Braves vs. Dodgers Game 1: Preview & Starting Pitchers – May 8

Emmet Sheehan and Chris Sale (Photo By: Imagn Images)

Braves vs. Dodgers Game 1: Preview & Starting Pitchers – May 8

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Cresswell McCoy | Last updated May 8, 2026 5:43 AM ET

Braves vs. Dodgers Game 1 is one of the most anticipated games this weekend. Atlanta will seek to maintain their dominance as they enter Dodger Stadium with the best record in the league. The Braves are coming off a loss against the Mariners, and they hope to turn things around.

The defending World Series champions have had their series of challenges of late. Shohei Ohtani seems to have taken a step back with his offense, but his pitching has been excellent. Injuries have put the Dodgers once again in a tough position, especially their pitching staff.

Braves vs. Dodgers Game 1: TV Channel, Streaming & Radio

Here’s how to catch Friday night’s matchup:

Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California.
Time: 7:10 p.m. PDT
TV Channel: SportsNet LA, BravesVision.
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, 680 The Fan (WCNN), and 93.7 FM,
Live Stream: Fubo/ MLBwebcast.com (free)/MLB app (Paid).

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Braves vs. Dodgers Game 1 Starting Pitchers

The Dodgers will send Emmet Sheehan to the mound as their starter in Game 1. Sheehan’s been struggling to find his momentum. With a 2-1 record, the pitcher has a miserable 5.23 ERA. With their top closer Edwin Diaz out, their bullpen has been a bit shaky.

The Braves will turn in their ace, Chris Sale, to the mound against Sheehan. The southpaw has a stunning 2.14 ERA with a 6-1 record. Sale has been incredible this season for the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves are getting to a better form with the return of Spencer Strider as well. However, the Dodgers have been going the other direction with Roki Sasaki’s struggle. Atlanta is keen on making the playoffs this year. With the Phillies and Mets struggling, it’s safe to say that the Dodgers have a strong opponent to challenge them in 2026.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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