Freeman, Ohtani lead Dodgers past Sale and Braves 3-1 in National League showdown.

                                                                   

 Los Angeles Dodgers got timely hits from Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani to beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1 Friday night in a matchup of National League division leaders. 

Ohtani delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning after a throwing error by Atlanta shortstop Jim Jarvis helped set up the rally. Freeman then added insurance with a solo home run in the sixth off Braves ace Chris Sale — his first homer in 26 games and his 100th since joining the Dodgers.

Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan allowed one run over 4⅔ innings, while the bullpen shut down Atlanta the rest of the way. Tanner Scott earned the save as Los Angeles held the Braves to just one hit with runners in scoring position.

                                                                             

Atlanta’s only run came on an RBI single from Austin Riley in the second inning. Sale struck out seven and walked none in seven innings but still took the loss.

The game opened a marquee weekend series between two clubs viewed as major National League contenders this season. 

Los Angeles Dodgers beat Atlanta Braves 3-1 on Friday night in a matchup of NL division leaders.

Key moments:

• Shohei Ohtani delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning after Atlanta committed a throwing error.

• Freddie Freeman added insurance with a 413-foot solo homer in the sixth — his first home run in 25 games.

• Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia earned the win, while Tanner Scott picked up his third save.

For Atlanta:

• Chris Sale struck out seven over seven innings but took the loss despite allowing only two earned runs.

• Michael Harris II went 4-for-4.

• Austin Riley drove in the Braves’ lone run.

The Braves have now lost eight straight games at Dodger Stadium.

Looking ahead:

• Blake Snell is set to make his season debut for the Dodgers on Saturday after recovering from shoulder fatigue.

• Spencer Strider will start for Atlanta.                                                                     

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