ATLANTA — In a masterclass display, Freddie Freeman powered the Los Angeles Dodgers with a home run and four RBIs, while Shohei Ohtani also showcased his skill by hitting a home run, and Roki Sasaki secured his inaugural major league win. The Los Angeles Dodgers soared past the Atlanta Braves with a commanding 10-3 victory on Saturday night, marking their seventh consecutive triumph.
The Dodgers have dominated this series, winning the first two games, and improving to a perfect 5-0 against Atlanta this season. Earlier in the season, Los Angeles delivered a stunning three-game sweep at home, leaving Atlanta with a 0-7 record against them.
Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old right-hander, pitched five innings, allowing three runs and six hits, in a game delayed by over three hours due to rain. Despite surrendering a home run to Ozzie Albies, Sasaki received ample offensive backing in his seventh major league start since generating significant buzz upon his arrival from Japan.
The Dodgers amassed 12 hits, solidifying their lead with a decisive four-run fourth inning. Freeman further cemented their advantage with a three-run blast off pitcher Scott Blewett in the eighth inning.
On the opposing side, Atlanta’s starter Spencer Schwellenbach endured a challenging outing, lasting only 3 2/3 innings while allowing six runs, five of which were earned, and conceding eight hits.
Rain and lightning caused a prolonged delay of 3 hours and 6 minutes, leading to a start time of 10:21 p.m., the latest in Truist Park’s nine-year history, with the game concluding at 1:26 a.m. on Sunday.
Shohei Ohtani, preparing for a return as a two-way player, threw 35 pitches in the bullpen before the game, continuing his recovery from a 2023 elbow surgery. Although he has limited his role to designated hitter this season, discussions about his increasing velocity are fueling anticipation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned Ohtani is ramping up his velocity, though he hasn’t faced hitters or thrown sliders. Ohtani’s last pitching performance in a major league game was on August 23, 2023, when he played for the Los Angeles Angels.
Looking ahead, the series finale on Sunday night features Dodgers’ right-hander Dustin May (1-1, 3.95 ERA) taking on Braves’ right-hander Bryce Elder (1-1, 5.33 ERA).