The odds were in the Atlanta Braves' favor during the NL Wild Card round since they'd had so much success against the Phillies during the regular season. It turned into gold for Atlanta, and now they're one step closer to the World Series.
Having familiarity with an opponent is a great thing, but it doesn't always mean a team will succeed every time. Although, it doesn't hurt to know just how well they've fared going into a big postseason series. The Braves are in a similar situation as they take on the Dodgers in the NLDS. Atlanta absolutely had LA's number during the regular season, with a 5-1 record against their NL rivals.
Atlanta's offense has a .278/.330/.395 slash line against the Dodgers in 2026, with nine doubles, five home runs, and a .725 OPS. Another reason the Braves have had so much success is that LA's bats haven't seen much success against Atlanta's arms. LA slashed .196/.281/.299 against Braves pitching with six doubles, four homers, and a .580 OPS.
Walt Weiss hoped that trend continues on Saturday in Game One between the NL juggernauts. Atlanta's pitchers will need to be at their absolute best despite their track record in 2026. Unfortunately, Game One was an example of what can happen if the pitching falters at all and the offense fails to show up.
Braves' regular season success against the Dodgers is a great omen, but the offense has to show up
The Dodgers are still one of the best offenses in baseball, and they've slugged a lot better over the last month of the season. And Atlanta's starting pitching situation isn't ideal right now. However, there is one thing that could give the Braves an edge, and it's their offense.
If the offense shows up as it did in Game Three of their series finale against Philly, LA might be in trouble. Now, the Braves will have to buck their tendency not to hit as well on the road if they want to take the series. Atlanta has been a much better offensive team at home than on the road. The Braves have a team slash line of .234/.298/.390 with a .688 OPS on the road versus a .259/.321/.428 slash line and a .749 OPS at home.
The key to earning games in this series is early success on offense and limiting the Dodgers' ability to get on base and hit home runs. That's easier said than done against one of the best offenses in baseball. However, it feels like the Braves have as good a chance as anyone, at least...that is what was the case before coming up short in Game One.
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