Braves’ offense can’t pick up bullpen in Game 1 loss

The Atlanta Braves dropped Game 1 of their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers by a final score of 5-3 on October 3, 2026. Atlanta deployed a bullpen game started by Dylan Dodd, who pitched three scoreless innings. However, the Dodgers capitalized against reliever Victor Mederos and later hit back-to-back home runs off AJ Smith-Shawver to establish a commanding lead.

Atlanta fought back with a solo home run from Sean Murphy against Tarik Skubal and a two-run homer from Ozzie Albies in the ninth inning. Despite bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs in the ninth, Austin Riley grounded out against Evan Phillips to secure the Dodgers' victory.