The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Dodger Stadium. Tarik Skubal allowed one run in six innings with seven strikeouts, and Teoscar Hernandez hit a two-run homer. The Dodgers’ three-run sixth inning proved decisive. Los Angeles leads the best-of-five series 1-0.
The Dodgers scored two runs in the fourth on Hernandez’s two-run homer off Dylan Dodd. Murphy’s solo shot in the sixth cut the lead to 2-1, but Kyle Tucker homered to right to score Hernandez, and Max Muncy followed with a solo shot moments later. Ozzie Albies answered with a two-run homer in the ninth, but Evan Phillips shut the door with a save.
Takeaways from Los Angeles Dodgers’ win over Braves
Skubal’s control sets up decisive sixth
Tarik Skubal worked six innings, allowing one run on two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. He kept the Braves off balance through five innings before Murphy’s solo homer in the sixth. That was Los Angeles’ only run allowed until the late innings.
Dodgers’ homer barrage in sixth inning wins Game 1
After Hernandez put Los Angeles ahead 2-0 in the fourth, Murphy cut it to 2-1 in the sixth. Tucker then homered to right, scoring Hernandez, and Muncy added a solo shot to make it 5-1. The three consecutive extra-base hits buried Atlanta despite the Braves’ comeback attempt.
Late Braves rally falls short
Albies’ two-run homer in the ninth, with Ronald Acuna Jr. on base, cut it to 5-3. Evan Phillips closed the door with a save as the Dodgers held on despite the ninth-inning surge.
Player of the game: Teoscar Hernandez
Teoscar Hernandez went 2-for-4 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored. His two-run blast in the fourth gave Los Angeles an early cushion and proved to be the game-winner.
Dodgers vs. Braves by the numbers
- Home runs: Dodgers 3 (Hernandez, Tucker, Muncy), Braves 2 (Murphy, Albies)
- Hits: Dodgers 8, Braves 4
- Strikeouts: Dodgers 9, Braves 9
- Walks: Dodgers 3, Braves 3
- Pitches: Skubal 94, Dodd 47
What’s next
The Dodgers (100-62) host the Braves (94-68) in Game 2 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Atlanta must win to force a best-of-five series back to a deciding game.
Reporting from FOX Sports contributed to this story. Official statistics: ESPN (official league data).
