Dodgers Advance Past Braves, Continue World Series Three-Peat Bid
Los Angeles clinches NLDS in four games, with Andy Pages' go-ahead single and a strong bullpen performance fueling the victory.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have advanced to the National League Championship Series after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-1 in Game 4 of their National League Division Series. The victory marks the Dodgers' first step toward a potential third consecutive World Series championship.
Andy Pages delivered the decisive blow in the seventh inning, hitting a two-run single to break a 1-1 tie. This was followed by a dominant performance from the Dodgers' bullpen, which secured the win after a 4 2/3 inning start from Tyler Glasnow.
The Dodgers will now face either the Milwaukee Brewers or the San Diego Padres in the NLCS. The series is set to begin on Sunday, with the location depending on the outcome of the other NLDS.
Atlanta struck first in Game 4 when Michael Harris II scored on a ground ball in the first inning. The Dodgers quickly responded in the second inning after Shohei Ohtani walked, stole second, and advanced on an errant throw before scoring on a dropped ball.
Both starters, Glasnow for the Dodgers and Tyler Mahle for the Braves, pitched effectively through the early innings. Mahle allowed the Dodgers to reach base but navigated through jams until the seventh. Glasnow was eventually relieved by Alex Vesia in the fifth inning with runners on.
The Dodgers' offense finally broke through in the seventh, chasing Mahle after a single by Teoscar Hernández. Following two walks that loaded the bases, Pages came to the plate. Despite an earlier slump in the series, Pages delivered a two-run single, which was the Dodgers' first hit with a runner in scoring position in the series, snapping an 0-for-14 drought.
The bullpen then took over. Edgardo Henriquez pitched the seventh, Tanner Scott retired the side in order in the eighth, and Edwin Díaz closed out the game in the ninth after Max Muncy added a solo home run in the top of the ninth. Díaz's save came after signing a significant contract in the offseason.
This series win represents an important test passed for the Dodgers, who are aiming to become the third franchise in MLB history and the first in the National League to achieve a World Series three-peat.