COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves look to even the series against the St. Louis Cardinals Friday afternoon at SunTrust Park.
Despite late home runs from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman, a comeback in the ninth inning fell short for the Braves in Game 1 Thursday. The Braves have not won a Game 1 in a playoff series since 2001.
Game 2 first pitch is set for 4:37 p.m Friday. Manager Brian Snitker will turn to Mike Foltynewicz, who is 4-1 in his last seven starts. The Cardinals will start their ace Jack Flaherty, who has been one of the hottest pitchers in baseball this season.
Here is everything fans need to know if they are heading to SunTrust Park for Game 2.
Follow Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein and sports anchor Alison Mastrangelo for the latest on the Braves postseason.
[RELATED: 10 things to know about the Cardinals, the Braves’ NLDS opponent]
Cardinals win Game 1 of NLDS
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) October 4, 2019
7-6
Winner of opening game of series in NLDS has gone on to win series 73% of time
Folty to the rescue in Game 2 pic.twitter.com/azCxgueYil
GATES AND SEATING CHART
SunTrust Park's gates will open at 2:00 p.m, two and half hours before the first pitch. A full seating chart and list of entrances can be found here.
The Braves recommend that fans arrive early as crowds and security lines are expected to increase closer to game time. Fans are also encouraged to be in their seats early for pregame. Quavo, member of the rap group Migos, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
[RELATED: Extended nets installed at SunTrust Park for Braves playoffs]
WEATHER
Playoff baseball may happen in fall, but Atlanta has been in a heat wave. Temperatures hit about 95 degrees at Game 1's start time Thursday, making it one of the hottest playoff games ever.
Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns says Atlanta officially hit a high of 97 degrees on Thursday just after 1 p.m. It's the highest temperature ever recorded in October in Atlanta.
Record setting heat will continue Friday with the first pitch of Game 2 scheduled for 4:37 p.m.
This is likely to be the hottest playoff game ever in Atlanta for the @Braves. I’ll be live from the game on Channel 2 at 4, 5, 6 pm talking heat and when we cool down. pic.twitter.com/pfnojuDR5Z
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) October 3, 2019
[RELATED: Umpire at center of infamous Braves infield fly rule will be crew chief for NLDS]
PARKING
Postseason parking passes for the first two games, Thursday and Friday, went on sale Wednesday on the Braves website. The lots will open at 12:30 p.m. Friday.
According to the team’s website, lots Red Deck, N25, N29, E32, E35, E41, E42, E43 and Lockheed/Dobbins will accept on-site payment with a credit card if there are spaces available.
The four lots usually reserved for season ticket holders — Orange Valet Deck, Delta Deck, Braves 9 and Braves 11 — will be open to the public during the division series games.
Parking accessible for disabled fans will be available in lots N29 and the Red Deck. A valid ADA tag is required in order to park in these lots. Shuttle services for guests needing assistance getting to and from SunTrust Park begin two-and-a-half hours prior to first pitch at N29 while the Red Deck is open four hours before the beginning of a game.
Shuttle services are available from the Lockheed/Dobbins lot for weekday games. Shuttle services are not available from any other lot.
[RELATED: Don't get ripped off! Parking spots for Braves games reach nearly $1,000]
WHAT YOU CAN BRING
Outside food is allowed but only items that can fit into a one-gallon, clear plastic bag. Each ticket holder can bring in one water bottle.
One bag of food and one bottle of water per ticket will be permitted.
Here's a list of items fans are NOT allowed to bring into SunTrust Park:
- Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles
- Bota bags or wineskins
- Bags, purses or backpacks exceeding 16x16x8 inches
- Ice chests or hard sided coolers
- Camera lenses exceeding 5 inches; camera tri, dual or single leg pods by non-media personnel
- Folding chairs, tables, stools or devices used as such; sticks, clubs (including signs attached to sticks) or full size brooms
- Fireworks, firearms or other weapons (including knives, mace, pepper spray, Tasers/stun guns and toy replicas of weapons)
- Bullhorns, noise makers or confetti
- Laser devices or pointers
- Skateboards, hoverboards and rollerblades
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Framed or oversized backpacks
- Balloons, beachballs and other inflatable items
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this report.
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