Dodgers beat Braves 5-3 in Game 1 of NLDS as Tarik Skubal earns win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Dodger Stadium.

Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal worked five innings, allowing three runs and earning the win, while the Dodgers’ bats supplied all five runs on three home runs.

Teoscar Hernández opened the scoring in the fourth inning with a two‑run blast off Braves reliever Victor Mederos, bringing Freddie Freeman home after a walk. The Dodgers extended the lead in the sixth when Kyle Tucker launched a two‑run homer, followed shortly by Max Muncy’s solo shot.

The Braves answered in the top of the sixth when catcher Sean Murphy hit a leadoff solo homer, cutting the deficit to 5-2. Atlanta added two more runs later in the inning, but the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm to preserve the lead.

Dodgers relievers Brock Stewart and Alex Vesia delivered clean seventh and eighth innings, while Tanner Scott faced a brief scare in the ninth before securing the final out with Evan Phillips.

The game unfolded under a scorching 102‑degree temperature, prompting Dodger Stadium staff to distribute complimentary water bottles and Gatorade to fans. Attendance numbered 50,194, the smallest playoff crowd at the venue since 2016.

Skubal’s performance, highlighted by seven strikeouts and a fastball that reached 101 mph, set the tone for the series, giving the two‑time defending champions a strong start as they aim for a third straight World Series title.

The Dodgers will look to build on this momentum in Game 2, scheduled for Sunday night at Dodger Stadium.