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Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered another dominant performance, striking out 10 batters across seven stellar innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers rode home runs from Kiké Hernández and Freddie Freeman to a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. With the win, the Dodgers seized a 2-1 advantage in their National League Division Series.
Yamamoto outdueled Atlanta ace Chris Sale, who surrendered three runs on seven hits over five innings. The Dodgers' right-hander, who was named MVP of the 2025 World Series, limited the Braves to just four hits and one walk. He improved to 8-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 11 postseason appearances, including 10 starts.
Freeman also went deep against his former team, helping Los Angeles move within one win of advancing to the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers can close out the best-of-five series on Wednesday night in Atlanta.
Messi's Emotional Farewell
Argentina said an emotional goodbye to soccer icon Lionel Messi on Tuesday as the 39-year-old played his final match for the national team. In a 3-0 friendly win over Benin, Messi scored once and set up two more goals, capping a 21-year international career that included a World Cup title and two South American championships.
Fans packed the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, chanting his name and bowing in tribute. Once criticized for perceived indifference to his country, Messi leaves as a national hero whose triumphs provided solace amid years of political and economic turmoil. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami.
Missouri Freshman Needs Heart Transplant
Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie 'DJ' Jones is hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and requires a heart transplant. Coach Eli Drinkwitz made the announcement during an emotional news conference on Tuesday.
Drinkwitz said the Missouri staff initially detected a heart issue during freshman intake testing over the summer. Jones sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic, where doctors discovered a much more serious condition. Drinkwitz urged Mizzou fans to pray for Jones, adding that the team was not prepared for such news.
McKenna's First NHL Goal
Top overall draft pick Gavin McKenna scored his first NHL goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. The 18-year-old beat goaltender Juuse Saros with a high shot in the second period of his fourth professional game, then dropped to one knee in celebration at Scotiabank Arena.
McKenna also recorded an assist on William Nylander's first-period goal, giving him his first NHL point.
Padres Closer on Paternity List
San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller has been placed on the postseason paternity list, the team announced about 45 minutes before first pitch of Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The All-Star reliever will miss at least one game as the Padres face elimination.
Wandy Peralta replaced Miller on the 26-man playoff roster. Miller was one of the top closers in the majors this season but blew a save in the ninth inning of San Diego's 4-3 loss to Milwaukee last weekend, putting the Padres in an 0-2 hole in the best-of-five series.
Ohtani Moved Down in Lineup
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shuffled his lineup for Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, moving designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the No. 5 spot. Roberts described the move as a one-game adjustment to give the Dodgers a different look against Braves left-hander Chris Sale.
When Sale shut out the Dodgers 1-0 on Aug. 26, the left-handed-hitting Ohtani went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. For his career, Ohtani is 3 for 15 against Sale. The No. 5 spot is the lowest Ohtani has batted since 2020 with the Los Angeles Angels. Roberts said Ohtani understands the decision.
Hernández Delivers Again
Kiké Hernández continued his clutch postseason hitting for the Dodgers, delivering a two-run homer off Braves ace Chris Sale in the fourth inning of Game 3. The veteran utilityman, making his first start of these playoffs, played third base and batted ninth, giving Los Angeles a lead it never relinquished.
Hernández now has 17 career postseason home runs, solidifying his reputation as a standout performer in October. The Dodgers lead the best-of-five series 2-1 and can advance to the National League Championship Series with a win on Wednesday.
Lane Johnson Retires
Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 14 seasons. Johnson had been a late scratch for last week's game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons.
The 36-year-old said that despite wanting to finish the season, his personal and family priorities have changed. He missed four days of training camp for personal reasons before indicating this would likely be his final season. Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2022, plus second-team selections in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Merino Lifts Spain, Kane Sets Record
Spain preserved its two-year unbeaten streak by rallying to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split, thanks to a clutch second-half double from super-sub Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder powered home an 88th-minute strike to complete the comeback for the world champions.
Ivan Perišić's opener marked the first time Spain had trailed since June 2024. In other Nations League action, Harry Kane scored twice in England's 3-0 win over Czechia on his record-tying 125th appearance for his country.
Originally reported by timesargus.