ANDY PAGES JUST SENT THE BRAVES HOME!
The same young outfielder who endured a miserable postseason in 2025 stepped to the plate with two outs, the bases loaded, and the game tied in the seventh inning.
Well, well, well. Look who's moving on!
For all the hand-wringing, second-guessing, and predictions of impending doom, the Los Angeles Dodgers just did what championship teams are supposed to do. They found a way to win when it mattered most.
The Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 4-1 Wednesday night, winning the National League Division Series three games to one and advancing to their third consecutive NLCS.
And the hero? Andy Pages!
Yes, THAT Andy Pages!
The same young outfielder who endured a miserable postseason in 2025 stepped to the plate with two outs, the bases loaded, and the game tied in the seventh inning.
Full count. Maximum pressure. Season on the line for Atlanta.
Pages delivered a two-run single off Robert Suarez, breaking a 1-1 tie and sending the Dodgers toward the NLCS.
It was also the Dodgers' FIRST hit with runners in scoring position in the entire series.
Talk about timing!
It Wasn't Pretty, But It Was Beautiful
Tyler Glasnow didn't exactly look like Sandy Koufax. He walked five batters in 4⅔ innings, but despite his command issues, he allowed only one run.
Atlanta scored in the first inning when Michael Harris II came home on a wild pitch. The Dodgers tied it in the second when Shohei Ohtani scored on an Atlanta throwing error.
For the next several innings, it was a pitchers' duel with both teams searching for a breakthrough.
Then came the seventh.
Teoscar Hernández started the rally with a single. The Dodgers eventually loaded the bases, bringing Pages to the plate.
And the kid delivered.
Suddenly, the Dodgers had a 3-1 lead.
Max Muncy, who apparently believes October was invented for him, added a solo home run in the ninth. It was his third homer of this postseason and the 19th postseason home run of his career, extending his Dodgers franchise record.
The final score was 4-1, but it felt considerably bigger than that.
Let's Talk About the Pitching
Glasnow wasn't sharp, but he battled.
Edgardo Henriquez was terrific out of the bullpen, pitching 1⅔ scoreless innings and earning the win. The bullpen continued to hold Atlanta in check, and Edwin Díaz recorded his second save of the series.
Consider this: The Braves scored just eight runs in four games.
Atlanta finished the series an astonishing 1-for-23 with runners in scoring position.
You can complain about the Dodgers' offensive inconsistency, but their pitching just shut down one of baseball's dangerous lineups.
That is how postseason baseball is won.
What About Dave Roberts?
Here we go again!
Every time the Dodgers lose, there are calls to fire Roberts. His lineup construction is questioned, his bullpen decisions dissected, and his baseball intelligence challenged.
Then the Dodgers win another postseason series.
Funny how that works.
Roberts moved Shohei Ohtani around the batting order. He managed a pitching staff that wasn't always operating at full strength. He trusted his players, including Pages.
And his team advanced.
Does Roberts make mistakes? Absolutely. Every manager does.
But maybe, just maybe, the guy who keeps taking his teams deep into October knows a little something about managing a baseball team. Very likely more than YOU... and ME!
I know that's a radical concept for some Dodger fans.
The Andy Pages Redemption Tour
This may be my favorite storyline of the night.
Pages was dreadful in the 2025 postseason. There is no reason to sugarcoat it.
But development isn't linear. Young players struggle. They learn. They adapt. Some eventually become the very players who deliver when the lights are brightest.
Tonight, Pages wasn't a liability.
He was the difference.
His two-run single was the kind of hit people remember long after the box score has been forgotten.
And at LADT, where we spend considerable time discussing prospects and player development, it was another reminder that patience can be rewarded.
Imagine that!
Take it away... Jeff!
The Elephant in the Room: Shohei Ohtani
The Dodgers just eliminated Atlanta without getting anything close to the offensive production they normally expect from Shohei Ohtani.
He scored a run tonight, but went hitless.
Dave Roberts has already moved him to three different positions in the batting order during this postseason.
Clearly, something isn't quite right.
But here's the scary part for the rest of baseball: The Dodgers are advancing while their most talented offensive player is struggling.
If Ohtani gets healthy and finds his swing, this lineup could become considerably more dangerous.
Of course, the Dodgers cannot simply assume that will happen. They need better at-bats from several players.
Winning doesn't eliminate the need for improvement.
Remember August?
Atlanta swept the Dodgers during the regular season in August.
Some fans treated that as a preview of the postseason.
Well, here's your preview:
Dodgers 3. Braves 1. Series over.
The regular season tells you something about a team's quality. It doesn't tell you who will win a short postseason series.
The 1988 Dodgers demonstrated that against the Mets.
These Dodgers just delivered another reminder.
Four More Wins!
The Dodgers are now four victories away from returning to the World Series.
They will face the winner of the Milwaukee Brewers-San Diego Padres series. I am more afraid of the Padres than the Brewers.
Why?
Simply because it would be more humiliating to lose to the Padres!
Are the Dodgers perfect? Not even close.
Their offense has been inconsistent. Glasnow's command was shaky tonight. Ohtani isn't himself. There are still reasons for concern.
