Dodgers Beat Braves 5-3 in NLDS Game 1 as Ohtani Manages Injuries

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, October 3, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, defending back-to-back World Series champions, advance their pursuit of a third consecutive title. Shohei Ohtani played despite lingering left knee and right biceps injuries. The Braves, who won five of six regular-season meetings against Los Angeles, must regroup for Game 2 on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

Dodgers’ pitching depth overwhelms Braves’ limited rotation

Los Angeles starter Tarik Skubal delivered a strong performance in Game 1, anchoring the Dodgers’ dominant pitching staff. The Dodgers can deploy Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow in the series. Atlanta’s Chris Sale, their ace, cannot pitch until at least Game 2, forcing the Braves to use a bullpen game in the opener. Yamamoto threw consecutive complete games in last year’s NLCS and World Series, establishing himself as a big-game pitcher before arriving in the majors.

Ohtani plays through injury but remains a question mark

Ohtani took the field despite acknowledging he will not be fully healthy this postseason. The Japanese superstar dealt with left knee and right biceps injuries throughout the summer and early September. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will be in the lineup but acknowledged most players in October are not 100% healthy. Ohtani’s availability and performance could determine whether the Dodgers can sustain their championship run.

Braves’ regular-season dominance did not translate to Game 1

Atlanta won five of six regular-season meetings against Los Angeles and outscored the Dodgers 26-15 in those matchups. The Braves advanced to the NLDS by defeating Philadelphia in three games in the Wild Card Series, with Michael Harris II, Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies all homering in the clinching win. Despite that momentum, the Braves could not overcome the Dodgers’ deeper roster and pitching advantage in Game 1.

Series continues with Game 2 on Sunday evening

Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, at 8 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. Blake Snell will start for the Dodgers. The Braves will have Chris Sale available after being unavailable for Game 1, giving Atlanta a chance to even the best-of-five series. The winner advances to the National League Championship Series.

Final Thoughts

The Dodgers’ pitching depth and rested roster proved decisive in Game 1. With Ohtani managing injuries and the Braves’ ace unavailable until Game 2, Los Angeles seized control early. The series remains far from over, but the Dodgers’ championship experience and talent give them the edge.

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