Magic Johnson had plenty to celebrate after the Los Angeles Dodgers opened their National League Division Series with a 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
The Dodgers played Game 1 at Dodger Stadium in temperatures above 100 degrees, but the extreme heat did not keep fans away. Johnson thanked the crowd for showing up and supporting the team through the difficult conditions.
“Cookie and I are very happy with Game 1 of the MLB NLDS against the Atlanta Braves – our Dodgers won 5-3 today!” Johnson wrote. “A big thank you to all the Dodgers fans for coming out to Dodger Stadium, where it was over 100 degrees. We appreciate you supporting our Dodgers in extremely hot conditions!”
The win gave Los Angeles an early advantage in its pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title. The Dodgers also got a strong start from Tarik Skubal, who allowed one run across six innings.
Article Continues BelowSkubal retired 18 of his final 21 batters after allowing a leadoff single to Drake Baldwin. Sean Murphy eventually ended his dominant stretch with a sixth-inning home run.
The Dodgers also received a boost from their offense. Teoscar Hernández hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, while Kyle Tucker followed with another two-run blast two innings later. Max Muncy added a solo home run.
For Hernández, the homer continued his postseason success after he homered in each of the Dodgers’ previous five playoff series.
Johnson, a minority owner of the Dodgers since joining the Guggenheim-led group that purchased the team in 2012, has remained a prominent supporter of the franchise.
The Dodgers will now turn their attention to Game 2, with the Braves facing another difficult challenge as Los Angeles prepares to use its pitching depth.