ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-1 in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), thanks to a strong performance by pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and key home runs by Kiké Hernández and Freddie Freeman. The victory at Truist Field gave the Dodgers a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five showdown.
Yamamoto’s Dominant Pitching
Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched seven impressive innings against the Braves. He allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out 10 batters and walking only one. His 98-pitch effort laid the groundwork for the Dodgers’ win by keeping Atlanta’s offense at bay.
Tanner Scott and Edwin Díaz contributed by pitching two scoreless innings in relief, securing the team’s lead. Yamamoto’s performance marked yet another highlight in his promising postseason run.
Key Offensive Plays
Kiké Hernández set the tone with a two-run homer in the fourth inning, followed closely by Freddie Freeman’s solo home run. Hernandez’s blast traveled 406 feet, marking his 17th career postseason home run, while Freeman’s 399-foot shot was his 18th. These timely homers underlined the Dodgers’ reliance on power hitting throughout the series, as all 10 of their runs in the NLDS have come from home runs.
The Dodgers sought scoring alternatives by placing six baserunners on in the first three innings, but those efforts fell short. Despite early struggles, Hernandez’s home run shifted the game’s momentum in favor of the Dodgers.
Braves’ Efforts
Atlanta’s Chris Sale started for the Braves and recorded six strikeouts over 80 pitches, giving up seven hits and three earned runs. The Braves managed a brief rally in the fifth inning, scoring their only run when Drake Baldwin drove in Mauricio Dubón. However, Yamamoto and the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm to thwart further scoring.
In the ninth inning, the Braves posed a final threat with Ozzie Albies’ leadoff double. Nevertheless, Dodgers reliever Edwin Díaz maintained his composure, capitalizing on solid defense to close the game.
Looking Ahead
Leading the series 2-1, the Dodgers now shift their focus to Game 4, scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. PDT. A win would secure their place in the National League Championship Series, advancing beyond the Braves in the NLDS.