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Dodgers grind down Chris Sale as Braves’ offensive woes continue in NLDS Game 3 loss

The Atlanta Braves’ hopes of advancing in the NLDS took a sharp turn for the worse in Game 3 at Truist Park, where a single misstep proved fatal. Chris Sale, the team’s ace, struggled to contain the Dodgers after just five innings, allowing two costly errors—including a 92 mph changeup to Kiké Hernández that cleared the fence—and exiting the game with 95 pitches thrown.

The Braves’ offense, already in a cold streak, failed to capitalize on key opportunities, leaving the Dodgers’ 3-0 lead intact. Even with a full house and ideal conditions, Atlanta’s momentum crumbled, mirroring the team’s broader offensive woes that now threaten their postseason run.

Manager Walt Weiss noted the Dodgers’ disciplined approach, grinding out at-bats and forcing Sale into deep counts repeatedly, while Freddie Freeman’s sharp hit off an inside sinker sealed the game’s outcome. The loss leaves Atlanta on the brink of elimination, with Austin Riley acknowledging the need for better execution in high-pressure moments.

Sale’s performance, though far from his usual dominance, was compounded by the Braves’ lack of support. The team’s inability to match the Dodgers’ firepower—highlighted by Hernández’s clutch homer—exposed a critical flaw in Atlanta’s postseason strategy.

With the series now hanging by a thread, the Braves must regroup quickly or risk watching their season end prematurely.

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