Dodgers Surge Past Braves in NLDS Game 3 Behind Yamamoto's Gem, Clutch Home Runs
Yoshinobu Yamamoto outdueled Chris Sale, and timely home runs from Kiké Hernández and Freddie Freeman propelled the Dodgers to a crucial 3-1 victory, giving them a 2-1 series lead over the Atlanta Braves.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a 2-1 lead in the National League Division Series following a pivotal 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3. The decisive matchup, held Tuesday night, featured a high-stakes pitchers' duel between the Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Braves' Chris Sale, ultimately decided by two crucial home runs.
Yamamoto delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run. His outing set the tone for the Dodgers, who now need just one more win to advance to the next round of the postseason. The team's strong pitching is expected to continue with Tyler Glasnow slated for Game 4.
The offensive spark came in the top of the fourth inning. Kiké Hernández broke a scoreless tie with a two-run home run off Sale. Two batters later, Freddie Freeman, making his return to Atlanta, added a solo shot, extending the Dodgers' lead to 3-0. These home runs proved to be the difference in the game.
Sale, who had entered the game with a career-best ERA and strong performances in the prior round, struggled to contain the Dodgers' offense in the critical fourth inning. Despite the pressure from the Dodgers, who had runners in scoring position in multiple early innings, Sale managed to escape threats until Hernández's blast.
Yamamoto, making his 2026 postseason debut, largely controlled the game. He faced significant pressure in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and one out but limited the Braves to a single run. He was eventually relieved by Tanner Scott, with Edwin Díaz closing out the game in his return to the closer role.
The Dodgers' adjustments to their lineup prior to Game 3, including starting Hernández and Miguel Rojas for more right-handed bats against Sale, and moving Shohei Ohtani to the No. 5 spot, appeared to pay off. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in the lineup changes, stating it gave the team the best chance to compete against Sale.
The victory puts the Dodgers in a strong position in the best-of-five series, with Game 4 scheduled to be played as they aim to close out the series against the Braves.