The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the National League Division Series by beating the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1 on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. The victory was highlighted by strong pitching from Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal and key home runs from Teoscar Hernández, Kyle Tucker, and Max Muncy.

Skubal, making his first postseason start for Los Angeles after being acquired in a trade deadline deal from Detroit, pitched six innings, allowing just one run on two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. Despite the scorching 100-degree temperature, Skubal retired 15 consecutive batters at one point and kept the Dodgers ahead with his dominant performance on the mound.

The Dodgers struck first when Hernández launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Braves reliever Victor Mederos, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 lead. Hernández emphasized his focus during big moments, stating that he relishes such opportunities regardless of the outcome.

The Braves responded in the sixth inning with a solo home run from Sean Murphy, cutting the Dodgers' lead to 2-1. However, the Dodgers quickly regained momentum. In his first postseason game as a Dodger, Kyle Tucker hit a pivotal two-run homer off Braves reliever AJ Smith-Shawver, extending the lead. Muncy followed with a solo shot later in the inning, pushing the score to 5-1.

Tucker’s performance surprised some observers after a difficult regular season, where he posted a .715 OPS and was criticized for inconsistency, particularly at home. Signed to a four-year, $240 million contract, Tucker faced doubts but showcased his resilience in this crucial playoff moment. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended Tucker’s perseverance and ability to overcome adversity.

The Braves, fatigued from a taxing wild-card round victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, mounted a late rally with a two-run home run by Ozzie Albies in the ninth inning, narrowing the gap to 5-3. Dodgers closer Evan Phillips then secured the final out by retiring Austin Riley, earning the save despite issuing a walk earlier in the inning.

Braves players acknowledged the competitiveness of the series opener but admitted time ran out to complete the comeback. The Dodgers, praised by team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman for their strong and deep pitching rotation, look to build on the win as they pursue a third consecutive National League championship—a feat not accomplished since the New York Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Sunday evening at Dodger Stadium.