Brief
Yoshinobu Yamamoto powers Dodgers past Braves in NLDS Game 3
The Japanese right‑hander delivered a career‑high 10 strikeouts to give Los Angeles a 2‑1 series edge.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a dominant performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, limiting the Atlanta Braves to one run in a 3-1 victory in Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, according to the New York Post.
What happened
The Dodgers entered the game with the series tied 1-1. Yamamoto opened the contest by allowing a single bunt hit by Michael Harris II in the first three innings, then retired the side without further damage. The Braves generated their only run in the fifth inning after back‑to‑back singles by Mauricio Dubón and Lane Thomas; Drake Baldwin’s groundout pushed in a run, but Yamamoto struck out the next batter, Ronald Acuña, to end the inning. He retired the Braves cleanly in the sixth and seventh innings, finishing with 10 strikeouts – a career playoff high – and surrendering only four hits total.
What the reports add
The article notes that Yamamoto’s effort "wrestled back control of the best‑of‑five series" for the Dodgers, who now lead 2-1 and can close the series on Wednesday. It also highlights that his performance reduced the need for the Dodgers’ unreliable bullpen and rendered Shohei Ohtani’s reduced role a non‑factor, as Ohtani batted fifth, his lowest spot since 2020.
What was said
The New York Post described Yamamoto as "the reigning World Series MVP" and said his outing "did more than win a game" for Los Angeles.
How it came about
Yamamoto, in his third season with the Dodgers, faced a "unspoken assignment" to outpitch former Cy Young winner Chris Sale, who had previously shut out the Dodgers in late August. By delivering a seven‑inning, one‑run effort, Yamamoto gave the Dodgers a chance to clinch the series at home.
Key facts
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out 10 batters, a career playoff high, in the Dodgers' 3-1 win over the Braves. (nypost.com)
- The Dodgers took a 2-1 series lead in the NLDS after Game 3. (nypost.com)
- Yamamoto allowed only four hits and one run over seven innings at Truist Park on Oct. 6, 2026. (nypost.com)
- The Braves' sole run came after singles by Mauricio Dubón and Lane Thomas, with Drake Baldwin grounding in the run. (nypost.com)
- Shohei Ohtani batted fifth, his lowest spot in the order since the 2020 season. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto cements status with another October gem”
