LEADING OFF: LA homecoming for Braves' Fried in NLCS Game 5

A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

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ALL EYES ON LA

In the only playoff game of the night, the Atlanta Braves can win their first pennant in 22 years with a victory in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium.

Max Fried is scheduled to start for the Braves in his hometown, while Los Angeles was planning a bullpen game. Atlanta leads 3-1 in the best-of-seven playoff — same as last season.

A year ago, the Dodgers also trailed 0-2 and 1-3 against Atlanta in the NLCS before roaring back to win three straight games at a neutral site in Texas on the way to the World Series title.

Los Angeles has won six consecutive postseason elimination games dating to 2020.

The 27-year-old Fried was born in Santa Monica, California, and attended Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles. So how many tickets had he requested for family and friends?

“It’s a decent amount. I haven’t gotten the exact number, but I’ve been definitely having to try to ask around for some extra tickets,” Fried said.

The left-hander allowed two runs and eight hits over six innings of a no-decision in Game 1. He is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in two playoff starts this year and has struck out 14 batters with no walks in 12 innings.

During the regular season, Fried went 14-7 with a 3.04 ERA.

ONE WIN AWAY

Yordan Álvarez and the Houston Astros are heading home with a 3-2 lead over Boston in the AL Championship Series.

After a day off, the Astros can clinch a second trip to the World Series in three years with a victory Friday night in Game 6.

Nathan Eovaldi, who won Game 2 but came on in relief and lost in Game 4, will start for the Red Sox. Houston manager Dusty Baker said he had not decided on a starter.

Boston needs a win to force a...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-LA-homecoming-for-Braves-Fried-in-16550586.php