Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is understandably disappointed over the team's elimination. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Braves' Freddie Freeman: NLCS loss 'hurts right now'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/19/20

The Atlanta Braves are packing their bags and heading home after a 4-3 Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

Atlanta was the underdog in this series, but the playoff exit still is a tough pill to swallow for Freddie Freeman and the Braves.

"I don't think we exceeded expectations," Freeman said following Game 7. "This is kind of what we expected out of ourselves to get to this point. This is the start of something special for a long time. It hurts right now, it really does. This moment sucks. But the Atlanta Braves organization is set up for success for a very long time."

"It hurts right now. It really does. This moment sucks. But this group of guys that we had this year started something special."
- @Braves 1B Freddie Freeman pic.twitter.com/95RVgefR6N
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 19, 2020

The Braves led the best-of-seven NLCS 3-1 after four games, but then dropped three straight to the surging Dodgers. Manager Brian Snitker acknowledged that his team made mistakes, but also discussed how proud he was of the team for proving they're among the best in baseball.

Atlanta won the NL East this season and finished with the third-best record despite losing ace Mike Soroka early in the season. They reached the NLCS after defeating the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card Round and the Miami Marlins in the Division Series.

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