Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound for the Dodgers against Braves ace Chris Sale in Game 3 of the NLDS at Truist Park. A classic ace-vs.-ace October showdown in Atlanta.
Photo: Reuters via Dodger Blue (file photo)
The Dodgers couldn't cash in early, even loading the bases in the 3rd. The Braves stranded six runners of their own as both starters held firm.
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Mauricio Dubón made the play of the game in the 3rd, leaping over the left-field wall to steal a two-run homer from Freddie Freeman. A heartbreaker for the Dodgers — and an instant highlight.
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Kiké Hernández crushed a 406-foot two-run homer in the 4th to finally break the deadlock. The 17th postseason home run of his career — and the Dodgers had the lead.
Photo: USA Today Sports Images / Dodger Blue (file photo)
One out later, Freddie Freeman launched a solo homer to make it 3-0. It was the 18th postseason home run of his career, tying him for 10th on the all-time list.
Photo: ClutchPoints (file photo)
Atlanta finally threatened, loading the bases with one out in the 5th. The Dodgers' 3-0 lead suddenly looked very fragile.
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Yamamoto slammed the door. Drake Baldwin's groundout scored the Braves' only run, and Ronald Acuña Jr. grounded out to strand two more. Damage limited — the ace delivered.
Photo: ClutchPoints (file photo)
Tanner Scott took the baton and worked a scoreless 8th inning. The bridge to the closer was crossed with the 3-1 lead intact.
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Edwin Díaz opened the 9th by giving up a leadoff double to Ozzie Albies. The save situation just got very interesting.
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Díaz worked around it: Harris II grounded out, Dubón fouled out, and Yastrzemski grounded out to Betts to end it. Dodgers 3, Braves 1 — LA takes a 2-1 series lead.
Photo: Dodgers Nation (file photo)
The Dodgers are now one win away from the NLCS — and chasing a third straight World Series title, something no NL team has ever done.
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The Dodgers can close it out Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. ET — back at Truist Park in Atlanta. Shohei Ohtani (0-for-4, batting fifth) will look to bounce back.
Photo: Sportsnaut (file photo)
Photo: USA Today Sports Images / Dodgers Nation (file photo)