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Braves Beat Dodgers 3-2, Tie NLDS 1-1

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 11:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Braves Tie Series

The Atlanta Braves beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2, tying the NLDS series on Oct. 4, 2026.
Raisel Iglesias earned the save after pinch-hitter Josue De Paula fouled out to end the game.
Michael Harris II recorded three hits, including a triple and an RBI double for Atlanta.
Chris Sale will start Game 3 in Atlanta after receiving extra rest, manager Walt Weiss said.

Summary

Kerr Starts Game2

Ray Kerr, returning from Tommy John surgery, unexpectedly started Game 2.
Manager Walt Weiss learned of Kerr’s start via a phone call while at the team hotel with his family.
The Braves’ thin rotation forced Weiss to rely heavily on the bullpen.
Dodgers, despite a deeper rotation, exhausted their bullpen after using seven pitchers in Game 1.
Both clubs’ pitching choices highlight the growing importance of versatile relievers in postseason series.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, the Tampa Bay Rays introduced the ‘opener’ strategy, deploying a reliever to start games and reshaping postseason pitching tactics. That season, Rays manager Kevin Cash employed five different openers, and the team’s bullpen logged a league-leading 1,210 innings pitched. Similarly, the 2026 Braves and Dodgers rely on versatile relievers like Ray Kerr and a thin rotation, echoing the Rays’ shift toward bullpen depth in high-stakes series. The precedent suggests teams will continue prioritizing flexible arms, prompting front offices to value relievers in drafts and contracts for future postseason success.

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Braves Tie Series

The Atlanta Braves beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2, tying the NLDS series on Oct. 4, 2026.
Raisel Iglesias earned the save after pinch-hitter Josue De Paula fouled out to end the game.
Michael Harris II recorded three hits, including a triple and an RBI double for Atlanta.
Chris Sale will start Game 3 in Atlanta after receiving extra rest, manager Walt Weiss said.

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