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Atlanta Braves: NLDS Game 1 vs. Dodgers, Game Thread

By Benjamin Chase

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves throws to a Washington Nationals batter in the fourth inning at Nationals Park on July 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 22: Starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves throws to a Washington Nationals batter in the fourth inning at Nationals Park on July 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves begin what we hope will be a long playoff run in game 1 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers

For each game this postseason, you will find a “game thread” here on Tomahawk Take. This will be a spot that you can count on Atlanta Braves fans to be to discuss the game and cheer on our favorite squad as they pursue a World Series title!

The last time the Atlanta Braves were in the playoffs, they faced off against the Dodgers, with the memory of Craig Kimbrel waiting to be called in from the bullpen a sore image in the mind of many Braves fans. There are very few pieces remaining on either squad from that series 5 years ago.

This year’s Dodgers lineup is dynamic and able to run up scores in a hurry and efficiency and the starting pitching is very solid. It’s the bullpen where the Atlanta Braves will have a chance to make hay, and based on the rosters, any game going into extended time should definitely favor the Braves.

Let’s look at game 1:

Starting for the Dodgers

Injuries have been an issue for Hyun-Jin Ryu since he was signed out of Korea by the Dodgers, but he’s never performed as well as 2018 when healthy. This season, he’s made 15 starts, tossing 82 1/3 innings, with a 1.97 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 15/89 BB/K ratio.

The concerns with the bullpen could be to the Braves advantage in this matchup as Ryu has not pitched beyond the 7th inning this season, and he’s yet to even reach 100 pitches, so how much the Dodgers will be willing to push either of those limits, regardless of how dominant Ryu may be, will be limited. Working the count will be vital for the Braves, pushing up Ryu’s pitch count early in the game.

The Dodgers announced lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Justin Turner, 3B
3. Max Muncy, 1B
4. Manny Machado, 3B
5. Yasmani Grandal, C
6. Cody Bellinger, CF
7. Yasiel Puig, RF
8. Enrique Hernandez, 2B
9. Hyun-Jin Ryu, P

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Starting for the Atlanta Braves

Mike Foltynewicz has been the Atlanta Braves ace for the 2018 season. He did lose his one start against the Dodgers this season, but that game was in late July, really not even the same team, and many gloss over the fact that outside of two home runs, Folty was dominant that game, striking out 8 Dodger hitters over 5 innings.

The final two months have been strong for Folty, and he will need to show the same ability to keep the ball both in the ballpark and in the strike zone to have success tonight. In 11 August and September starts, Mike posted a 2.55 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and a 20/69 BB/K over 70 2/3 innings. He’s allowed just 5 home runs over those 11 starts and walked just 7.25% of batters faced as he closed out the season.

The Braves announced lineup:
1. Ronald Acuna, Jr., LF
2. Johan Camargo, 3B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Nick Markakis, RF
5. Tyler Flowers, C
6. Ozzie Albies 2B
7. Ender Inciarte, CF
8. Charlie Culberson, SS
9. Mike Foltynewicz, P

Next. 5 keys to defeating Dodgers. dark

Comment below!

We will be here throughout the game, commenting in the comments section, so click on that comments section and join us while you watch the game today!

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