But they have starting pitching, bullpen weapons, championship experience, and players capable of delivering in big moments.
Most importantly, they are still playing baseball.
Atlanta isn't.
The Dodgers have now reached the NLCS for the third consecutive season, and the dream of three straight World Series championships is alive.
The Braves have tee times. The Dodgers have another series to play.
And that, my friends, is the only October statistic that matters tonight.
What say you, LADT?
Is Andy Pages turning the corner as a postseason performer? Are you concerned about Ohtani? And has Dave Roberts earned a little more respect, or will some fans demand his firing the next time the Dodgers lose a game?
Discussion (86)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I was more wary of the Padres than the Brewers too. One reason is the humiliation factor, another is San Diego's recent history of spoiling Dodger dreams. To me, the Pads have eclipsed the Giants as LA's chief rival. Preller gets a lot of criticism from some folks here for his bold, reckless dealings--but he's created a consistent contender that packs its stadium. Milwaukee is not perceived as a great rival--not yet, anyway. But it has (a) The Miz and (b) home-field advantage. (Plus, we would see old friend Dustin May at some point. He'll play with extra motivation.) Many anti-Dodger fans who are unhappy with the team's giant payroll were hoping Milwaukee would go all-in for Skubal to derail the Dodgers. Seems fitting that it looks like Skubal and Misioroski will face off in Game One, and perhaps Yamamoto will pitch Game Two. Should be a great series.
Bill Plaschke with a great…
Never mind.
Rojas sits this series. As someone who has had four back surgeries it’s nearly impossible to turn your hips needed to swing or to take a hard first step. Hopefully he is recovered enough for the World Series. The decision will be Kim or Freeland with Edmonds struggling.
All year there were questions of whether Diaz and Tucker were worth it, or did Andrew Friedman "get forced" to sign them by the Deep State.
Those of us who have followed the Dodgers for more than 2 years understood it was all about October. Granted it's only been 4 games, and things can change going forward, but those two really stepped up in the Atl series.
Their contracts will judged based on how the next few weeks go. But so far, they're worth it.
Andy Pages' swings were much better in Games 3 and 4. Not sure what switch got flipped, but him having more confidence in October will be huge going forward.
Did anyone stay up for the ending of San Diego/Milwaukee? I was certain Manny crushed it and tied the game! Apparently that ball would've left 19 MLB parks, but not Petco. Thoughts and prayers to them. As Jose Valenzuela would say, "who cares about those sons of bitches from down south!!"
Now we can all chillax tonight and watch my little league team in 1983, the White Sox, try getting to the ALCs, as well as a boring Cowboys/Bucs game.
This is only slightly awesome:
IN addition to Davalan playing 2B, the Dodgers are playing Chase Harlan at first base. He got the start last night (with Davalan at second base.)
Shout out to Mahle, who was way better tan I thought he'd be. Teo took him out with that single, though, which ended up being the turning point.
For this series I think they drop Rojas (to rest his back) and add Freeland to platoon at 2nd with Kike since Edman is so cold.
They may also add Sheehan (for long relief) and drop Bubic.
Will we ever win a game with the bats? Just one!
Anyone who bad mouths The Doc just doesn’t know baseball.
I have been that one lonely voice calling for Shoehei to take a seat and don’t expect to play unless you clearly are at close to 100%. This version of Ohtani stinks so do the team a favor and ask to sit if you are handicapped in some way. It looks like you are. It even looks like your eyesight may be compromised based on how many horrible swings you are taking on low and outside balls.
I friggin love Marvelous Max! His swing is sooooo sweet.
What’s wrong with Tommy Tanks and Will Smith? ….both havent risen up yet like we all expect you to. Oh well, we have two more series to do your thing.
Very happy for Tucker’s output this series….keep it going Kyle.
Lastly (this has gotten too big, sorry)…thank you YAMAMOTO AND SKUBAL. Don’t stop now.
Our bullpen- YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN AMAZING….THANK YOU, especially Mr Scott and Mr Diaz. Welcome back!
FREDDIE…..your glove is simply amazing….you have saved many bad throws from being errors. And your hitting is not bad too.
I lost some respect for the Atlanta fans with their booing ofAcuna and especially Freddie Freeman. I get it. When you play you try to develop the thickest of skins; pretend not to hear it and kid yourself into believing that the fans pay their money and they are entitled to boo you or cut loose with the humorous cat-calls. But that is a young man trying to make his way and not have it affected your play and confidence. But you hear it and it can sting. Even the veterans hear it. These guys aren’t robots. I’m not a big Acuna fan but I think the fans were bullshit. He was 3 for 24 with 5 walks and 3 steals. Just another week if it’s July. Booing Freddie was totally classless. For all he did for the Braves, being booed by that fanbase is bullshit.all his contributions were disregarded; the long streaks not missing a game, his .300 average. his great defense, all disregarded. I don’t like it. You don’t need to cheer for the opponent but booing is bush. I don’t forget shit like that.
No way, never, did I see Diaz closing in October. What a comeback story! Props to the young man persevering through a really tough year.
Happy for Vesia that he gets to celebrate the post season in 26 after a heartbreaking 25