Dodgers and Braves open 2026 NLDS on Saturday
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves meet in Game 1 of the 2026 National League Division Series on Saturday, October 3, at 4 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. The game will air nationally on Fox, with live streaming available through platforms such as DIRECTV and Fubo.
Series Opens in Los Angeles Before Shifting to Atlanta
The best-of-five series opens in Los Angeles before shifting to Atlanta. According to the sources, Game 1 takes place Saturday, October 3, at 4 p.m. ET on Fox from Dodger Stadium. Game 2 follows on Sunday, October 4, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, also hosted in Los Angeles. The series moves to Truist Park in Atlanta for Game 3 on Tuesday, October 6, at 6 p.m. ET on FS1, and Game 4 (if necessary) on Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. ET on FS1. A deciding Game 5 (if necessary) is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox back at Dodger Stadium. Viewers seeking alternative or streaming options can access coverage via DIRECTV or Fubo, both of which offer free trials for new subscribers. Spanish-language coverage is available on FOX Deportes.
Dodgers Seek Third Straight Title Against Braves
The Dodgers enter the postseason aiming for a third consecutive World Series title, a feat not accomplished in Major League Baseball since the Yankees won three straight from 1998 to 2000. Los Angeles features a roster anchored by Shohei Ohtani and midseason acquisition Tarik Skubal, alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Conversely, the Braves advanced to the NLDS by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the Wild Card round, marking their first Division Series appearance since 2023. Atlanta is led by ace Chris Sale—who was utilized to close out the Phillies after starting Game 1—alongside star hitters Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson under first-year manager Walt Weiss.
Braves Dominated Regular Season Matchups Against Dodgers
The two franchises share a rich postseason history, having met five times prior to 2026, with the Dodgers holding a 3–2 advantage in series victories, per the sources. Their most recent playoff meeting occurred in the 2021 NLCS, where the Braves defeated Los Angeles 4–2 before winning the World Series. During the 2026 regular season, the Braves dominated the head-to-head matchup by winning five of six games against the Dodgers, including a three-game sweep at Truist Park in August. While neither team officially announced their Game 1 starting pitchers prior to the opener, the sources noted that the Dodgers hold greater flexibility within their rotation, whereas the Braves’ pitching usage remains a central question following their Wild Card series conclusion.
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