The Atlanta Braves are set to battle the Los Angeles Dodgers in the decisive rubber match of their series this afternoon, looking to snap a Mother's Day losing streak that dates back to 2022. A win today would not only secure the series victory but also cap off a successful California road trip with a winning record regardless of the outcome.
Interim manager Walt Weiss has kept the lineup largely intact from Saturday's 7-run offensive outburst, with one notable tweak: Eli White remains in right field and will bat seventh, while catcher Sean Murphy slides into the eighth spot. Murphy has been a perfect 5-for-5 in ABS challenges since his rocky debut, proving that the glasses are working even if his bat is still finding its rhythm. For Braves fans, this small adjustment could be the key to unlocking more offensive production from the bottom of the order.
On the mound, the Braves will counter with Bryce Elder, who faces a Dodgers lineup that features several familiar threats. Max Muncy has been the most successful against Elder, hitting .250 with a home run in 12 at-bats. Shohei Ohtani has also found success, posting a .286 average and a 1.089 OPS in seven plate appearances, while Freddie Freeman has been a consistent thorn with a .400 average in 10 at-bats. The Dodgers have shuffled their lineup to give Will Smith a day off behind the plate, with Dalton Rushing—who entered late in yesterday's game at first base—taking over catching duties and batting seventh.
Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski enters the game with a deceptive 1.25 ERA, thanks to what can only be described as a bit of devil magic. He has yet to allow a home run this season, but the Braves are hoping to change that on Mother's Day with a few long balls to honor their moms. Only five Braves have faced Wrobleski before, with leadoff man Mauricio Dubón leading the way with five at-bats. Jorge Mateo has one, while Mike Yastrzemski, Kyle Farmer, and Dominic Smith combine for just nine at-bats against the lefty—all of which are currently on the bench.
The stakes are simple: win the rubber game, win the series. The Braves have already secured a winning record on this road trip, but a victory today would make for a much happier flight back to Atlanta. With Murphy's improved challenge record and a lineup that found its groove last night, the Braves have every reason to believe they can pull off another win in California.