The division series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves features two accomplished teams competing fiercely after their division-winning seasons. The first three games have been closely contested, demonstrating the high level of talent on both sides.
The Dodgers initially took a 5-1 lead with home runs from Teoscar Hernandez, Kyle Tucker, and Max Muncy. However, the Braves responded in the ninth inning when Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer, signaling a competitive series ahead.
In the second game, Los Angeles seemed poised to dominate when the Braves opted to rest their star pitcher Chris Sale, relying on a bullpen strategy led by Ray Kerr. Yet, the game’s outcome defied expectations. Kerr’s strong performance and Didier Fuentes’ standout relief work kept the Dodgers at bay. Despite Snell walking five hitters, he managed to contain the Braves to two runs.
Atlanta capitalized on Dodger errors. Teoscar Hernandez misjudged a fly ball, leading to a triple for Michael Harris II, who then scored on a Kris Bubic wild pitch. Harris doubled in another run in the seventh, and Max Muncy’s late homer couldn’t prevent the Braves from equalizing the series at one game each.
A critical game three unfolded in Atlanta, featuring Chris Sale against World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Sale had dominated the Dodgers earlier in the year, but faced tough competition. He struggled early with pitch count issues and the Dodgers’ missed scoring opportunities.
Yamamoto effectively contained the Braves and, in the third inning, Los Angeles seized an opportunity. Mookie Betts reached base, and Freddie Freeman almost hit a home run, but Mauricio Dubon’s stunning catch denied it. The Dodgers eventually broke through in the fourth. Andy Pages singled, and in his first postseason start, Kike Hernandez hit a decisive home run. Freeman then extended the lead with another homer.
The Braves attempted a rally in the fifth, loading the bases, but only scored once due to Yamamoto’s sound pitching. He finished with a standout performance, allowing a single run over seven innings with ten strikeouts.
The ninth inning brought drama as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a bold decision. Despite Edwin Diaz’s struggles during the regular season, Roberts chose him to close. Diaz gave up a leadoff double to Albies but recovered, retiring the next three batters and securing the win.
By defeating Sale, the Dodgers gained a significant edge. Tyler Mahle is expected to start game four. While Mahle has excelled since joining the Dodgers, his overall track record is less impressive. For the Braves, key batters like Drake Baldwin, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Matt Olson need to bolster their offense. If necessary, Sale could appear in the bullpen for a possible game five.
The Dodgers aim to clinch the series to arrange their pitchers for the National League Championship Series, heightening the anticipation for game four.