The first game turned when Atlanta had to leave its opener. Los Angeles went scoreless against Dylan Dodd, then its middle order got to the relief staff. With Blake Snell taking the ball next, those middle innings are the hinge of this matchup.
Dodd worked three scoreless innings, but the Dodgers scored all five runs after he left. Freddie Freeman's walk set up Teoscar Hernández's home run, and Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy added power later. Atlanta's relievers have covered 10⅔ innings over the past three days, while the Dodgers' bullpen has covered three.
Snell gives Los Angeles another left-handed starter after Tarik Skubal held Atlanta to one run through six innings in the opener. Atlanta's recent batting line is .209 over ten games; Los Angeles is at .276 with 17 home runs. That mix of early pitching and middle-order power is why I expect the Dodgers to create separation again.
