The National League Championship Series continued at Truist Park in Atlanta as the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to square up the series after Atlanta won Game 1 in dramatic fashion on Saturday thanks to Austin Riley’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. The blue and white had to try do it without the iconic Justin Turner, who was sidelined with a neck injury.
Max Scherzer took the mound for his most important game in a Dodgers uniform as young Ian Anderson was given the nod for the NL East Champions. The drama unfolded on a beautiful night in Georgia under the October lights.
NLCS Game 2 starts NOW!
Watch on @TBSNetwork. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/nP1JWI4i4T
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2021
The Atlanta starting lineup.
Game 2.
Presented by @TruistNews | #BattleATL pic.twitter.com/1yVOXHuR6u
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 17, 2021
The Dodgers starting lineup.
Tonight’s #Dodgers NLCS Game 2 lineup at Braves: pic.twitter.com/v1cImebIPy
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 17, 2021
Once again, the game went to the bottom of the ninth inning—let’s get you caught up on all the action.
Atlanta 5, Los Angeles 4
The Dodgers were not playing around from the off, jumping on Anderson early with Corey Seager blasting his first home run of the postseason to give Los Angeles a 2-0 lead.
.@coreyseager_5 gets it started. pic.twitter.com/uqu8a8rLcj
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2021
It was a beautiful swing from the Dodgers infielder, who is facing an uncertain future in Los Angeles.
The @Dodgers aren't messing around tonight. pic.twitter.com/HfTI4Yzsjt
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2021
Meanwhile on the mound, Mad Max looked like he was in the mood to terrorize Atlanta with a gluttony of nasty pitches, including this wicked slider to fell Saturday’s hero, Austin Riley in the second inning.
https://gfycat.com/linearglamorouscardinal
After allowing two baserunners in the top of the third inning, Anderson came back with his trusty changeup to strikeout Chris Taylor and keep the aggressive Dodgers hitters at bay.
https://gfycat.com/complicatedrelievedkagu
It didn’t take long for the Atlanta lineup to backup their starting pitcher – former Dodgers hero Joc Pederson punishing his old team with a ripping homer off Scherzer to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. What a hit!
JOCTOBER CONTINUES! pic.twitter.com/3Etg3rVBlS
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
Pederson was dressed for the occasion of course, his glistening white pearls majestic on his jog around the bases.
the bat flip. the pearls. the fans. it’s perfect. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/o4nohQmCwk
— Cut4 (@Cut4) October 18, 2021
Alex Vesia certainly match the energy and emotion inside the ballpark after striking out danger men Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies in the fifth inning after entering the game in relief of Scherzer.
Alex Vesia let 'em know. 😤 pic.twitter.com/1mEy7KpOph
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
The Dodgers continued to threaten with baserunners in the sixth and seventh inning, and finally broke through thanks to a looped two-out, two-RBI double from Chris Taylor to give them the lead.
Two-out magic!
The @Dodgers take the lead!
(MLB x @loanDepot) pic.twitter.com/ZJdv3DGBPw
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
The Dodgers then turned to exciting young starter, Julio Urías in the eight inning to try and close the door on any Atlanta comeback. It did not go to plan with Ozzie Albies firing an RBI single into right field.
The @Braves are within a run. 👀 pic.twitter.com/54OEaxtKKJ
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
Austin Riley then repeated his heroics of the night before by slashing Urias’ next pitch over Mookie Betts‘ head in center field to score Albies and tie the game.
AUSTIN. RILEY.
THIS GAME IS TIED!!! pic.twitter.com/M0dnJhZO9k
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
Earlier in the season, Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a home run off Atlanta closer Will Smith. In the top of the ninth inning, the pitcher got his revenge with this lovely slider for the strikeout.
https://gfycat.com/femaleimaginarygull
Kenley Jansen has not looked convincing all season, however manager Dave Roberts called upon his experienced closer to try and force extra innings after Brusdar Graterol allowed the winning run to reach second base with two outs. Here’s what happened next…
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER #WALKOFF!!! pic.twitter.com/Jrn82L91Dk
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
Trea Turner couldn’t come up with the hard hit ground ball and Atlanta take a two game lead in the series. The crowd went wild and there were memorable scenes that will remain etched in the memory for some time.
Absolute bedlam in Atlanta. #UltraMoment pic.twitter.com/nw8hqnYl2M
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
A remarkable game. I need a stiff drink and prepare my body and mind for today’s games.
The magic of #Postseason baseball is unmatched.
Let's do it again tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/Gbcn6VsXhG
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2021
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)