Yoshinobu Yamamoto started for the Dodgers against Chris Sale and the Braves in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. The series is currently tied, and the game is airing on FS1. As the eighth inning begins, the Dodgers lead the Braves 3-1.
Key Highlights
Yamamoto retired the Braves in order in the sixth inning and allowed only one run after the Braves loaded the bases in the fifth.
Kiké Hernández celebrated with Freddie Freeman after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning, giving the Dodgers a 3-0 lead. Hernández’s home run marked his 17th career postseason homer, while Freeman followed with a solo shot, his 18th in playoff history.
“The Dodgers lead the Braves 3-1 heading into the eighth inning.” — Mike Stewart / Associated Press
Game Recap
Seventh Inning: Freddie Freeman flied out, Teoscar Hernández grounded out, and Will Smith struck out, leaving the Dodgers scoreless. Yamamoto struck out Lane Thomas and Austin Riley to reach 10 strikeouts on the day.
Sixth Inning: Atlanta reliever Dylan Dodd struck out two Dodgers. Yamamoto, maintaining control, saw the Braves go down in order.
Fifth Inning: Despite a bases-loaded situation, the Braves only managed one run. Drake Baldwin’s grounder drove in their lone run before Ronald Acuña Jr. ended the threat with a groundout.
Fourth Inning: Kyle Tucker and Kiké Hernández’s home runs provided the Dodgers’ lead. Freeman’s solo home run capped the scoring for the inning.
Third Inning: The Dodgers stranded the bases loaded, unable to capitalize on opportunities against Braves starter Chris Sale.
Early Innings: Yamamoto demonstrated strong pitching early on, allowing limited hits and striking out several Braves hitters.
Game Context
Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani has struggled with injuries, impacting his contribution. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned being open to moving Ohtani lower in the batting order due to ongoing health concerns.
The Dodgers, known for their reliance on home runs, see the need for diverse scoring strategies to defeat the Braves. Both teams are evenly matched, with the series tied heading into this pivotal game.