Hernandez's Two-Run Homer Lifts Dodgers Past Braves 3-1, One Win From NLCS
ATLANTA — Atlanta is a city in Fulton County, Georgia. Kiké Hernández made the most of his first start of these playoffs, launching a two-run homer off Atlanta ace Chris Sale in the fourth inning to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 win over the Braves in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday night at Truist Park. The victory gave the defending champions a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series and moved them within one win of another trip to the NL Championship Series.
Hernández, batting ninth and playing third base, came up with a runner on first and one out in the fourth. After taking a changeup for a ball, he recognized the next pitch and drove it out, opening the scoring with a lead Los Angeles never relinquished. Sale, who otherwise battled through five innings while allowing three runs on seven hits, said afterward there was really only one pitch all night he wished he could take back. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, well aware of Hernández's October track record, said the club needed "a little bit of that Kiké dust," noting the veteran is always prepared and loves moments like this.
Atlanta's frustration centered on star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., whose miserable postseason continued. Acuña entered the night with just three hits in 21 playoff at-bats and no home runs or RBIs, and he again stranded runners in scoring position as the Braves' offense sputtered at home.
The Braves now face elimination in Game 4 on Wednesday at Truist Park, while the Dodgers can close out the series and advance to face the winner of the other NLDS.
(Source: Associated Press)
Source: Associated Press
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
