Braves vs Dodgers NLDS Game 1: Start Time and Full Series Schedule
Summary: Readers will learn the confirmed start times for every game in the Atlanta Braves–Los Angeles Dodgers NLDS, how the best-of-five series alternates between Los Angeles and Atlanta, and how the Braves reached the matchup.
The Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers open their National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. The Braves earned the spot by eliminating the Philadelphia Phillies in three games in the wild-card round, according to the Los Angeles Times. The schedule gives the Dodgers the first two games at home and, if the series goes the distance, a deciding Game 5 in Los Angeles.
The Schedule, Game by Game
MLB has set the start times for the entire best-of-five series, as reported by Battery Power. Game 1 is a Saturday afternoon start: 4 p.m. ET, which is 1 p.m. in Los Angeles. Game 2 follows on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET. The series then shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. Game 4, if needed, would also be in Atlanta on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET. Game 5, if needed, would return to Dodger Stadium on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
| Game | Date | Location | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Saturday, Oct. 3 | Dodger Stadium | 4 p.m. |
| Game 2 | Sunday, Oct. 4 | Dodger Stadium | 8 p.m. |
| Game 3 | Tuesday, Oct. 6 | Atlanta | 6 p.m. |
| Game 4 (if necessary) | Wednesday, Oct. 7 | Atlanta | 6 p.m. |
| Game 5 (if necessary) | Friday, Oct. 9 | Dodger Stadium | 8 p.m. |
Why the Home-Field Pattern Matters
The schedule puts the Dodgers in position to take control early. With the first two games at home, they can try to build a lead in the series before it moves to Atlanta. For the Braves, the trip to Los Angeles carries a clear goal: get at least one win so they return home with the series tied or in their favor.
Game 1's afternoon start is the only day game in the series. That can change how pitchers warm up and how managers plan their bullpen work. The format itself also raises the stakes. In a best-of-five series, falling behind 0-1 or 0-2 leaves little room for recovery.
What's Still to Be Announced
No official pitching matchup for Game 1 had been listed in the published schedule details. Lineups and rotation decisions may not be finalized until close to first pitch. The Braves come into the series after a three-game wild-card round against Philadelphia, which could affect how they deploy their pitching staff early.
The opener is more than a scheduling note. It is the first test of how each team handles the peculiar demands of this Division Series: a quick turnaround for Atlanta and a home crowd in Los Angeles for the Dodgers. With set start times and a clear venue plan in place, the only remaining variable is what happens between the lines.