Freeman"s 3-run homer leads Dodgers to 9-0 victory over Braves

On Monday night in Atlanta, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a decisive 9-0 victory over the Braves, significantly impacting the playoff standings. Freddie Freeman, playing against his former team, hit a three-run homer, contributing to a six-run seventh inning. The Dodgers capitalized on Atlanta's struggles, going 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position, which included a lackluster performance against pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who allowed only four hits in four innings. The Dodgers' offense was efficient, scoring nine runs on just four hits, a rare feat they accomplished for the second time since 1906. This victory marked a turnaround for Los Angeles after losing the first two games of the series by a combined score of 16-3. The team managed to outscore the Braves 18-2 in the final two games of the series, showcasing their offensive prowess and strong pitching. Miguel Rojas played a key role, going 1 for 1 with two walks and scoring three runs. Max Fried, the Braves' starting pitcher, struggled, giving up three runs and two hits over six innings, which included a run-scoring wild pitch. The Braves now find themselves one game behind the New York Mets for the National League's third wild card spot, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. As the Dodgers prepare for a series against last-place teams, they aim to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Braves will face a critical series against the Reds, needing to regain their footing to secure a playoff position.