The short version
- The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-1 to win the National League Division Series and advance to the NLCS.
- Cleveland Guardians shortstop José Ramírez broke a slump with two hits and two RBIs, helping his team beat the Chicago White Sox 9-3.
- Both series remain active or recently concluded with significant implications for World Series contention in the upcoming week.
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their place in the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night by defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-1. The victory completed a best-of-five sweep of the division series, giving Los Angeles a 3-1 advantage and setting up a matchup against the winner of the other NL bracket. This advancement positions the Dodgers to pursue a historic third consecutive World Series title, a feat no National League team has accomplished in modern baseball history.
Offensive production from the middle of the lineup proved decisive for Los Angeles. Andy Pages delivered the critical blow in the seventh inning, driving in two runs with a bases-loaded single off reliever Robert Suárez. The hit scored Teoscar Hernández and pinch-runner Tommy Edman, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1. Earlier in the game, Max Muncy added insurance with a solo home run in the ninth inning against Raisel Iglesias, bringing his postseason total to 19 home runs with the franchise and extending his own record.
Pitching performance from Los Angeles was characterized by control issues mixed with effective relief work. Starter Tyler Glasnow allowed only one hit over four and two-thirds innings but walked five batters. Despite the walks, the bullpen managed to contain Atlanta’s offense. Left-hander Alex Vesia induced a groundout in the fifth inning after Glasnow issued two consecutive walks, preventing further damage. Tanner Scott pitched a perfect eighth inning, followed by Edwin Díaz retiring the side in order for the save.
The Braves struggled to capitalize on their own baserunning opportunities throughout the series. Atlanta recorded 18 walks across the four games but failed to score any runs from those free passes. Michael Harris II did manage to score early in the game, advancing on a wild pitch that bounced off catcher Will Smith’s chest protector after stealing second base. However, defensive errors by Los Angeles also played a role in keeping the game close initially, including an errant throw by Sean Murphy and a dropped pop fly by Mauricio Dubón.
In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians avoided elimination against the Chicago White Sox with a 9-3 victory in Game 3. The win forces a decisive Game 4 in the series, keeping Cleveland’s postseason hopes alive. Central to this comeback was the performance of seven-time All-Star José Ramírez, who emerged from a significant batting slump to drive in two runs and score twice. His contribution shifted the momentum firmly in Cleveland’s favor during a critical moment in the playoffs.
Ramírez’s impact extended beyond his offensive output. He made a crucial defensive play at third base, stopping a bases-loaded smash by Miguel Vargas in the sixth inning to preserve a 5-3 lead. Manager Stephen Vogt highlighted Ramírez’s versatility, noting his ability to contribute with bat, legs, and glove. The shortstop also demonstrated savvy baserunning, stealing third base and scoring on a grounder to extend Cleveland’s lead to 5-2.
The significance of Ramírez’s performance cannot be understated given his recent struggles. After breaking a bone in his left hand in June and undergoing surgery, he returned in July but hit just .229 with limited power production over the following months. In the first two games of this series, he went hitless in six at-bats. His resurgence against Chicago provided a much-needed boost for a team facing elimination pressure.
Looking ahead, both leagues have clear paths forward. The Dodgers will await the outcome of the other NL Division Series to determine their NLCS opponent. Meanwhile, the Guardians must win Game 4 against the White Sox to advance to the American League Championship Series. For Cleveland, every remaining game carries do-or-die stakes, with Ramírez’s renewed confidence serving as a potential catalyst for further success.
Injuries also remain a concern for Los Angeles. Teoscar Hernández crashed into the wall while attempting to catch a double in the sixth inning and pointed to his head and neck while speaking with trainers. He remained in the game, but any lingering effects could impact the Dodgers’ lineup depth as they prepare for the next round of playoffs.
As the postseason progresses, the contrast between the two series highlights different challenges. Los Angeles demonstrated resilience despite pitching control issues, while Cleveland relied on star power to overcome a deficit. The coming days will reveal whether these performances are sustainable or if momentum shifts again in the high-stakes environment of October baseball.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Dodgers advance to NLCS as Ramírez keeps Guardians’ playoff hopes alive
