Dodgers Outlast Braves in Scorching 100-Degree NLDS Opener at Dodger Stadium

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, United States — The Los Angeles Dodgers managed to keep their composure against the Atlanta Braves during the second-hottest postseason contest recorded at Dodger Stadium.

Finding a patch of shade proved exceptionally difficult on Saturday for Game 1 of the National League Division Series, which kicked off at 1 p.m. local time. The game-time temperature hit 100 degrees, coming just shy of the all-time record of 103 degrees established during Game 1 of the 2017 World Series.

I’ve got a lot of respect for the fans that came out. It’s not easy, stated Tarik Skubal, who pitched the Dodgers to a 5-3 victory. The sun was on us the entire game. Hopefully they packed some sunscreen.

An announced crowd of 50,194 spectators turned out, although numerous seats remained vacant as the feels-like temperature climbed to 105 degrees.

Pretty hot, pretty hot, remarked Teoscar Hernández, who provided the Dodgers with an early advantage by blasting a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

While the Braves appeared unbothered by the blazing sun, cloudless skies, and rising thermometer while conducting pregame batting practice, the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers chose to remain indoors.

Remember, we’re from Atlanta, Braves manager Walt Weiss pointed out prior to the matchup. It’s not that big of a factor.

Braves center fielder Lane Thomas echoed similar sentiments, noting that the conditions felt like a slightly cooler 98 degrees compared to Atlanta.

It’s hot, but it’s not bad, shared Helen Greene of Valdosta, Georgia, who occupied a seat in direct sunlight nine rows behind the visitors dugout while wearing a Braves cap over her long hair. In Atlanta, my hair would have been up by now.

Greene and her husband, Chad, focused on staying hydrated with water before the action intensified.

I’ll have beer later, she said with a smile.

Spectators still congregated in the outfield pavilions hoping to snare a stray batting practice ball off the bats of Braves players, but other seating sections remained largely empty 90 minutes before the first pitch.

Christopher Hernández of Long Beach and his girlfriend positioned themselves in the sun behind the Dodgers dugout, using giveaway towels as protective head coverings.

We play sports and we know how it feels to be in the heat and we know how to beat the heat, too, he explained, displaying a blue plastic bottle equipped with an attached fan for water spritzing. It’s not as bad as people think it is.

Braves reliever Brent Suter, who graduated from Harvard in 2012 with a degree in environmental science and public policy, acknowledged the unusual nature of the weather.

In the back of my mind, I’m like 100 degrees in October in L.A., that’s definitely not normal, he noted before the game. Obviously super El Niño is a big thing to do with that. It’s going to be a challenge for both sides to stay hydrated, especially the position players.

While brief October warm spells are common in Los Angeles, an extended extreme heat warning projected to last at least a week has kept temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages. The typical high temperature for early October in Los Angeles sits at 81 degrees, equivalent to 27 degrees Celsius.

Just making sure everyone is hydrated and staying loose and getting electrolytes in us, said Suter, who ultimately pitched the final two innings for the Braves.

Emergency medical personnel remained stationed at their regular posts around the stadium, maintaining high vigilance for anticipated incidents of heatstroke, dehydration, excessive sweating tied to severe heat exposure, and traditional alcohol-related issues.

Stadium officials advised attendees to wear hats and apply sunscreen, while permitting visitors to bring in non-alcoholic beverages in factory-sealed plastic bottles measuring one liter or less. Empty refillable water bottles were also allowed, supported by multiple bottle-filling stations and drinking fountains distributed throughout the venue.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)