Game Thread: NLCS Game 5, Braves at Dodgers

Don’t worry, we’ll start talking about the Oakland A’s again soon here at Athletics Nation, with topics ranging from how much of a bummer this season was to how much of a bummer this offseason might be. In the meantime, the playoffs are still going on, and they’ve been pretty good so far.

The American League is off today for travel, but the National League is still in action. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves for Game 5 of the NLCS on Thursday, with the Braves leading the best-of-seven series 3-1 and the Dodgers facing elimination if they don’t win tonight.

In Game 4 yesterday, Atlanta cruised to a 9-2 victory. Leading the way was outfielder Eddie Rosario, who went 4-for-5 with two homers and a triple. It’s only the second time in postseason history that any player has racked up two homers and a triple in one game (Steve Garvey, 1978 NLCS). It was Rosario’s second four-hit game of this NLCS, only the second time anybody has ever done that twice in a postseason series (Robin Yount, 1982 World Series).

• Recap from Talking Chop
• Recap from True Blue LA

Game 5 tonight sees a couple roster changes. For L.A., star third baseman Justin Turner hurt his hamstring in yesterday’s game and will miss the rest of the postseason. Infielder Andy Burns replaces him on the roster.

For Atlanta, outfielder Jorge Soler was activated from the COVID-19 related injured list after missing nine days.

On the mound, Max Fried starts for the Braves. He also pitched in Game 1 and posted a quality effort in a team victory (6 ip, 2 runs), and he also earned a win in the NLDS against the Brewers. The Dodgers will use a bullpen game, beginning with reliever Joe Kelly.

Braves lineup (away)

1. LF Eddie Rosario (L)
2. 2B Ozzie Albies (S)
3. 1B Freddie Freeman (L)
4. 3B Austin Riley (R)
5. CF Adam Duvall (R)
6. RF Joc Pederson (L)
7. SS Dansby Swanson (R)
8. C Travis d’Arnaud (R)
9. LHP Max Fried (L)

Dodgers lineup (home)

1. RF Mookie Betts (R)
2. 2B Trea Turner (R)
3. SS Corey Seager (L)
4. C Will Smith (R)
5. LF AJ Pollock (R)
6. 1B Albert Pujols (R)
7. 3B Chris Taylor (R)
8. CF Cody Bellinger (L)
9. RHP Joe Kelly (R) / bullpen game

How To Watch

• Date: Thursday, October 21
• Time: 5:08 p.m. PT
• TV: TBS