The victory on Wednesday night secured the best-of-five series 3-1, marking the Dodgers’ third consecutive appearance in the NLCS. For Pages, the bases-loaded single was more than just a run-producing hit; it was the final piece of a puzzle that had eluded the team throughout the divisional round. Remarkably, it was the Dodgers’ first hit with runners in scoring position in the entire series. Pages finished with two of the team’s five total hits and two of their three runs batted in, providing the offensive spark that had been missing in previous outings.
While the offense struggled to find consistency, the Dodgers’ pitching staff delivered a masterclass in control, particularly in the closing innings. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, making his first start since September 24, allowed only one hit but walked five batters over 4 2/3 innings. After issuing two walks in the fifth, left-hander Alex Vesia ended the inning on Matt Olson’s groundout to second base. The Braves, who accumulated 18 walks in the series, failed to score from any of them, a testament to the Dodgers’ defensive focus and bullpen efficiency.
The bullpen shut the door with a combined effort that gave up just three hits. Tanner Scott pitched a perfect eighth inning before Edwin DĂaz recorded three quick outs for the save. Edgardo Henriquez earned the win, allowing just one hit in 1 2/3 scoreless innings. The Dodgers’ bullpen allowed only two hits over the final 4 1/3 innings, neutralizing Atlanta’s threat and securing the clinching win.
Atlanta’s offensive struggles were stark. The Braves finished the series 1-for-23 with runners in scoring position. Starter Tyler Mahle, a native of Newport Beach who grew up a Dodgers fan, allowed two runs—one earned—in 6 1/3 innings. The Dodgers pulled even in the second inning with the help of two Atlanta errors. Shohei Ohtani walked, stole second, and advanced to third on catcher Sean Murphy’s errant throw into center field. Max Muncy’s pop fly into shallow left field was dropped by shortstop Mauricio Dubón, allowing Ohtani to score and tying the game.
Muncy added to his postseason legacy in the ninth inning, hitting a solo home run off Raisel Iglesias to pad the lead. The shot gave the slugger 19 postseason home runs with the Dodgers, extending his franchise record. Team co-owner Magic Johnson took to social media to recognize the key performances, highlighting Muncy’s home run and Pages’ clutch hit that sealed the victory. Johnson also praised Glasnow for providing another great pitching night for the team.
The win moves manager Dave Roberts into sole possession of second place in MLB managerial postseason victories with 72, passing Tony La Russa. Only Joe Torre, with 84, has more. The Dodgers have won 10 of their last 11 postseason road games and own a 14-5 road record over the past three postseasons. Los Angeles is now eight victories away from becoming the first National League franchise to win three consecutive World Series championships, a feat last accomplished by the New York Yankees from 1998 through 2000.
Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández both displayed resilience during the game. Hernández crashed into the wall while attempting to catch Ozzie Albies’ double off Vesia leading off the sixth. He pointed to his head and neck when talking to an athletic trainer but remained in the game. Ohtani’s base-running skills were instrumental in the second inning, as he advanced on the error to tie the score.
The Dodgers’ next challenge arrives on Sunday, October 11, when Game 1 of the National League Championship Series begins. Los Angeles will face the winner of the NLDS matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. The Brewers entered Wednesday’s Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead, meaning Milwaukee had an opportunity to clinch the matchup. If Milwaukee advances, the Dodgers will open the NLCS on the road. If San Diego advances, Los Angeles will host the first game. Both games are scheduled for FOX or FS1, according to MLB’s postseason calendar.
For the Dodgers, another NLCS appearance represents an opportunity to continue one of baseball’s most impressive modern postseason runs. The team’s ability to overcome offensive struggles through pitching and key individual performances, like Pages’ seventh-inning hit, will be crucial as they look to extend their historic streak. The stage is set for a high-stakes matchup against the best of the National League, with the pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title within reach.
