Dodgers Secure Victory Against Braves in Game 3 of NLDS

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Game 3 of the National League Division Series determined to rely less on home runs, especially with Braves ace Chris Sale pitching. Despite this, they triumphed 3-1, with home runs and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s pitching sealing the win. This result gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

Though the Dodgers attempted to score through other means, putting six runners on base in the initial three innings, they struggled to capitalize. In the first inning, Mookie Betts reached base on a soft grounder, and Teoscar Hernández got on due to a fielding error by Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. However, they failed to score.

When Shohei Ohtani, batting fifth, approached with two outs and runners on, his postseason struggles continued as he struck out on a slider. In the second inning, Kyle Tucker’s single and subsequent stolen base went unrewarded, as Kiké Hernández struck out.

In the third inning, bases loaded, Betts doubled. Freddie Freeman seemed poised to capitalize, but Braves left fielder Mauricio Dubón made a stunning catch, preventing a score. Yet, the Dodgers persisted. Will Smith singled through a slider, and Ohtani reached base due to catcher’s interference, but Miguel Rojas’ line drive ended the inning as it found leather.

With long balls proving decisive, Kiké Hernández delivered a pivotal home run with Andy Pages on base. Later, Freeman added another home run, out of Dubón’s reach, extending the lead.

The anticipated battle between aces saw Chris Sale manage his workload while Yamamoto shone over seven innings, limiting the Braves to one run and four hits. He retired 10 of the first 11 batters, with Michael Harris II’s bunt for a single the only exception.

The pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when Yamamoto loaded the bases, yet managed to allow only one run before getting out of the jam. Strong defense from Rojas contributed to Yamamoto’s exit without further runs.

Left-hander Tanner Scott maintained the Dodgers’ lead with a hitless eighth inning, setting the stage for Edwin Díaz to secure the win. Despite allowing a double to Ozzie Albies, Díaz retired the next three batters to clinch the victory.