was pushed back a day after coming out of the bullpen to finish off a 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants in Game 5 of the NLDS. Scherzer made three appearances in the NLDS allowing six hits and two runs while striking out 16 batters in 12 1/3 innings.

Scherzer isn’t a stranger for the Braves as he has faced them numerous times over the years as a member of the Nationals. He has a 3.88 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 157 2/3 career innings against Atlanta.

Freddie Freeman struck out four times in Atlanta’s Game 1 win. He is hitting .234/.327/.511 with four doubles and three home runs in 55 career plate appearances against Scherzer.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, October 17, 7:38 p.m. ET

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: TBS

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network

DK Sportsbook Odds: Dodgers -190, Braves +160