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The latest Dodger postseason performance delivered everything Los Angeles needed: dominant pitching, timely power and a victory that pushed the Atlanta Braves to the edge of elimination. Behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s brilliant seven-inning outing and home runs from Kiké Hernández and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers defeated the Braves 3-1 on Tuesday night at Truist Park.
The win gave Los Angeles a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five National League Division Series. The Dodgers can now advance with another victory in Game 4, while Atlanta faces a win-or-go-home situation on Wednesday.
Yamamoto Delivers a Stunning Dodger Playoff Masterpiece
Yamamoto once again strengthened his reputation as baseball’s ultimate big-game pitcher. The reigning World Series MVP struck out a postseason career-high 10 batters, allowed four hits and surrendered just one run across seven controlled innings.
He threw 98 pitches, including 62 strikes, and generated 17 swings and misses with a six-pitch arsenal. The Braves struggled to make solid contact throughout the night, particularly against his fastball and curveball. Yamamoto did not allow a hit on 17 swings against his fastball, while Braves hitters went hitless on nine curveball swings.
Atlanta briefly threatened in the fifth inning after Mauricio Dubón and Lane Thomas opened the frame with consecutive singles. Austin Riley followed with a popup, and Rowdy Tellez drew a walk to load the bases. Yamamoto limited the damage, however, inducing a run-scoring groundout from Drake Baldwin before retiring Ronald Acuña Jr. to end the inning.
After that tense moment, Yamamoto retired six straight batters. His ability to recover under pressure was a defining part of the Dodger victory.
“All of my pitches were really good,” Yamamoto said after the game.
Hernández and Freeman Ignite the Dodgers’ Offense
For the first three innings, Chris Sale and Yamamoto matched each other pitch for pitch. Sale, a veteran left-hander and future Hall of Fame candidate, kept Los Angeles scoreless until the fourth inning.
That changed quickly when Andy Pages reached base and Kiké Hernández stepped to the plate. Batting ninth, Hernández crushed a Sale changeup into the left-field seats for a two-run homer. The blast broke the scoreless tie and gave the Dodgers their first major breakthrough of the night.
Hernández has repeatedly produced in October, and his postseason track record is significantly stronger than his regular-season numbers. Manager Dave Roberts praised the veteran’s preparation and ability to embrace high-pressure moments.
Freddie Freeman then delivered an even more emotional blow for Atlanta. Playing his first postseason game at Truist Park since leaving the Braves for Los Angeles, Freeman drove a 96 mph Sale sinker over the right-field wall in the fourth inning.
The former Atlanta star was greeted by loud boos during his first at-bat. Those jeers grew even louder after his home run gave Los Angeles a 3-0 lead. The homer was a powerful reminder of Freeman’s history with the Braves and his continued importance to the Dodgers’ championship ambitions.
Critical Bullpen Work Secures the Series Lead
Yamamoto’s deep outing allowed Los Angeles to protect its bullpen while preserving the advantage. Tanner Scott handled the eighth inning, and Edwin Díaz worked around a leadoff double to close out the ninth.
The Dodgers now enter Game 4 with a rested relief corps and a chance to finish the series. Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start for Los Angeles against Atlanta’s Tyler Mahle in what has already been dubbed the “Battle of the Tylers.”
- Los Angeles leads the NLDS two games to one.
- Yamamoto recorded 10 strikeouts in seven innings.
- Kiké Hernández hit a two-run home run.
- Freddie Freeman added a solo homer against his former team.
- Atlanta must win Game 4 to force a decisive matchup.
Why This Dodger Victory Matters
The win keeps alive Los Angeles’ pursuit of a historic third consecutive World Series championship. The Dodgers have built their October identity around experienced stars, reliable pitching and timely contributions from players such as Hernández and Freeman.
Yamamoto’s performance was especially encouraging after several challenging moments earlier in the season. Over the past three postseasons, he has thrown more innings than any other pitcher and owns a 2.14 ERA during that span, according to ESPN.
For Atlanta, the loss creates immediate urgency. Sale pitched five innings, struck out seven and did not issue a walk, but one difficult inning was enough to decide the contest. The Braves must now solve a rested Dodger bullpen while trying to extend their season.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, has momentum, confidence and the advantage of needing only one more win. In October, those small margins can define an entire championship run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Dodgers’ score against the Braves?
The Dodgers defeated the Braves 3-1 in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Who was the Dodgers’ starting pitcher?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto started for Los Angeles. He allowed one run over seven innings and struck out 10 batters.
Who hit home runs for Los Angeles?
Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer, while Freddie Freeman added a solo home run against his former team.
What is the Dodgers’ NLDS series lead?
Los Angeles leads Atlanta two games to one in the best-of-five series.
What happens if Atlanta loses Game 4?
The Braves would be eliminated, and the Dodgers would advance to the National League Championship Series.
