Dodgers Clinch NLCS Berth Behind Home Run Surge, Setting Up Glasnow vs. Mahle

Key points

• Dodgers won Game 3 3-1, taking a 2-1 lead in the NLDS.
• Los Angeles has scored all 10 series runs on seven home runs.
• Braves top hitters are combined 10-for-67 with one home run in the postseason.
• Game 4 features Tyler Glasnow vs. Tyler Mahle on October 7.
• Ronald Acuna Jr. was moved to DH due to knee soreness.

Background

The series began on October 3 with the Dodgers winning Game 1 5-3 at Dodger Stadium, despite extreme heat. The Braves won Game 2 3-2 to level the series before the games moved to Atlanta. Earlier coverage noted fan frustration over the daytime scheduling of Games 3 and 4, and concerns about the Dodgers' offensive consistency after a slow start in Game 2.

How outlets are covering it

FOX Sports focused on the Game 3 matchup between Chris Sale and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, highlighting individual player stats and viewing details. CBS Sports emphasized the Dodgers' reliance on home runs, noting they went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position through three games, and detailed the Braves' struggles with their top three hitters. SportsLine provided betting odds, listing the Dodgers as -110 favorites for Game 3, and noted the model's prediction for the game. ESPN's source was unavailable due to a server error, so no perspective could be extracted from that outlet.

Why it matters

A win in Game 4 would send the Dodgers to the NLCS for the third straight year, continuing their dominance in the National League. The Braves face elimination, and their inability to produce runs against the Dodgers' pitching staff highlights a significant offensive gap in the postseason. The series outcome will determine whether the Dodgers can pursue a third consecutive World Series title or if the Braves can extend their season.

What to watch

Game 4 is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Tyler Glasnow will start for the Dodgers, while Tyler Mahle will pitch for the Braves. A win for the Dodgers will clinch the series and advance them to the NLCS. A win for the Braves will force a Game 5 on October 8.