Dodgers and Braves Enter a Pivotal Game 3
Dodgers vs. Braves Game 3: The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves head into Game 3 of the National League Division Series with everything level at 1-1, turning Tuesday night’s matchup into an early pressure point for both teams. Atlanta tied the series with a 3-2 victory in Los Angeles on Sunday, overcoming a bullpen-heavy pitching plan and holding the Dodgers to six hits.
The series now moves to Truist Park, where the Braves finished the regular season with a strong 52-29 home record. The Dodgers, meanwhile, went 49-32 on the road while finishing with the National League’s best record at 100-62. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
Yamamoto and Sale Set Up a Star Pitching Duel
Los Angeles will turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who finished the regular season 14-9 with a 2.53 ERA. Atlanta counters with Chris Sale, who went 14-9 with a 2.16 ERA and finished the season among the Braves’ most dependable starters.
The matchup has already produced one memorable pitching battle this season. Sale and Yamamoto faced each other in August, when Atlanta won 1-0. Sale threw a complete-game shutout with 11 strikeouts, while Yamamoto allowed only one run through 6⅓ innings.
| Game detail | Dodgers | Braves |
| Starting pitcher | Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Chris Sale |
| Regular-season record | 100-62 | 94-68 |
| Game 3 money line | Around -110 | Around -105 |
What the Proven Model Sees
SportsLine’s projection model has simulated Dodgers-Braves Game 3 10,000 times. The model is projecting more than six runs and expects the game to finish above the posted 6.5-run total in its latest forecast. It projects the teams to score 7.7 runs combined, with the Over hitting in 60% of its simulations.
The model also identifies several hitters who could have an impact. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages are each projected to reach at least 1.5 total bases, while Atlanta’s Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris are also expected to contribute offensively.
Dodgers Make a Major Lineup Change
The Dodgers have made an unusual adjustment ahead of the game, moving Ohtani down to fifth in the batting order. It is his lowest lineup position since 2020 and comes as Los Angeles searches for more production after struggling with runners in scoring position during Game 2.
Max Muncy has provided some of the Dodgers’ biggest offensive moments, homering in both of the first two games. But Los Angeles went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in Sunday’s loss, leaving several opportunities on the table.
Atlanta Has Momentum on Its Side
The Braves arrive home with confidence after winning Game 2 despite using a bullpen game. Michael Harris II led Atlanta’s offense with three hits, including a triple and double, while the pitching staff limited Los Angeles to two runs.
Atlanta also gets the benefit of having Sale available for a traditional start. With the series tied, a Game 3 victory would put either team one win away from advancing, making every early inning particularly important.
FAQ
Who is starting Game 3 for the Dodgers?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to start for Los Angeles.
Who is starting for the Braves?
Chris Sale is scheduled to start for Atlanta.
What is the model predicting?
SportsLine’s model is projecting the Over 6.5 runs and has identified one side of the money line as its preferred betting value after 10,000 simulations.
