{"id":31198,"date":"2026-10-03T18:24:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T18:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nosmokesport.com\/chua-phan-loai\/braves-dodgers-nlds-game-1-2018\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T18:24:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T18:24:06","slug":"braves-dodgers-nlds-game-1-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nosmokesport.com\/vi\/sport-news\/braves-dodgers-nlds-game-1-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Dodgers beat Braves 6-0 in NLDS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Larry Parkson<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a resounding statement in Game 1 of the 2018 National League Division Series (NLDS), shutting out the Atlanta Braves 6-0 at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu spearheaded the dominant performance, silencing the Braves’ lineup through seven masterful innings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dodgers\u2019 offense backed him convincingly, highlighted by home runs from Joc Pederson, Max Muncy, and Enrique “Kik\u00e9” Hern\u00e1ndez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dodgers Assert Early Control in Braves Dodgers NLDS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This decisive victory immediately placed the Dodgers in a commanding position within the best-of-five series. It underscored their intent as a formidable postseason contender, while the Braves faced an uphill battle after their promising return to playoff baseball was met with such a strong display from their rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dodgers showcased their balanced attack, combining an exceptional starting pitching effort with timely, powerful hitting. The team’s ability to strike early and maintain pressure proved too much for the visiting Braves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyun-Jin Ryu, the left-handed ace, delivered a stellar performance, effectively neutralizing the Braves\u2019 hitters for seven scoreless innings. He allowed just four singles and struck out eight batters without issuing a single walk, demonstrating why he was a crucial asset for Los Angeles. It was his second career postseason start of seven scoreless innings, cementing his reputation for clutch performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Los Angeles quickly built a lead, beginning with Joc Pederson\u2019s leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning, immediately igniting the Dodger Stadium crowd. The momentum continued into the second inning when Max Muncy blasted a three-run home run, extending the Dodgers\u2019 advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrique “Kik\u00e9” Hern\u00e1ndez added a solo shot in the sixth, further solidifying the team’s control. Muncy also demonstrated impressive plate discipline, drawing three walks during the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braves Offense Stifled, Pitching Struggles Early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Atlanta’s offense found itself thoroughly outmatched, failing to generate any meaningful threats against Ryu and the Dodgers bullpen. The visitors struggled to make solid contact, converting their few baserunners into scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz endured a difficult outing, lasting only two innings. He surrendered four runs on four hits, three walks, and one hit batter, striking out five. His early exit forced the Braves bullpen into action much sooner than anticipated, compounding the team’s challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Atlanta hitters, including first baseman Freddie Freeman, were unable to break through against the Dodgers’ pitching. The Braves managed only four hits throughout the entire game, all of them singles. This lack of offensive production highlighted the formidable task ahead for manager Brian Snitker’s squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Deep-Rooted Postseason Rivalry Endures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2018 NLDS Game 1 was another chapter in the storied postseason rivalry between the Braves and the Dodgers, two franchises with a long history of intense matchups. Their competitive encounters span decades, including a 24-year period from 1969 to 1993 when they shared the NL West division. This deep-seated rivalry ensures that any playoff meeting carries significant weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This particular series followed a regular season where the Dodgers had a slight edge, winning five of seven games against the Braves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both teams entered the 2018 playoffs as division winners; the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a 92-71 record, while the Braves, after four consecutive losing seasons, captured the NL East title with a 90-72 record, marking their first division championship since 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stage was set for a compelling clash, reinforcing a rivalry that continues to evolve and capture attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their postseason history includes Atlanta victories in the 1996 NLDS and the 2021 NL Championship Series, where the Braves ultimately claimed their fourth World Series title. Conversely, Los Angeles triumphed in the 2013 NLDS, 2018 NLDS, and the 2020 NLCS. These contests have consistently delivered high-stakes drama, shaping the narratives of both franchises and contributing to the rich legacy of elite sports performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategic Decisions and Player Performances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The strategic battle began even before the first pitch, with both teams making critical decisions about their starting pitchers. The Dodgers opted for Ryu, a move that paid off handsomely, given his command and efficiency. For the Braves, the choice of Foltynewicz proved less successful, leading to an early deficit that Atlanta couldn’t overcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such choices are amplified in postseason play, where every pitch and every at-bat can shift momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individual performances often dictate the trajectory of a playoff series. For the Dodgers, the offensive contributions from Pederson, Muncy, and Hern\u00e1ndez demonstrated their lineup’s depth and power. Muncy’s ability to get on base frequently, combined with his long ball, epitomized the Dodgers’ balanced approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His exceptional plate discipline made him the eighth player in MLB history to hit a home run and walk three times in a playoff game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the Braves found themselves in a difficult spot, as their key hitters struggled to adjust. The performance in Game 1 highlighted the immediate need for offensive adjustments and a more cohesive hitting approach to contend with the Dodgers’ formidable pitching staff. Teams constantly analyze data and player matchups, and a quick turnaround is crucial as they implement major game updates<\/a> to their strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead: The Series and Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The dominant Game 1 performance provided the Los Angeles Dodgers with crucial momentum, ultimately propelling them to a 3-1 series victory over the Atlanta Braves in the 2018 NLDS. This early advantage allowed the Dodgers to dictate the pace of the series, putting immense pressure on Atlanta to respond in subsequent games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It underscored the importance of securing the first win in a short playoff series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Braves, the 2018 NLDS represented a significant step forward, marking their return to postseason contention after several rebuilding years. Though they fell short against a powerful Dodgers team, the experience proved valuable, culminating in their 2021 World Series triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Dodgers, the 2018 playoff run was part of a sustained period of excellence that saw them lead MLB in attendance with 3.9 million fans that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their consistent deep runs included World Series championships in 2024 and 2025, cementing their status as a perennial powerhouse, still eyeing a potential “three-peat” in discussions surrounding future seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rivalry between these two clubs, deeply etched in baseball history, continues to captivate fans. Each postseason encounter adds new layers to their competitive narrative, influencing strategic planning and player development for both organizations. The 2018 NLDS Game 1, a comprehensive Dodgers victory, remains a key moment in this ongoing story of two National League giants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n