The Dodgers controlled the game after the second inning, turning early offense into a 3-1 victory over Atlanta at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles answered every Atlanta threat with timely hitting and steady pitching to secure the win.
Chris Sale carried Atlanta through seven innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on five hits with seven strikeouts and no walks. His ERA: 2.20. Sale struck out seven but could not prevent the Dodgers from building their lead through the middle innings.
The teams traded runs in the second inning before Los Angeles pulled ahead for good. Riley singled to center, bringing Harris II home to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. Tucker doubled to right, scoring T. Hernández to tie the game at 1-1. Ohtani singled to right in the fifth, bringing Rojas home for a 2-1 Los Angeles advantage. Freeman homered to center in the sixth, extending the lead to 3-1.
Atlanta managed nine hits but could not capitalize on their opportunities. Harris II went 4-for-4 but never crossed the plate after his second-inning run. Riley finished 2-for-4 with one RBI, while the Braves left multiple runners stranded throughout the game.
Los Angeles improved to 23-14 and maintained first place in their division. Atlanta fell to 26-12 but remains atop their division standings. Riley sits one run away from 500 career runs, while Ohtani is one double away from 200 career doubles.