Dodgers Reach NLCS After Beating Braves, Keep World Series Three-Peat Dream Alive

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one step closer to another World Series championship after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-1 on Wednesday to win their National League Division Series 3-1.

The Dodgers’ latest victory sends them back to the NL Championship Series, keeping their pursuit of an unprecedented National League three-peat alive. After winning the World Series in each of the previous two seasons, Los Angeles now has its sights firmly set on a third consecutive title.

Dodgers Beat Braves to Advance to NLCS

The Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves matchup ended with Los Angeles producing a 4-1 victory in Game 4 at Truist Park. The win gave the Dodgers a 3-1 series victory and eliminated the Braves from the postseason.

For much of the night, the game remained tightly contested. Atlanta scored first, but the Dodgers quickly answered before the teams battled through several scoreless innings.

The decisive moment arrived in the seventh inning when Andy Pages delivered a two-run single to break a 1-1 tie.

Pages’ clutch hit proved to be the difference as the Dodgers took control late and never gave the Braves another opportunity to recover.

Andy Pages Delivers the Biggest Hit

Andy Pages entered the series under pressure after struggling at the plate during the opening games. He went hitless in his first seven at-bats of the NLDS, creating questions about whether manager Dave Roberts would make a lineup change.

Instead, Roberts continued to trust the Dodgers outfielder.

That decision paid off.

After Teoscar Hernández reached base in the seventh inning, Atlanta eventually loaded the bases. Pages worked a full count before lining a two-run single through the middle of the infield.

It was the Dodgers’ first hit with runners in scoring position during the series, ending an 0-for-14 drought in those situations.

Pages had also started to find his rhythm before the decisive at-bat, recording three singles across his previous five plate appearances.

Dodgers Pitching Shuts Down Braves Baseball

The Braves baseball offense had opportunities throughout the game, but Los Angeles repeatedly escaped difficult situations.

Tyler Glasnow started for the Dodgers and worked 4⅔ innings. He allowed Atlanta to put runners on base, including walks in several innings, but the Dodgers’ bullpen prevented the Braves from turning those opportunities into additional runs.

Alex Vesia entered during the fifth inning and helped escape a dangerous two-on, two-out situation after Matt Olson hit a 108-mph ground ball directly to Kiké Hernández.

Ozzie Albies later doubled to begin the sixth, but Edgardo Henriquez came into the game and recorded the final two outs.

The bullpen then continued its impressive work.

Tanner Scott retired the Braves in order in the eighth, while Edwin Díaz finished the game in the ninth.

Max Muncy Adds Insurance Run

The Dodgers added another important run in the ninth inning when Max Muncy launched a solo home run.

It was Muncy’s third homer of the series and gave Los Angeles additional breathing room before Díaz entered to close the game.

The ninth-inning blast also helped complete a strong late-game performance from the Dodgers after their offense had struggled to generate consistent opportunities earlier.

Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves Match Player Stats

The Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves match player stats were highlighted by Pages’ game-changing performance and the Dodgers’ pitching depth.

For Atlanta, Michael Harris II provided the early spark. Moved into the leadoff spot, Harris opened the game with a single, stole second and eventually scored after aggressively advancing on a difficult pitch in the dirt.

Tyler Mahle also gave the Braves an effective start. He kept the Dodgers’ hitters off balance with fastballs near the outside edge and splitters below the strike zone before leaving the game in the seventh.

For Los Angeles, Pages was the offensive hero, while Muncy supplied the insurance homer. Shohei Ohtani also contributed by reaching base and scoring after taking advantage of an Atlanta defensive mistake.

Did the Dodgers Win Today?

Yes, the Dodgers won today, defeating the Braves 4-1 in Game 4 of the NLDS.

The victory means the Dodgers won the division series 3-1 and advanced to the NLCS.

The result also ends Atlanta’s postseason run, while Los Angeles continues its attempt to win another championship.

Dodgers Next Game and NLCS Outlook

The Dodgers next game will come in the NL Championship Series.

Los Angeles will face either the Milwaukee Brewers or San Diego Padres in the NLCS. According to the provided information, Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday, with the location depending on which team advances.

If the Brewers win their series, the Dodgers will begin the NLCS in Milwaukee. If the Padres complete a comeback, Game 1 will take place at Dodger Stadium.

That makes the next Dodger game one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason.

What the MLB Playoff Bracket Means for the Dodgers

The latest result significantly changes the MLB playoff bracket.

The MLB playoff bracket 2026 now has the Dodgers moving forward into the NLCS after eliminating Atlanta. Los Angeles joins the remaining National League contenders as the postseason moves closer to the World Series.

Fans following the MLB brackets and MLB playoff bracket will now be watching the Brewers-Padres series closely to determine Los Angeles’ next opponent.

The Dodgers’ path to another championship is becoming clearer, but tougher challenges remain.

Dodgers Still Chasing World Series History

The Dodgers are not celebrating this NLDS victory as if it were the final destination.

The organization is attempting to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series championships. Only three franchises in MLB history have accomplished a World Series three-peat.

For the LA Dodgers, reaching the NLCS is therefore another step in a much larger mission.

The combination of experienced stars, a deep bullpen and timely hitting has once again put the Los Angeles Dodgers in position to contend for the championship.

With Hyeseong Kim, Pages, Ohtani, Muncy and a deep pitching staff among the pieces available to manager Dave Roberts, Los Angeles will now turn its attention to the NLCS.

The Dodgers vs Braves chapter is over for 2026. The next challenge is waiting, and the road to the World Series continues.

Ratings
About Gurmeet 25923 Articles
Gurmeet Singh is a sports writer and editor at Sportsjone, covering major sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, UFC, boxing and other sporting events. He focuses on news, game updates, player profiles, statistics and sports explainers.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*