The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are set to face each other in the 2026 National League Division Series, marking their sixth postseason encounter and fifth since 2010. Los Angeles will hold home-field advantage, beginning with Game 1 on Saturday.
This recurring playoff matchup highlights a period where both franchises have consistently fielded competitive teams. A notable figure connecting the two clubs is first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has achieved championship success with both the Braves and the Dodgers.
Historical Postseason Meetings
The 1996 National League Division Series saw the Braves, fresh off a 1995 World Series title, sweep the Dodgers in three games. Atlanta's pitching, anchored by John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine, proved dominant. Fred McGriff and Chipper Jones were key offensive contributors in the series. The Braves went on to reach the World Series that year, ultimately losing to the New York Yankees.
In 2013, the Braves, champions of the NL East for the first time in eight years, met the Dodgers in the NLDS. Los Angeles took Game 1 behind a strong performance from Clayton Kershaw. Atlanta responded with a Game 2 victory, but the Dodgers ultimately prevailed in a tight Game 4, decided by a late home run from Juan Uribe. Dodgers slugger Adrián González was a significant offensive force in the series.
The 2018 NLDS saw the Dodgers sweep the Braves again. Atlanta's offense struggled significantly in the first two games, being shut out in both. While the Braves showed signs of life offensively in Game 3, Los Angeles closed out the series in Game 4. Manny Machado and Max Muncy were key players for the Dodgers during this series. The Dodgers would go on to reach the World Series in both 2017 and 2018, losing both times.
Dramatic Comeback in 2020 NLCS
The 2020 National League Championship Series was a memorable one, with the Dodgers staging a significant comeback. After falling behind 3-1 in the series, Los Angeles rallied to win three consecutive games, including a decisive Game 7. This victory propelled the Dodgers to their first World Series title since 1988. Key players for Los Angeles included Corey Seager and Will Smith. The series was played at a neutral site due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Braves' Revenge in 2021 NLCS
In 2021, the Braves exacted revenge in the NLCS. Atlanta took a 3-1 series lead before the Dodgers forced a Game 7 with a dramatic comeback in Game 5. However, the Braves secured their first World Series berth since 1999 by winning Game 6. Austin Riley and Eddie Rosario were offensive standouts for Atlanta. The Braves went on to defeat the Houston Astros for their first championship since 1995.
