USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor (3) celebrates with first baseman Albert Pujols (55) after both scoring on a two run home run in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves during game five of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor (3) celebrates with first baseman Albert Pujols (55) after both scoring on a two run home run in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves during game five of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Staring elimination in the face, the Los Angeles Dodgers produced a sensational performance to keep themselves alive in the NLCS. Game 5 at the Dodger Stadium yesterday saw the reigning World Series champions thump the Atlanta Braves 11-2 to force Game 6.
While the Dodgers marched towards an impressive victory, their hitters made franchise history yesterday.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers make postseason history in NLCS Game 5 victory
Holding a 3-1 lead in the NLCS coming into yesterday’s game, the Braves started well. Freddie Freeman smashed a two-run home run in the top of the first inning to give to put them 2-0 up. Despite this setback, the Dodgers ensured these were the only runs they conceded.
The next eight innings of the game saw sheer brilliance from the reigning World Series champions. A. J. Pollock kicked off their comeback with a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning. Chris Taylor then followed that up by scoring a two-run home run to give the Dodgers a 3-2 lead.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Chris Taylor (3) hits a two run home run in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves during game five of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor kept going in the bottom of the third inning, scoring an RBI to take the Dodgers 4-2 up. He then smashed a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, and a solo home run in the seventh to cap off an excellent night.
The eighth inning saw the Dodgers score four runs, with three of them coming from Pollock’s home run. This hitting performance from the defending World Series champions saw them record 17 hits, which is a new franchise record. In addition, they also scored five home runs, which tied their existing franchise record for the most in a single game.
The @Dodgers have set a new franchise record for hits in a #postseason game (17) and tied their record for HR (5). pic.twitter.com/cXxNDgvv5c
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 22, 2021
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The NLCS now shifts back to Atlanta
While the Dodgers recorded a dominant victory yesterday, they now head back to Atlanta for Game 6. Facing another do-or-die situation, they will need to win this Saturday to keep their hopes of retaining the World Series well and truly alive.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) and first baseman Cody Bellinger (35) celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Braves during game five of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Should they produce a performance like yesterday’s, they will be extremely tough to beat on Saturday. However, the Braves won both NLCS games held in Truist Park this year, which could give them an edge.
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READ MORE: WATCH: Fans Go Crazy as LA Dodgers Make a Dramatic Comeback in NLCS vs Atlanta Braves
