The Los Angeles Dodgers have opened their National League Division Series with a statement victory, defeating the Atlanta Braves 5:3 at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers took a 1:0 lead in the best of five series after their power hitters delivered when it mattered most.
Teoscar Hernández broke open the game in the fourth inning, launching a two run home run that put Los Angeles ahead 2:0. MLB reported that the ball traveled 430 feet after leaving Hernández's bat at nearly 110 mph.
Atlanta responded through Sean Murphy, whose solo home run in the sixth cut the deficit to one.
But Los Angeles quickly answered.
Kyle Tucker and Max Muncy added home runs as the Dodgers stretched their advantage to 5:1. The Braves mounted a late challenge in the ninth, with Ozzie Albies hitting a two run homer, but Los Angeles held on for the 5:3 victory.
Tarik Skubal also played a major role for the Dodgers. The left hander delivered six strong innings in his first postseason start for Los Angeles, helping keep Atlanta's offense under control for most of the afternoon.
The game was played in extraordinary conditions. AP reported that the temperature at Dodger Stadium reached around 100°F, making it one of the hottest postseason games ever played at the stadium.
Attention now turns quickly to Game 2, with Atlanta needing a response before the series moves east.
For the Dodgers, the opening victory is another step in their attempt to capture a third consecutive World Series championship.
