The Dodgers’ chance to break Atlanta hearts needs a deep rewind

We’re sorry, Atlanta fans. This is an evergreen statement.

The 2020 MLB playoffs were a weird one, what with all the bubbles and stuff. So here we have an unusual moment: NCLS, Game 7, last-chance at bat for the Atlanta Braves … who are down one run against the Los Angeles Dodgers … in Texas. Also, the game has already contained all sorts of weird plays, AND the center fielder’s shoulder was recently dislocated.

To understand this, we need to understand the Braves’ miserable recent history of playoff “almosts.” We need to understand how incredible Mookie Betts has been in the outfield, and how the Dodgers probably wouldn’t have come back from down 3-1 without him. And, yeah, most of all, we need to recall Cody Bellinger’s massive home run, which was both a critical break from his recent history of playoff disappointments and a pretty clear break between his shoulder and the socket.

Before we see what happens, we should probably rewind.