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The Los Angeles Dodgers are through to the NLCS after eliminating Atlanta four games to none, and while the champagne flowed in the visiting clubhouse, the celebration was measured — this is a team that's been here eight straight times and knows the real work is just beginning. Their flaws are real, but so is their ceiling, and October will sort out which matters more.
The emotional toll in Atlanta was written all over Ronald Acuña Junior's face. The former MVP cut his postgame session short, eyes welling up as he told reporters he felt he did nothing to help his team this series. With his contract situation unresolved and free agency looming, the question of whether Acuña finishes his career as a Brave just got a whole lot heavier.
Meanwhile in the American League, the Yankees and Rays were at the center of a replay controversy in Game Three when Anthony Volpe's would-be home run was overturned to a double after officials determined a fan reached over the wall to interfere. It's the kind of ruling that can swing a series, and in October, no call ever feels small.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
