ATLANTA, -- The Atlanta Braves are aware of what happened last October, and they want to avoid a similar fate. Los Angeles Dodgers are planning for another.
Atlanta led by 2-0 and 3-1 in the NL Championship Series. The Dodgers then won three consecutive playoff games at Arlington, Texas. Tampa Bay was defeated for their first World Series title in 1988.
After the Braves won two of the three games in this year's NLCS, LA won two more at Dodger Stadium. The Braves then took Game 6 at Truist Park. This was the Braves' first Series win since 1999. Friday night, the Dodgers decided to scratch Max Scherzer.
Manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers stated earlier Friday that "I believe we have a mental advantage right currently, getting back onto that plane and going back to there playing Game 6," "History is a powerful thing for the mind. So we feel good, and I believe that we will use it to our advantage."
Roberts said that despite all this, he still felt the need to play good baseball.
The Dodgers won the battle against elimination by beating the Braves 11-2 Thursday night.
Freddie Freeman, first baseman, says that the Braves have to prove they won't go down the same road as another collapse. Atlanta boasts a redesigned outfield, and home-field advantage.
Freeman spoke of last year's fall, saying that "it seems because every single day it's brought back the last few days." "So until we stop this narrative, I don't think there is any choice. We are up 3-2, and we're heading home. It's a wonderful position to be in.
Atlanta's Ian Anderson will start Game 6. Los Angeles didn't say who would start Saturday, but Walker Buehler will be available for the Dodgers to start Sunday.
Roberts stated, "I like the men we're going out there running and we just have to go out and play to win one."
Los Angeles has won seven consecutive elimination matches.
Chris Taylor drove in six runs and hit three homers on Thursday night. AJ Pollock also drove in four runs and scored two homers as the Dodgers broke a postseason franchise record of 17 hits.
Taylor was the 11th player to hit 3 homers in a playoff game, and the first to do it with his team being eliminated.
Taylor stated, "It's always been about winning one match and we try not to lose that mentality throughout the year. We do our best to win tonight and then we just take it one day at time."
Anderson stated Thursday that the Braves were "definitely on a Mission to Kind of Dispel" their 2020 NLCS defeat.
Anderson stated, "So, yeah. I mean, it's still in a great spot." Anderson said that the vibes are still positive.
Anderson was unable to last three innings in Atlanta's 5-4 victory in Game 2. After only 4 1/3 innings, Scherzer was relieved of his duties. He claimed that he had a stiff arm from two days' rest following his career-saving save at San Francisco in the Division Series Finale.
Roberts announced that left-hander Joe Kelly will be replaced by David Price, a 36-year old left-hander. Kelly was left in the first inning Thursday night because of tightness in his right hips. He will not be eligible for the World Series if the Dodgers advance.
Price was 5-2 with a 4.03 ERA over 11 starts and 28 relief appearances during the regular season. In 23 games played in the postseason, Price has a 4.62 ERA with Boston, Detroit, Toronto, and Toronto.
Roberts also announced Friday that Justin Bruihl, left-hander, was unable to participate in Game 5 because of a sore arm. He may be replaced. Before attempting to throw, Bruihl was undergoing treatment. Bruihl felt the pain while warming up on Thursday night.
Roberts stated that Bruihl wanted to go out, but his arm wouldn’t allow him. ... We will bring an arm in case he is unable to go.
Roberts stated that he is still not sure of a replacement for Bruihl.
