Austin Riley hits a monster shot to give Braves ninth inning lead (Video)

Austin Riley gave the Braves the late lead in Game 1 of the NLCS

What a rush for Riley. The often-forgotten third baseman has a surprising amount of power in his bat, and when he received a misplaced fastball from Blake Treinen in the top of the ninth inning, he hit the Braves second home run of the night, and perhaps the last run they’ll need to secure victory over the Dodgers in what’s been an exciting Game 1.

Riley admired his home run, as he should. There was little doubt from the sound of the bat as to its overall importance.

The Braves lineup is full of weapons 1-9, and when Riley hit his solo shot, it reset that starting nine with the likes of Ronald Acuña and Freddie Freeman due up. That’s the challenge with the Braves — if you don’t take advantage of the bottom of the lineup, the top will definitely make you pay. They’re the best batting order in the National League for a reason.

Treinen didn’t have his A+ stuff this evening, that much is certain. He was missing spots and likely cost his team Game 1.

Next up? Clayton Kershaw facing an arguable must-win Game 2. No big deal.