Dodgers on track to advance to league championship S, Yamamoto pitches well, Ohtani is hitless

The Major League Baseball postseason began on the 6th (7th Japan time) with the third game of the National League District Series held in various locations, with Shohei Otani's Dodgers (1st place in the West Division) defeating the Braves (1st place in the East Division) 3-1 in Atlanta.

The Dodgers had a record of 2 wins and 1 loss, putting them on track to advance to the league championship series.

The Dodgers took a three-run lead in the fourth inning, with E. Hernandez's two runs and Freeman's solo, and they were able to escape.

Otani played as the No. 5 designated hitter and had two no hits and one walk at bat. Since joining the Dodgers in 2024, it was his first time starting as a player other than No. 1 or No. 2.

In his first at-bat of the first inning, he had a good opportunity to take the lead with two outs and runners on first and second base, but he struck out. In his second at-bat of the third inning, with two outs and runners on first and third base, he was on base due to batting interference. In his third at-bat in the fifth inning, he fell to left. In his fourth at-bat in the 8th inning, he got on base with a walk.

Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched well, throwing 98 pitches in seven innings, allowing one run, allowing four hits and striking out 10.

In the first inning, he had two strikeouts and only three players retired. No runs allowed in the second to fourth innings. In the fifth inning, he was in a pinch with one out and the bases loaded, but he allowed only one run during one grounder. He resigned after failing six or seven times.

Manager Roberts revealed in the pregame press conference that Otani, who was informed of the change in batting order the day before, jokingly said, ``I was planning to go to the manager in September and say, ``What about No. 7?''

The decision to use him as No. 5 was based on his compatibility with the opposing starting left-handed pitcher Sale, and commented, ``There were a couple of important situations today, and I think he (Otani) will get his turn at bat there.''

The Dodgers are aiming to become the third team in history to win their third straight World Series.

At a press conference the day before the start of the regional series, Otani commented, ``I feel a sense of anticipation and excitement that it's finally starting.'' At a press conference the day before Game 3, Yamamoto said, ``(Sale) is the best pitcher. I remember that I was very disappointed that we lost, but tomorrow is a new game, so I'll just concentrate and do my best.''