Expect playoff atmosphere when it arrives los angeles dodgers And atlanta braves Monday begins a three-game series, the first meeting of the year between the teams with the most wins in the National League
Both clubs have been models of league success. dodgers won the World Series in 2020 and Braves Won the title in 2021. last year, the dodgers 111 games and won the NL West but were upset by San Diego in the NLDS. Braves Won 101 games and the NL East but was knocked out in the NLDS by Philadelphia
Teams are more than one-quarter of their divisions through the season.
The pitching matchup for the series opener featured Atlanta’s Charlie Morton (5-3, 2.85 ERA) against Los Angeles rookie Gavin Stone (0-0, 9.00).
Stone and Bobby Miller, the two top pitching prospects dodgersorganization, Dustin Mays (forearm strain) and Julio Urias (hamstring strain) are expected to be recalled as replacements. Miller will make his debut on Tuesday
“It’s an opportunity for these two young pitchers,” said Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts. “They’re both talented. (The timing is) what we expected, but it doesn’t really matter. The only way to look at it is you’ve got the opportunity for these guys.”
Stone made his debut on May 3 against Philadelphia and allowed five runs (four earned) over four innings. He has since made two Triple-A starts and allowed a combined four runs (three earned) in 11 innings. Stone is expected to get at least three starts in place of May, who could be out for up to seven weeks.
“The unfamiliarity, the novelty of it, he’s already done it,” Roberts said. “Plus, I think he’s throwing the baseball better in general. The changeup is better. The fastball command is better. I think the second time around, he’ll be a lot more comfortable than the first time around. “
Inexperience is not an issue for the veteran Morton, who will make his ninth start of the season. In his last game at Texas on May 15, Morton had plenty of run support in a 12–0 victory, earning his second straight win. He pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed seven hits, one walk and a season-high 10 strikeouts.
“It was a big win,” said Atlanta manager Brian Snitker. “It was great to come out and swing the bat. And Charlie was awesome.”
Morton has dodgers, going 1–2 with a 4.94 ERA. He made his only start dodgers in 2022 when he gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings
The two clubs are the best in baseball. dodgers scored 38 runs in the first innings and Braves scored 37 runs BravesRonald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, batting one-two in order, have scored 18 runs within the first 10 pitches of a game this season, the most in the majors.
dodgers Won four of six games against Atlanta a year ago, two of three at home and on the road
– Field Level Media