8* LA Dodgers (7:38 ET): So I won with Atlanta in Game 1. As I said in the analysis, they had some key advantages coming into this series, namely revenge, more rest, home field advantage and Max Fried starting. The home field advantage may be undeserved, but it “is what it is.” The rest advantage is no longer a factor heading into Game 2, revenge has been exacted (for a prior series sweep) and Fried is obviously not available tonight. So I’m backing the Dodgers to even this series up tonight.

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts did NOT end up using Max Scherzer in Game 1, opting for a “bullpen game” instead. Losing a postseason game is obviously never ideal, but I think Roberts and the Dodgers are in good shape with Scherzer going in Game 2. Let’s also not forget the Dodgers did end up out-hitting the Braves last night 10-6. But they were doomed by going 1 for 8 with RISP (1 for 6 vs. Fried) and then of course there was the baserunning blunder in the top of the ninth. A case could be made, that even with Atlanta’s best pitcher on the mound, the Dodgers were the better team last night.

There’s no doubt who the better starter is in Game 2. Scherzer is arguably the greatest trade deadline acquisition ever. He pitched twice in the NLDS vs. San Francisco, allowing just one run on three hits in his lone start (Game 3), then tossing the series-clinching final inning of Game 5. The Dodgers are 13-1 in Scherzer starts since acquiring him. Ian Anderson goes for the Braves. While he’s a fine pitcher in his own right, he’s not Scherzer. The Dodgers have lost B2B games just one time since the start of August! 8* LA Dodgers