Braves Make Pitching Change for NLDS Game 2 After Dodgers Take Lead

The Atlanta Braves have made a last-minute change to their pitching lineup for Game 2 of the National League Division Series, opting to start Ray Kerr against the Los Angeles Dodgers ^[2]. This comes after the Dodgers secured a 5-3 victory in Game 1, putting them up 1-0 in the best-of-five series ^[1].

The Dodgers' Game 1 win saw strong performances from pitcher Tarik Skubal, who struck out seven over six innings, and home runs from Max Muncy, Kyle Tucker, and Teoscar Hernandez ^[1].

The Braves' decision to start Kerr and push Chris Sale to Game 3 stems from Sale's recent relief appearance in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series, where he pitched after only one day of rest. This move allows Sale additional recovery time ^[2].

Kerr, who made his postseason debut with 3⅓ scoreless innings in the Wild Card clincher against the Philadelphia Phillies, will be making his fifth career start. This marks the second consecutive bullpen game for the Braves ^[2].

Game 2 of the NLDS is scheduled for today, October 4, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET ^[1].

A Dodgers win today would give them a commanding 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4. Historically, teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-five series win the series 89% of the time, according to MLB. Furthermore, teams losing Games 1 and 2 on the road have only recovered to win the series three times out of 36 opportunities ^[1]. The story was first reported by New York Post and ESPN.