The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Atlanta Braves for Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday under blazing conditions, with game-time temperatures forecast to reach 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), according to the AP. The 1 p.m. start time meant the game was played under full sun, with temperatures running about 20 degrees warmer than the early October average of 81 degrees.
The forecast temperature of 101 degrees would rank among the hottest postseason games at Dodger Stadium. The stadium’s record stands at 103 degrees, set twice: during Game 1 of the 2017 World Series against Houston on October 24, and during a regular-season game against Cleveland on September 8, 2024.
The two teams responded differently to the conditions. According to Braves manager Walt Weiss, “Remember, we’re from Atlanta. It’s not that big of a factor.” Braves center fielder Lane Thomas said, “I feel like this is a little cooler 98 than Atlanta.” The Braves took pre-game batting practice in the sun, while the defending World Series champion Dodgers opted to stay inside.
Some Braves fans were unfazed. Helen Greene of Valdosta, Georgia, told reporters, “It’s hot, but it’s not bad,” noting that conditions in Atlanta would feel worse.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the challenge but emphasized equality: “It’s the same conditions for both teams, and you’ve got to just stay hydrated and manage it.” Roberts planned to monitor his pitchers and catcher Will Smith, who wears a mask and padding behind the plate.
Braves reliever Brent Suter, who graduated from Harvard with a degree in environmental science and public policy, noted the abnormality. “100 degrees in October in L.A., that’s definitely not normal,” he said, attributing the heat partly to El Niño conditions. “It’s going to be a challenge for both sides to stay hydrated, especially the position players.”
The extreme heat warning was forecast to last at least a week, keeping temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal. The Dodgers encouraged fans to wear hats and sunscreen and allowed non-alcoholic drinks of one liter or less in factory-sealed plastic bottles. Empty refillable water bottles and bottle-filling stations were available around the stadium. Emergency medical teams were stationed around the venue, monitoring for heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related conditions.
Key facts
- Game 1 of the Braves-Dodgers NLDS was played at 1 p.m. local time Saturday with game-time temperature of 100°F forecast to reach 101°F
- The temperature was about 20°F warmer than the early October average of 81°F
- 101°F would be the hottest postseason game at Dodger Stadium since the 2017 World Series Game 1 (103°F)
- The Braves practiced batting outside while the Dodgers stayed inside
- An extreme heat warning was forecast to last at least a week, keeping temperatures 10-15°F above normal