Dodgers fall to Braves 2-3, series tied 1-1 despite Ohtani hit

The Dodgers lost 2-3 to the Braves in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, tying the series at 1-1. The Dodgers' offense was limited to solo home runs, while Sasaki impressed in his postseason debut with two scoreless innings. The series continues in Atlanta for Games 3 and 4.

Quick Facts

National League Division Series Game 2
Dodgers batted with Ohtani as designated hitter
Ohtani recorded 1 hit in 4 at-bats with 2 strikeouts
Freeman hit solo home run in fourth inning
Mancie hit solo home run in ninth inning

🇺🇸⚾🔥【衝撃‼️😳】大谷翔平、悔しい第2戦…😭💔 次戦で逆襲へ‼️🔥🏆
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The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Atlanta Braves 2-3 in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on October 4, evening their best-of-five series at 1-1. The game was marked by the Dodgers' inability to score runs outside of solo home runs, a pattern that has plagued their playoff offense through two games.

Shohei Ohtani, playing as the designated hitter, went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. He recorded his second consecutive hit with a line drive in the fifth inning, but failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In the third inning with runners on first and second and one out, Ohtani struck out on a high fastball. The Dodgers' hitting struggled to move runners into scoring position throughout the game, with only Freeman's solo home run in the fourth inning and Mancie's two-game-in-a-row solo shot in the ninth inning providing runs.

Ryo Sasaki made his postseason debut in relief, entering in the eighth inning. He pitched two scoreless, no-hit innings, striking out three batters. In the ninth, he recorded three consecutive outs, including a strikeout of Acuña on a 163 km/h fastball and a ground out on his fastest recorded fastball in MLB at 164.3 km/h, displaying sharp velocity and command.

Starting pitcher Blake Snell struggled with control, allowing three walks and an infield hit in the opening inning that resulted in the Braves' first run. He exited after four innings. Reliever Chris Buviwick surrendered a triple to Michael Harris II in the fifth, followed by a wild pitch that allowed Harris to score the go-ahead run.

The series now moves to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4. Dodgers manager will start Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 3, while Braves will counter with Chris Sale. Team captain Freddie Freeman acknowledged the offensive challenge after the game, telling SportsNet LA: "We have to find a way to score without home runs. That is our biggest challenge right now."

Fans expressed frustration on the team's official social media accounts, with comments including "terrible loss," "pathetic," and questions about Ohtani's performance in the postseason.

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#Dodgers #Braves #Shohei Ohtani #baseball #Ryo Sasaki #postseason #National League Division Series #MLB

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Why This Matters

With the series tied 1-1, both teams remain alive in a best-of-five playoff format, meaning the winner of Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta will advance to the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers' inability to generate runs beyond solo home runs—a measurable trend across two games—directly affects playoff survival; Atlanta now holds home-field advantage for the decisive games. Roster decisions (Yamamoto vs. Sale pitching matchups) and lineup adjustments will determine whether the Dodgers can shift offensive strategy before elimination risk.

Timeline & Sources

Oct 3, 2026

Wire

NLDS Game 1: Dodgers defeat Braves 5-3 at Dodger Stadium

Oct 4, 2026

Wire

NLDS Game 2: Braves defeat Dodgers 3-2 at Dodger Stadium

Oct 4, 2026

Wire

Ninth inning: Mancie homers to make it 3-2

Oct 7, 2026

Wire

NLDS Game 3: Yamamoto to pitch for Dodgers vs. Sale for Braves in Atlanta

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