The National League Championship Series, known as the NLCS, is one of the most highly anticipated annual events in Major League Baseball (MLB). This is the stage where the best teams in each conference compete to determine who will advance to the World Series. In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves faced off in an epic best-of-seven series. The Dodgers had a 3-0 lead in the series, but in an unprecedented move, the Braves stormed back and won the series, becoming the first team in MLB history to come back from a 3-0 deficit. This has led to much speculation in the baseball world as to what could have caused such an unlikely outcome.
What is a 3-0 lead?
A 3-0 lead in the MLB is when one team has won three consecutive games in a best-of-seven series. This usually means that the team is in a very good position to win the series and advance to the next stage. However, it is not a guarantee, as a team can still come back from such a deficit. This is what the Braves did in 2020, becoming the first team in MLB history to do so.
The Dodgers’ Dominance
The Dodgers entered the NLCS as one of the most dominant teams in baseball. They had won 47 of their last 60 games, and their lineup was stacked with stars such as Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw. They also had a deep pitching staff, which was led by Walker Buehler and Kenley Jansen. As the series began, the Dodgers looked poised to make quick work of the Braves.
The Braves’ Resilience
The Braves entered the series as underdogs, but they proved to be a resilient bunch. They had a lineup filled with young stars such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, as well as veterans such as Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis. Their pitching staff was led by Max Fried and Ian Anderson, two of the best young arms in the league. Despite their youth and inexperience, the Braves were determined to make the most of their opportunity.
Game 1
The series began in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers quickly took control. Walker Buehler pitched a gem, going seven innings and striking out nine batters. The offense was led by Corey Seager, who had three hits and two RBIs. The Dodgers won the game 6-0, and it seemed like the rout was on.
Game 2
The Dodgers continued their dominance in Game 2, as Clayton Kershaw went seven innings and allowed just one run. He was supported by a powerful offense, which was led by Mookie Betts and Justin Turner. The Dodgers won the game 4-1, and it seemed like they were well on their way to the World Series.
Game 3
The series shifted to Atlanta for Game 3, and the Braves were determined to keep the series alive. They sent Max Fried to the mound, and he delivered a fantastic performance, going seven innings and allowing just one run. The offense was led by Ronald Acuña Jr., who had three hits and two RBIs. The Braves won the game 2-1, and it seemed like they had a chance to make a comeback.
Game 4
The Braves continued their momentum in Game 4, as Ian Anderson pitched six shutout innings and the offense was led by Ozzie Albies and Nick Markakis. The Braves won the game 4-0, and they had cut the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1.
Game 5
The Dodgers sent Walker Buehler to the mound in Game 5, but the Braves were determined to keep the series alive. They scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back, as they won the game 7-3. The series was now tied at 3-3, and the Braves were one win away from completing the comeback.
Game 6
The series shifted back to Los Angeles for Game 6, and the Dodgers were determined to avoid elimination. They sent Clayton Kershaw to the mound, and he delivered a solid performance, going seven innings and allowing just one run. However, the offense was unable to get anything going, and the Braves won the game 1-0.
Game 7
The series came down to Game 7, and the Braves sent Max Fried to the mound. He delivered another gem, going seven innings and allowing just one run. The offense was led by Freddie Freeman, who had three hits and two RBIs. The Braves won the game 4-3, and they had completed the historic comeback, becoming the first team in MLB history to come back from a 3-0 deficit.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Braves’ comeback against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2020 NLCS was a remarkable feat. It was the first time in MLB history that a team had come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series. The Braves proved to be a resilient team, with a deep lineup and a strong pitching staff. They showed that anything is possible in baseball, and it will be a moment that will be remembered for years to come.