Magic Johnson had a message for everybody who packed Dodger Stadium in triple-digit heat on Saturday: thank you. The Dodgers opened their NLDS with a 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves, and Magic, part of the team’s ownership group, posted, “A big thank you to all the Dodgers fans for coming out to Dodger Stadium, where it was over 100 degrees,” as first reported by ClutchPoints.
The fans got their money’s worth. Tarik Skubal allowed one run over six innings and retired 18 of the last 21 hitters he faced. Teoscar Hernández hit a two-run homer in the fourth, Kyle Tucker added a two-run shot in the sixth and Max Muncy chipped in a solo homer. Sean Murphy went deep for Atlanta.
The IAHHM Take
Magic has always understood that the crowd is part of the show. That was true at the Forum in the Showtime days, and it’s true now. Sitting in 100-degree heat for a playoff game is a real commitment, and a public shout-out from one of the most beloved figures in L.A. sports history goes a long way.
On the field, this is what a team chasing a third straight World Series title looks like. The Dodgers got an ace-level start, power from three different bats and never let Atlanta take control. While other contenders are already talking about offseason changes, L.A. is one win closer to the NLCS.
The Braves have to answer in Game 2, or this series could get away from them fast. Catch more of our postseason coverage in the IAHHM Sports section.
Your call: Is anybody stopping a Dodgers three-peat, or is this October already written?
Source: ClutchPoints
