Braves Vs. Dodgers Game Preveiw: National League Leaders Meet For 1st Time

Fresh off hosting the eight annual Blue Diamond Gala, the Los Angeles Dodgers return to the field against a tough opponent in the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium.

Both teams have been playing well recently and hold the top two spots in the National League. The Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 with a 20-13 record and a +49 run differential.

The Braves have gone 6-4 in their last 10 and have a better winning percentage than the Dodgers with a 20-9 record, along with a +48 run differential.

Gavin Stone makes the start for the Dodgers, fresh off the best outing of his young career when he pitched seven innings while allowing one run. Overall, he holds a 4.68 ERA across 25 innings with 18 strikeouts and a 1.44 WHIP.

Charlie Morton gets the ball for the Braves amid another strong season and coming off a seven inning shutout performance. The 40-year-old veteran has pitched to a 3.60 ERA with 28 strikeouts and a 1.13 WHIP across 30 innings.

Freddie Freeman has given trouble to Morton over their careers, with the Dodgers’ superstar hitting .500 with a 1.600 on-base plus slugging percentage against the right-hander in 20 at-bats. Mookie Betts has also found success against him, hitting .313 with a .890 OPS in 32 at-bats.

Shohei Ohtani returns to the Dodgers’ lineup after getting a day off on Wednesday, May 1 prior to their off day on Thursday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was a scheduled day off for Ohtani, who would benefit from it in the long run.

Dodgers lineup

SS: Mookie Betts
DH: Shohei Ohtani
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
LF: Teoscar Hernández
RF: Andy Pages
CF: James Outman
2B: Gavin Lux

Braves lineup

RF: Ronald Acuña Jr.
2B: Ozzie Albies
3B: Austin Riley
1B: Matt Olson
DH: Marcell Ozuna
C: Travis D’Arnaud
CF: Michael Harris II
SS: Orlando Arcia
LF: Jarred Kelenic