The Los Angeles Dodgers remain on their way to a historic third consecutive World Series title. The Californian team defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-1 this Wednesday in the fourth game of the National League Division Series (NLDS) and sealed their qualification to the next round.
Andy Pages became the hero of the game by hitting a two-run single in the seventh inning, after the Dodgers loaded the bases against Tyler Mahle and Didier Fuentes. The hit allowed Los Angeles to take a lead that they would not lose.
“I think from the beginning of the series I was looking for a moment like that,” Pages said after the game.
Max Muncy sealed the game in the ninth inning with a home run that came off his bat at 104 miles per hour. It was the 19th postseason home run of his career.
The Dodgers’ relief corps was also decisive. Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez, Tanner Scott and Edwin Díaz combined to pitch 4.1 scoreless innings and allow just two hits, after starter Tyler Glasnow walked five in 4.2 innings.
Mahle took the loss for Atlanta despite a solid performance: he allowed one earned run in 6.1 innings. The Braves also finished 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
The Dodgers thus reached their 14th consecutive playoff appearance, a streak that includes five World Series appearances and three championships.
“There is no more talented team than the Los Angeles Dodgers. They are the best organization in sports, top to bottom,” manager Dave Roberts said after the victory.
The Dodgers will now play in the National League Championship Series against the winner of the series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres, which will begin on Sunday.
The Braves, champions of the World Series in 2021, are eliminated again in the Division Series and have not managed to overcome this round since that title.
