The Los Angeles Dodgers could return to Dodger Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9, for a decisive National League Division Series Game 5 against the Atlanta Braves if the best-of-five series remains unresolved after Game 4.
Major League Baseball has scheduled the potential winner-take-all matchup for 5 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, with the game set to air nationally on FOX. The Dodgers entered the postseason series as the reigning back-to-back World Series champions.
Dodgers and Braves Set for High-Stakes NLDS Finish
The Dodgers and Braves entered the NLDS after strong regular seasons, setting up another postseason meeting between two prominent National League franchises.
Los Angeles won the series opener 5-3 at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 3, while Atlanta answered with a 3-2 victory in Game 2. The series then shifted to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 before a potential return to Los Angeles for Game 5.
The Dodgers took a 2-1 series lead after defeating Atlanta 3-1 in Game 3 on Oct. 6. Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered seven strong innings with 10 strikeouts, while Enrique Hernández and Freddie Freeman provided home runs in the victory.
What Happens If Game 5 Is Needed
If Atlanta wins Game 4 on Oct. 7, the series would return to Dodger Stadium for the deciding matchup two days later.
A Game 5 victory would send one team into the National League Championship Series, while the losing club would see its postseason run end immediately.
MLB currently lists the potential Dodgers-Braves Game 5 for Friday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Dodger Stadium Will Have a Full Pregame Atmosphere
The Dodgers have already announced several elements planned for the potential Game 5.
Amber Blu is scheduled to perform the national anthem, while Dodgers legend and longtime coach Manny Mota and José Mota are scheduled for the ceremonial first pitch and the traditional “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball” moment.
The Centerfield Plaza is scheduled to feature RemiX, while Sidle Drumline is listed among the other stadium entertainment. The Dodgers also plan to recognize U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel George Leonard as the Military Hero of the Game.
A Different Kind of October Baseball Story
The potential Game 5 offers more than another postseason matchup. It would give Los Angeles a winner-take-all baseball setting at one of the country’s most recognizable ballparks.
The Dodgers have already introduced new food options for the NLDS, including a churro waffle ice cream sandwich, adding another fan-focused element to the postseason experience.
For fans heading to the stadium, the combination of a potential elimination game, pregame entertainment and a packed postseason crowd could make Oct. 9 one of the most intense nights of the Dodgers’ 2026 season.
Why the Oct. 9 Game Matters
The Dodgers are pursuing another deep October run after winning the World Series in both 2024 and 2025. A victory in a potential Game 5 would keep their bid for another championship alive and move them into the next round.
For the Braves, a Game 5 would represent a final opportunity to knock the defending champions out of the postseason.
That makes the potential Oct. 9 matchup one of the biggest events scheduled at Dodger Stadium during the current October postseason window.