“It was really hot,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the extreme conditions.
Temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 37.8 degrees Celsius) at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 4, local time, during the opening game of the division series between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to official records reported by MK Sports.
The high-temperature afternoon game unfolded under strong high-pressure systems and desert heat winds sweeping through Los Angeles. With a 1 p.m. local start time, the 50,194 spectators and the players on the field faced sweltering mid-summer conditions during the postseason matchup.
Hottest Postseason Game Since 2017 World Series
Elias Sports Bureau records show that the 100-degree reading marked the hottest postseason game at the venue since the 2017 World Series Game 1, when temperatures hit 103 degrees against the Houston Astros, MK Sports reported.
Reflecting on that 2017 matchup, Roberts emphasized the physical demands of playing through intense heat. “Maximizing hydration is important,” Roberts said. “It is important not to waver in the extreme heat, while carefully monitoring the pitchers’ conditions. The conditions are the same for both teams.”
Dugout Reactions from Braves and Dodgers Staff
The visiting Atlanta dugout maintained a lighter perspective on the weather, pointing to their home climate in Atlanta. Atlanta manager Walt Wise dismissed concerns about the heat affecting the outcome, telling reporters to “remember we’re from Atlanta.” Braves outfielder Ryan Thomas echoed that sentiment, noting that the Los Angeles heat felt less oppressive than what the team experiences at home.
Even so, both managers acknowledged the potential toll on pitching staffs. Wise and Roberts agreed that excessive heat could complicate pitcher management, though Wise added that he preferred not to dwell on the weather.
"I didn't take the heat as an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues because I have to focus on the game right now," Suter said, as reported by MK Sports. "Of course, deep down, there's the thought that 'it's not normal for it to be this temperature in Los Angeles in October.' It might be affected by a super El Niño. I think the position players running around in this kind of extreme heat every day are amazing."
Adjustments for Game Two
In response to the heatwave, the Dodgers organization issued advisories via social media instructing fans attending the opening games to bring protective gear, including hats and sunscreen.
Relief arrived with the schedule for the following matchup. Game Two is set to begin at 5 p.m. local time after sunset, offering relief from direct sunlight. Dodgers Game Two starting pitcher Blake Snell expressed optimism about the evening schedule. “Because it’s a 5 p.m. game, it should be fine,” Snell said. “Although it will still be hot, it should be better than the sunny 1 p.m. start.”
The 2017 World Series Game 1 between the Dodgers and Houston Astros reached 103 degrees at Dodger Stadium.
