NLCS Game 1: Braves power past Dodgers with four-run ninth inning

If Game 1 is any indication, we’re in for a compelling National League Championship Series.

The Atlanta Braves took the series opener Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in a battle that highlighted Atlanta’s pitching depth and spotlighted the Dodgers’ ninth-inning conundrum.

With usual bullpen ace Kenley Jansen struggling and the game tied going to the final frame, manager Dave Roberts called on Blake Treinen and later Jake McGee to get outs No. 25-27. The move backfired, as the Braves erupted for four runs on home runs by No. 9 hitter Austin Riley and switch-hitter Ozzie Albies. In between, Marcell Ozuna dropped in an RBI single.