NLDS Game 3 Recap: Dodgers Push Braves to the Brink, Padres Stay Alive

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Tuesday night delivered high-stakes drama across the National League Division Series, with both matchups pivoting on crucial Game 3 performances. In Atlanta, the Los Angeles Dodgers relied on a pitching masterclass to take a commanding series lead, while out west, the San Diego Padres fought off elimination in a tense one-run victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Here is a detailed breakdown of last night’s pivotal playoff action.

Tonight’s NLDS Game 3 Photo of the Game. https://t.co/qN8cYUYe0B

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 7, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers 3, Atlanta Braves 1

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta

Series Status: Dodgers lead 2-1

The Dodgers silenced a raucous crowd in Atlanta, leaning on a brilliant start from Yoshinobu Yamamoto and timely power hitting to defeat the Braves 3-1. With the victory, Los Angeles takes a 2-1 series lead and pushes the Braves to the absolute brink of elimination.

Yamamoto Outduels Sale

The highly anticipated pitching matchup between Yamamoto and Braves ace Chris Sale lived up to the billing early, but it was Yamamoto who ultimately stole the show. The Dodgers right-hander was virtually untouchable, carving up the Atlanta lineup over seven spectacular innings. He allowed just four hits and one earned run while striking out 10 batters and issuing only a single walk on 98 pitches.

The Fourth-Inning Breakthrough

The game was decided in the top of the fourth inning when the Dodgers finally got to Sale. After Andy Pages led off with a single, postseason hero Enrique (Kiké) Hernández launched a 406-foot, two-run home run into the left-field seats to give Los Angeles the lead. Two batters later, Freddie Freeman crushed a solo shot of his own to extend the advantage to 3-0. Sale was forced to labor heavily, throwing 95 pitches over his five innings of work while taking the loss.

The Braves managed to scrape together a run, but the Dodgers’ bullpen shut the door. Tanner Scott fired a scoreless eighth inning, and closer Edwin Díaz handled the ninth to secure the 3-1 victory. Atlanta now faces a do-or-die Game 4 on their home turf.

Say it ain’t so, I will not go. Turn the lights on, carry me home. https://t.co/lVlFlKP4gO

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 7, 2026

San Diego Padres 4, Milwaukee Brewers 3

Location: Petco Park, San Diego

Series Status: Brewers lead 2-1

Facing a devastating sweep in front of their home fans, the San Diego Padres showed incredible resilience, holding off a late surge by the Milwaukee Brewers to secure a 4-3 victory. The win keeps San Diego’s season alive, though they remain down 2-1 in the best-of-five series.

Cronenworth Sparks the Offense

The Padres’ offense found just enough traction to build an early lead. The highlight of the night came in the fifth inning when Jake Cronenworth blasted a crucial solo home run to energize Petco Park. San Diego managed six hits on the evening, capitalizing on four walks issued by the Brewers’ pitching staff to push across four runs.

Brewers Threaten, but Stranded Runners Cost Them

Milwaukee fought back relentlessly, refusing to go quietly. Catcher William Contreras had a massive night at the plate, finishing with three hits, including a solo home run. Christian Yelich also contributed heavily, driving in Contreras with an RBI single in the seventh inning.

However, the Brewers’ ultimate undoing was their inability to capitalize with runners on base. Despite out-hitting the Padres 11 to 6, Milwaukee left a staggering 11 runners stranded throughout the game.

King Shuts the Door

With the season on the line, Padres manager Mike Shildt made an aggressive move to his bullpen, calling on starter Michael King to close out the game. King responded brilliantly, throwing two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit to earn his first save since 2023.

The Padres survive to see another day, setting up a massive Game 4 in San Diego as they look to force a decisive trip back to Milwaukee.