Dodgers Eliminate Braves to Secure Third Consecutive NLCS Appearance

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a spot in the National League Championship Series after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-1 in Game 4 of the NL Division Series on Wednesday night. With the victory, the Dodgers closed out the best-of-five series 3-1, moving one step closer to their goal of becoming the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles.

Andy Pages provided the deciding moment in the seventh inning, driving a bases-loaded single up the middle off pitcher Robert Suarez to score Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 lead. Pages, who struggled during the previous postseason, noted after the game that he had been preparing for such an opportunity throughout the series. Max Muncy later added a solo home run in the ninth inning off Raisel Iglesias, extending his franchise record to 19 postseason home runs.

Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow allowed only one hit across 4 2/3 innings while issuing five walks. Atlanta’s sole run came early, as Michael Harris II scored on a wild pitch in the first inning. Despite the early deficit, the Dodgers tied the game in the second inning, aided by two Atlanta errors. According to ESPN, the Braves struggled with runners in scoring position, finishing the series 1 for 23, and failed to capitalize on 18 total walks.

Manager Dave Roberts credited the Dodgers’ pitching depth, which held the Braves to three hits in the series-clinching game. Closer Edwin Diaz secured his second save in as many nights, a development Roberts highlighted as crucial for the team’s postseason trajectory. Diaz, who returned from elbow and neck injuries this season, stated, "I feel great... Those things paid off at the end of the day."

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup, stating, "The Dodgers had something to do with that. They're going for their third straight world championship for a reason." Following the loss, the Braves' postseason concludes, while the Dodgers prepare to face either Milwaukee or San Diego in the NLCS, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday.