The Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves with a 3-1 score at Truist Field. Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered an exceptional performance, allowing four hits and one earned run while striking out 10 in seven innings.

Key Moments

Kiké Hernández’s two-run homer in the fourth inning was pivotal, followed shortly by Freddie Freeman’s solo home run. These two homers provided the necessary edge for the Dodgers. In this series, all 10 of the Dodgers’ runs have come from home runs.

Yamamoto’s control was clear as he managed just one walk alongside his 10 strikeouts over 98 pitches. The bullpen held strong with Tanner Scott and Edwin Díaz closing the remaining innings without any further Braves’ runs.

Game Progress

Initially, the Dodgers struggled to capitalize on early opportunities, leaving runners stranded. However, Yamamoto’s pitching kept the Braves at bay, ensuring that any baserunners did not advance significantly.

In the fifth inning, despite loading the bases with hits from Mauricio Dubón and Lane Thomas, and a walk, the Braves managed just one run. Drake Baldwin’s groundout to first brought in their only score.

Final Innings

Heading into the ninth, Ozzie Albies’s double raised concerns for the Dodgers, but subsequent outs maintained the lead. Mike Yastrzemski’s final groundout to short secured the Dodgers’ win.

Yamamoto’s strong showing, paired with significant home runs from Hernández and Freeman, gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, heading into Game 4.

Chris Sale, the Braves’ starting pitcher, was effective but ultimately outmatched. He went seven innings, giving up three runs, seven hits, and achieving six strikeouts.

Next Steps

The Dodgers now focus on Game 4, aiming to clinch the series. Game time is scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. PDT, with the Dodgers leading 2-1.