These past days might have been either stressful or relaxing for baseball fans, especially for Dodgers and Braves fans, as the NLCS has determined who will advance to the World Series versus the Houston Astros on October 26, 2021. The NLCS, National League Championship Series, started on October 16, 2021 at the Atlanta Braves stadium, Truist Park, versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

This series has been a roller coaster for many as both teams have faced each other last year during the 2020 NLCS. Last year, the Dodgers were behind as the Braves were leading the series 3-1, but made a comeback leading them to the World Series, which the Dodgers ended being champions to. However, this year the Atlanta Braves won Games 1, 2, 4, and 6 and the Los Angeles Dodgers won Games 3 and 5. In the end, the Atlanta Braves took the win on October 23, 2021 with the help of their MVP, Eddie Rosario. 

Some students on campus were watching every game of the NLCS, anticipating that either the Dodgers or the Braves would advance to the World Series. Students like Gissell Alvarado, 9, would sit and watch the entire games hoping that their favorite team would win. 

“I’ve been a Dodgers fan for a long time, so I think they’re going to win the NLCS because they’re really good, especially players like Mookie Betts, Julio Urías, and Chris Taylor,” Alvarado states. “I think the Dodgers have a great team and have worked really hard to get where they are now. From them winning the World Series last year, they make it seem like they can win it again this year due to the determination they have, despite having injured players.”

The Dodgers came 2nd in their division, the NL West, with 106 wins and 56 losses throughout the regular season. Since many students on campus, like Victoria Garcia, 11, were born in L.A. County, they were hoping that the Dodgers would win the NLCS to have a repeat of what happened last year. 

“I am rooting for the Dodgers in the NLCS because you HAVE to go for the home team! The Dodgers are a key part of the city! Cheering for one of the best teams in the nation, for one of the best cities in the world, is a no brainer,” Garcia declares. “This was an exciting series to watch and I’m so blessed and grateful that I was able to attend Game 5 of the series! There’s nothing like being at a Dodgers game (especially when they win, 11-2)! Dodgers for life, vamos Doyers!” 

Some students can argue that the Braves were a better team as they believe that the Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, needs to make better pitching calls. The Atlanta Braves won not only the NLCS, but were also 1st place in their division, NL East, with 88 wins and 73 losses.

Students like Leo Tranquilino, 11, was rooting for the Braves to win the NLCS. Despite being a New York Yankees fan, he believes that the Braves have the ability and are capable of not only winning the NLCS, but also the World Series. 

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a team, like the Braves, go so far. They have great players and overall good organization,” Tranquilino said. “The Dodgers are doing pretty bad by wasting too much pitching and putting the wrong pitchers in the wrong times. Roberts needs to manage their bullpen better.”

As some students would have loved for the Dodgers to win the NLCS to get a rematch with the Astros, the Braves have not been in a World Series since 1999 and haven’t won a World Series since 1995. 

With devastating losses and ecstatic wins, most Dodgers and Braves fans can agree that the future for their teams is only going to get better as the NLCS was a great series to watch. Braves fans see the Braves becoming World Series champions as the Dodgers fans see the Dodgers coming back better than ever for next season.