The #7 seed Cincinnati Reds, who went 11-3 down the stretch to secure their playoff berth, haven't won a championship since 1990; they went all-in last winter hoping (if not expecting) to change that. The #2 seed Braves, whose entire starting rotation was injured during 2020, last won it all in 1995 but has built a deep, potent lineup that could return them to the top. Will either World Series drought end in 2020?

Showing no ill effects from the ankle injury that slowed him near season's end, Braves SP Max Fried fired seven shutout innings at Cincinnati, striking out five, walking none and scattering six hits.

The Reds offensive futility continued into Game 2, as Braves rookie Ian Anderson shut them down over six innings. For the two-game series, Cincinnati struck out 28 times. Final: Braves 5, Reds 0.