Dodgers Beat Braves 4-1 to Clinch NLDS and Advance to NLCS

National League Division Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers are moving on to the National League Championship Series after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-1 in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday night. Andy Pages delivered the decisive hit with a two run single in the seventh inning, helping the Dodgers clinch the best-of-five series 3-1 and keep their pursuit of history alive.

Los Angeles won back-to-back games in Atlanta to eliminate the Braves and advance to the NLCS, where the defending champions will continue their quest to become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles.

Andy Pages Delivers the Decisive Hit in the Seventh

The Dodgers broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning when Pages lined a bases-loaded single up the middle against reliever Robert Suarez. With the count full, Pages drove in Teoscar Hernández and pinch runner Tommy Edman to give Los Angeles a 3-1 advantage.

Hernández started the rally with a single off Braves starter Tyler Mahle. Atlanta reliever Didier Fuentes then walked pinch hitter Josue De Paula and Kyle Tucker to load the bases, setting the stage for Pages to deliver the biggest hit of the night.

The Dodgers added an insurance run in the ninth inning when Max Muncy launched a solo home run off Raisel Iglesias. The homer was Muncy’s 19th postseason home run with Los Angeles, extending his franchise record and putting the game out of reach.

Dodgers Pitching Staff Shuts Down Braves

Los Angeles relied on a strong collective effort from its pitching staff to finish off Atlanta. Right hander Tyler Glasnow made his first start since Sept. 24 and allowed just one hit over 4 2/3 innings, although he issued five walks.

Glasnow’s command became an issue in the fifth inning when he issued two consecutive walks. Left-hander Alex Vesia entered and escaped the jam by getting Matt Olson to ground out to second base, preserving the Dodgers’ lead.

Four Los Angeles relievers helped complete the job, with the pitching staff allowing only three hits overall. Edgardo Henriquez earned the win after surrendering one hit over 1 2/3 scoreless innings, while Tanner Scott pitched a perfect eighth. Edwin Díaz then recorded three quick outs in the ninth to secure the save and send the Dodgers into the NLCS.

Atlanta’s inability to capitalize on its opportunities proved costly throughout the series. The Braves drew 18 walks but failed to score on any of them, a missed opportunity that ultimately contributed to their elimination.

Braves Strike First Before Dodgers Take Advantage of Defensive Errors

Atlanta opened the scoring in the first inning when Michael Harris II singled on Glasnow’s first pitch, stole second base and eventually scored from third on a wild pitch that bounced off catcher Will Smith’s chest protector.

The Dodgers responded in the second inning, taking advantage of two Atlanta defensive mistakes to even the score. Shohei Ohtani drew a walk, stole second and advanced to third when catcher Sean Murphy’s throw sailed into center field. Moments later, Muncy’s pop fly into shallow left field was dropped by shortstop Mauricio Dubón, allowing Ohtani to cross the plate and tie the game.

Mahle, a Newport Beach, California, native who grew up rooting for the Dodgers, delivered a strong performance against his childhood team. The right-hander allowed two runs, only one of them earned, over 6 1/3 innings before turning the game over to Atlanta’s bullpen. Despite Mahle’s effort, the Braves could not generate enough offense to keep their season alive.

Teoscar Hernández Remains in Game After Collision

The Dodgers also faced a tense moment in the sixth inning when Hernández crashed into the wall while attempting to catch Ozzie Albies’ double off Vesia. Hernández pointed toward his head and neck while speaking with an athletic trainer, raising concerns about a possible injury.

However, he remained in the game, and Henriquez entered to relieve Vesia and stranded Albies at second base to prevent Atlanta from extending its lead. The defensive stand helped Los Angeles maintain control before Pages delivered the go-ahead hit an inning later.

Dodgers Advance to NLCS With History in Sight

With the 4-1 victory, Los Angeles completed a 3-1 series win over Atlanta and advanced to the National League Championship Series. After splitting the opening games, the Dodgers won consecutive contests on the road to eliminate the Braves and move one step closer to another championship.

The Dodgers now turn their attention to the NLCS, where they will look to continue their postseason run and pursue an unprecedented third consecutive World Series title by a National League team.