The Dodgers vs Braves matchup delivered another high-pressure postseason battle Tuesday night, but the Los Angeles Dodgers came away with the biggest advantage. The Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 3–1 in Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Truist Park, moving ahead 2–1 in the best-of-five series.
With the win, Los Angeles is now one victory away from advancing to the National League Championship Series. The Braves, meanwhile, face elimination in Game 4.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Dominates the Braves
The biggest difference in the Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves game was Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s pitching performance. The Dodgers starter delivered seven innings of one-run baseball, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out 10 Atlanta hitters.
The 10 strikeouts represented a postseason career high for Yamamoto. His performance was particularly impressive considering the Braves entered the game with Chris Sale, who had previously shut out Los Angeles in a 1–0 Atlanta victory on August 27.
Yamamoto’s ability to work deep into the game also protected a Dodgers bullpen that has been heavily involved throughout the postseason. After seven innings, Tanner Scott handled the eighth before Edwin Díaz closed out the ninth for the save.
Chris Sale vs Dodgers: A Different Result
The Chris Sale vs Dodgers matchup began with Sale looking sharp. He struck out six batters through the first two innings and escaped several early threats.
Los Angeles eventually adjusted by making Sale work harder. In five innings, Sale allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out seven. The Dodgers finally broke through in the fourth inning, turning a scoreless game into a 3–0 advantage.
That fourth inning ultimately decided the game.
Enrique Hernández Delivers the Turning Point
Enrique Hernández, also known as Kiké Hernández, provided the biggest offensive moment against Sale. After Andy Pages reached with a single, Hernández crushed a 406-foot two-run home run to left field.
It was Hernández’s first home run of the 2026 postseason and the 17th postseason homer of his career, further strengthening his reputation as one of the Dodgers’ most reliable October performers.
Two batters later, Freddie Freeman added another solo home run. Freeman’s homer was especially meaningful because it came in his first postseason game back in Atlanta, where he spent the first 12 seasons of his career.
Braves Struggle to Capitalize
Atlanta had opportunities, particularly in the fifth inning, when the Braves loaded the bases with one out. However, Yamamoto limited the damage to one run, inducing a groundout from Ronald Acuña Jr. to end the threat.
The Braves finished with only five hits, went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, and struck out 12 times. Those missed opportunities proved costly against a Dodgers team that was able to capitalize on its own chances.
Dodgers vs Braves: What’s Next?
The Atlanta Braves vs Dodgers series now shifts toward a decisive Game 4. Los Angeles leads 2–1 and needs one more victory to reach the NL Championship Series for the third consecutive year.
The Dodgers will have an opportunity to close out the series, while Atlanta must win to force a Game 5.
For fans searching Dodgers game today, Dodger game today, Braves game, or the latest Dodgers score, Game 3’s final was Dodgers 3, Braves 1.
The combination of Yamamoto’s 10-strikeout performance, Hernández’s timely home run, and Freeman’s power gave Los Angeles control of the series. After an earlier loss to Sale, the Dodgers showed they could make the necessary adjustments—and now the Dodgers vs Braves series is one win away from being decided.