Can the Dodgers Chase Down Braves for NL's Top Seed?

by

Aug 18, 2023

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on fire, and their scorching run of 11 consecutive victories is sending shockwaves through the MLB community. This win streak has placed the Dodgers on the brink of potentially challenging the Atlanta Braves for the top spot in baseball’s best record race, as the gap between the two teams continues to narrow, currently at just four games.

The Dodgers’ red-hot offense has powered this incredible winning streak. The team has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to different opponents and situations, consistently delivering wins in various fashions. However, as with any sport, baseball is full of ebbs and flows. Despite their current momentum, a string of three or four losses could quickly derail the Dodgers’ pursuit of the Braves. While the Dodgers are undoubtedly the hottest team in baseball right now, it remains to be seen how long they can maintain this level of performance.

The upcoming schedule for the Dodgers presents both challenges and opportunities. The next three games at home should provide an advantage, as the Dodgers are notoriously difficult to beat on their home field. After that, they will head on the road to face Cleveland, followed by a three-game series at Boston. They will then return home for a series against Arizona before facing a critical four-game series against the team they are chasing, the Atlanta Braves, from August 31st to September 3rd.

This series against the Braves could be the turning point in the race for the best record in baseball. As we saw last year, when the New York Mets tried to hold off the Braves for the division, a pivotal series can have a lasting impact on the remainder of the season. The Mets went to Atlanta with their best pitchers on the mound, but the Braves emerged victorious in the series, and the Mets could not recover in the NL East race.

The psychological implications of this series between the Dodgers and the Braves cannot be understated. If the Dodgers can secure a series win or even a sweep against the Braves, it could provide a massive boost in confidence heading into the season’s final stretch. Conversely, a series win for the Braves could solidify their position as the top team in the National League and serve as a statement of intent for the upcoming playoffs.

As the season progresses and the race for the best record intensifies, all eyes will be on the Dodgers and the Braves as they battle for supremacy. The outcome of their series at the end of August could be a defining moment in this thrilling competition, offering a tantalizing preview of what might be in store for the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome, fans of both teams can look forward to an electrifying atmosphere and high-quality baseball in the coming weeks.

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Thumbnail photo via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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