Game 2 of the NLCS saw a gritty contest unfold between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday. Ultimately, the Braves cruised to victory with yet another walk off to take a crucial 2-0 lead over the reigning World Series champions.
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Just like Game 1, yesterday’s game went down to the wire with the scores tied after eight innings. While third baseman Austin Riley achieved the walk off on Saturday, left fielder Eddie Rosario was the star last night.
Atlanta Braves record second consecutive walk off victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers made a bright start to the game as Corey Seager smashed an 81mph pitch from Ian Anderson straight into the stands. This counted as a two-run home run, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead after the first inning.
Following two scoreless innings, the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Joc Pederson scored a two-run home run of his own, smashing a 77mph pitch from Max Scherzer to delight the home fans.
In the top of the seventh inning, the Dodgers took the lead once again as they benefitted from a rare error made by center fielder Guillermo Heredia. With all bases loaded, Chris Taylor drove in two runs as Heredia misjudged the flight of the ball.
The Braves pegged level once more as Rosario and Ozzie Albies scored runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. With the Dodgers scoring no runs in the top of the ninth inning, Rosario had the chance to deliver a game-winning hit.
Bottom of the 9th, two outs, tie ballgame…
Take it away @EddieRosario09!#BattleATL pic.twitter.com/bK8mK1YNBj
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 18, 2021
Remarkably, the 30-year-old did just that, scoring an RBI as Dansby Swanson reached home off Rosario’s hit. For the second time, they pulled off a walk-off win over the Dodgers, which will now boost their confidence for the coming games.
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The series shifts to Los Angeles
The Dodgers are just two defeats away from seeing their World Series defense end. However, they will now play in front of their fans at the Dodger Stadium, which could lift their dying spirits.
Their narrow defeats in Atlanta could also serve as motivation, who look likely to turn the series around in LA. However, one cannot underestimate the NL Central champions, who showed they can pull off sensational victories, especially in the clutch.
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