Yamamoto is dominant again as Dodgers ride homers from Hernández and Freeman to 3-1 win over Braves

Yoshinobu Yamamoto once again showcased his dominance as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the NL Division Series. Yamamoto struck out 10 batters over seven innings, while Kiké Hernández delivered a two-run homer, contributing to the Dodgers' 2-1 lead in the series. The matchup against Atlanta ace Chris Sale, who allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings, proved to be a key factor in the game.

Despite getting stranded six times in the first three innings, Sale ultimately surrendered the two-run homer to Hernández and an 18th career postseason homer to Freddie Freeman, who helped solidify a 3-0 lead for the Dodgers. The Braves' efforts to give Sale extra rest in the pivotal third game failed, as he allowed the two critical runs in the fourth inning.

Ozzie Albies' double in the ninth inning forced in Andy Pages, setting up Freeman's crucial inning to seal the win. With a successful performance from Yamamoto, the Dodgers advance to a best-of-five series, putting them one step closer to becoming the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles.