Dodgers Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Braves Behind Hernandez and Freeman Homers

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved within one win of the National League Championship Series on October 6, 2026, defeating the Atlanta Braves 3-1 in Game 3 of the NLDS. Behind a dominant start from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a power surge in the fourth inning, the Dodgers now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

The game’s decisive moment arrived in the top of the fourth inning against Braves left-hander Chris Sale. After a scoreless first three frames, Enrique (Kiké) Hernandez launched a two-run home run to left field to give Los Angeles the initial lead. Moments later, Freddie Freeman added a solo blast, marking his second home run of the 2026 postseason. The back-to-back scoring sequence provided all the run support Yamamoto would need.

delivered six strong innings to earn the win in Game 3.

Yamamoto Outduels Sale

Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the victory with a commanding performance on the mound. Yamamoto surrendered only one earned run over 6.0 innings of work, striking out eight Braves hitters while maintaining control of the strike zone. His efficiency allowed the Dodgers bullpen to take over in the seventh and navigate the final three innings with minimal pressure.

Chris Sale, who took the loss for Atlanta, yielded three runs over 5.0 innings. While Sale was effective for much of his outing, the two fourth-inning home runs proved to be the difference. According to official box scores at MLB.com, the Braves’ offense was limited to just one run as they struggled to capitalize on Yamamoto’s rare mistakes.

Defensive Highlights and Physical Factors

The Braves nearly kept the Dodgers off the board earlier in the game. In the third inning, left fielder Mauricio Dubón made a spectacular play at the wall, robbing Freddie Freeman of what would have been a two-run home run. While the catch kept the game tied at the time, Freeman’s eventual fourth-inning home run served as a quick response to the defensive gem.

Freeman’s performance was particularly notable given reports that he has been nursing a nagging ankle injury. Despite being considered a game-time decision for Game 3, Freeman remained in the lineup and delivered the insurance run against his former club. The Atlanta crowd met the former Braves star with a mix of reactions, but Freeman’s power swing eventually silenced the home fans at Truist Park.

The series continues at Truist Park for Game 4 as the Dodgers look to clinch.

The series remains in Atlanta for Game 4, scheduled for October 7, 2026. The Dodgers have an opportunity to clinch the series and advance, while the Braves face a must-win scenario to force a deciding Game 5 back in Los Angeles.

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