Oct 17, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler (21) reacts after an out in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves during game six of the 2020 NLCS at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
MLBBy Matt Clapp on

For the first time since 2004, there will be a Game 7 in each League Championship Series. The Los Angeles Dodgers put together a three-run first inning, and got outstanding pitching from Walker Buehler, in a 3-1 Game 6 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers have evened up the series after multiple two-game deficits.

In the top of the first inning, the Dodgers got back-to-back dingers by Corey Seager (after he hit two homers in Game 5) and Justin Turner vs Braves ace Max Fried to take an early 2-0 lead.

The Dodgers added a run later in the inning on an RBI single by Cody Bellinger. And that was more than enough for Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler to work with in this one.

Buehler threw six scoreless innings, with six strikeouts and no walks. In the bottom of the second, the Braves had the bases loaded with no outs after hitting three straight singles. But Buehler turned things up a notch, striking out two and getting an inning-ending groundball. On his second strikeout of the inning, Buehler got Atlanta’s Nick Markakis looking at a 100 mph fastball.

He also got some help on defense, like on this remarkable grab by Mookie Betts at the right field wall.

And he caught a break when the Braves’ Ozzie Albies didn’t realize the Dodgers dropped the ball attempting a tag.

Immediately after Buehler left the game, the Braves scored a run off Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen in the seventh inning. But that was all the damage done against the Los Angeles bullpen, and Kenley Jansen only needed six pitches to throw a 1-2-3 ninth.

Game 7 — Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET on FS1 — is expected to feature two rookie starting pitchers, in Atlanta’s Ian Anderson and Los Angeles’ Tony Gonsolin. Both right-handers have been fantastic this year, but then again they’ve never faced a situation like this. Expect each manager to have a quick hook if their starter struggles.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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