The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers opened their highly anticipated three-game series on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET. This matchup marks a significant early-season clash between two National League powerhouses, both of whom have made the postseason every year since 2018.
As the game commenced, the Dodgers were favored with a moneyline of -220, while the Braves were the underdogs at +180. The total for the game was set at 8 runs, with the odds reflecting a competitive atmosphere. The Braves were listed at -130 to cover the run line (+1.5), whereas the Dodgers were at +110 to cover the spread (-1.5).
Entering this matchup, the Braves were struggling, having just experienced a rough start to the season, including a 22-inning scoreless streak after being shut out by the San Diego Padres in their previous series. The Padres outscored Atlanta 17-7 over the weekend, leaving the Braves in dire need of a turnaround. Despite these challenges, Atlanta's Ozzie Albies had shown some offensive promise, leading the team with a home run and three RBIs early in the season.
On the mound for the Braves was Grant Holmes, a 28-year-old rookie who debuted last season. Holmes had a promising spring, finishing with a 1.76 ERA over 15 1/3 innings, and he was looking to build on that momentum against a powerful Dodgers lineup. Meanwhile, the Dodgers' Tyler Glasnow was making his season debut, having missed the previous year due to an elbow strain. Glasnow had a stellar 2024 season, posting a 2.65 ERA and a 32.2% strikeout rate, making him a formidable opponent for the Braves.
As the game unfolded, both teams were eager to establish their dominance. The Dodgers, despite their perfect 5-0 record, had not been as explosive at the plate as expected, averaging just .224 with a 13th-ranked on-base percentage. Mookie Betts and Will Smith were among the few players who had been performing well, but the rest of the lineup needed to step up.
In contrast, the Braves were grappling with their own batting issues. They had faced a series of strikeout-heavy pitchers in San Diego, and now they were up against Glasnow, who was known for his ability to rack up strikeouts while limiting walks. This matchup posed a significant challenge for Atlanta's hitters, who needed to find their rhythm quickly.
Looking ahead, the next game in the series was scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10:10 p.m. ET, featuring Chris Sale for the Braves and Dustin May for the Dodgers. Sale, a Cy Young winner, was expected to bring his experience and skill to the mound, while May would be looking to solidify the Dodgers' strong start.
The excitement surrounding this series was palpable, with both teams having a history of playoff animosities. The Dodgers had defeated the Braves in the 2020 NLCS, while Atlanta had exacted revenge in the 2021 NLCS, ultimately leading to their championship victory. This backdrop added an extra layer of intensity to the current matchup.
As the first game progressed, the stakes were high for both teams. The Dodgers aimed to maintain their undefeated streak, while the Braves were desperate to break their scoreless streak and regain momentum. With the season still in its infancy, each game was critical for setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
In terms of betting predictions, experts leaned towards the under for the game total of 8 runs, given the Braves' recent struggles at the plate and the strength of Glasnow's pitching. The consensus among analysts reflected a cautious optimism for the Braves, citing their potential to bounce back from their early-season woes.
As the action unfolded at Dodger Stadium, fans were treated to a showcase of talent, with stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman representing the Dodgers, and Matt Olson and Austin Riley leading the charge for the Braves. The excitement was heightened by the presence of past All-Stars and Silver Sluggers on both sides, making this series a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts.
With the first game of the series now in the books, all eyes would be on the upcoming matchups as the Braves looked to reclaim their form and the Dodgers sought to continue their dominance. The stage was set for a thrilling series, and baseball fans were eager to see how this storied rivalry would unfold in the days to come.
