The division series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves features two talented division-winning teams. Over three games, the competition has been as tight and intense as expected given the skills displayed by both sides.
The Dodgers initially secured a 5-1 lead with home runs by Teoscar Hernandez, Kyle Tucker, and Max Muncy. However, the Braves fought back in the ninth inning, with Ozzie Albies hitting a two-run homer, setting the stage for future games in the series.
In game two, Los Angeles looked poised to take control, as the Braves opted to rest star pitcher Chris Sale. Instead, the Braves used a bullpen game led by Ray Kerr. Despite facing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, the Braves executed their strategy well. Kerr performed excellently, and reliever Didier Fuentes impressed with 3.2 innings, allowing just one run. Snell struggled with control, walking five batters, but he minimized the damage, conceding only one run.
The Braves capitalized on Dodgers’ misplays to score two runs. Teoscar Hernandez’s error turned a fly ball into a triple for Michael Harris II. Harris scored on a wild pitch and later doubled to contribute another run. Max Muncy homered in the ninth inning, but Josue De Paula’s pop-up ended the game, leveling the series at one win each.
Game three took place in Atlanta. Chris Sale was available on regular rest, opposing World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Sale had dominated the Dodgers in August, but Yamamoto also had his strengths. Despite his usual prowess, Sale struggled with pitch count and relied on the Dodgers’ failure to capitalize with runners in scoring position.
With Yamamoto performing well, the Dodgers had an opening to seize control in the third inning. Mookie Betts on first set the stage for Freddie Freeman, who nearly cleared the wall until Mauricio Dubon’s impressive catch prevented the home run. In the fourth inning, however, the Dodgers finally scored.
Andy Pages singled, and Kike Hernandez followed by hitting a two-run homer. Freddie Freeman added another home run, pushing the Dodgers to a 3-0 lead. Yamamoto continued strong until the fifth inning, when the Braves mounted a rally. Singles by Dubon and Lane Thomas, combined with a walk to Rowdy Tellez, loaded the bases. Drake Baldwin’s groundout brought in a run, but Yamamoto got Ronald Acuna Jr. to ground out and ended the Braves’ threat.
The ninth inning brought high tension. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a bold decision by calling on Edwin Diaz to close the game, despite Diaz’s 8.68 ERA and struggles during regular season. Ozzie Albies doubled, placing the tying run on a potential comeback path. However, Diaz managed to retire the next batters, preserving the Dodgers’ victory.
Victory over Chris Sale puts the Dodgers in a favorable position to end the series. Tyler Mahle is slated to start game four. Although impressive since joining the Dodgers, Mahle’s career record lacks consistency. For the Braves, their struggling offense, led by Harris, needs to step up. If the series extends to a fifth game, Sale will be available from the bullpen.
The series has been must-see TV; it’s a critical time for the Braves as they face elimination. Ian Miller provides coverage for OutKick.
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