Freddie Freeman homers as Dodgers beat Chris Sale, Braves in marquee matchup The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a high-stakes matchup at Dodger Stadium, marking the opening game of a crucial series. The contest, which carried the weight of a potential postseason preview, saw both teams showcase their offensive firepower and defensive acumen. The Dodgers, the two-time defending World Series champions, maintained their dominance with a gritty performance, while the Braves, riding a strong early-season surge, faced their first setback of the year. The game’s outcome hinged on a combination of defensive brilliance, clutch hitting, and strategic pitching adjustments, ultimately favoring the Dodgers in a tightly contested affair. The Braves entered the game with a formidable reputation, leading the majors in runs scored and boasting a potent lineup. Their pitching staff, anchored by former Cy Young winner Chris Sale, posed a significant challenge for the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, ranked second in ERA, countered with a deep bullpen and a lineup capable of capitalizing on any defensive miscue. Manager Dave Roberts described the game as “a typical sort of October game,” emphasizing the high stakes and the need for precision. The Dodgers’ ability to execute under pressure was evident as they navigated key moments with composure. The game’s turning point came in the fifth inning when a costly error by Braves rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis allowed the Dodgers to seize control. Jarvis, who had made a diving catch earlier in the game, misfired on a throw to second base, placing Miguel Rojas in a favorable position. Three batters later, Shohei Ohtani delivered a two-out ground-rule double to plate the go-ahead run, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch situations.#atlanta_braves #los_angeles_dodgers #freddie_freeman #dodger_stadium #chris_sale
Freddie Freeman Hits 100th Career Home Run as Dodgers Defeat Braves in High-Profile Series Freddie Freeman reached a career milestone on Friday night, hitting his 100th home run as a member of the Dodgers to help secure a 3-1 victory over the Braves at Dodger Stadium. The solo home run in the sixth inning provided an important insurance run for the Dodgers, who were looking to build momentum as they opened a high-profile series against an Atlanta team arriving in Los Angeles with a 26-12 record, tied with the Cubs for the best in MLB. Freeman’s milestone came against his former club, the Braves, whom he had played for during his first 12 seasons. With the home run off Chris Sale, he now has six home runs and a .977 OPS against the Braves since joining the Dodgers. Freeman described the swing that produced the home run as one he hadn’t executed in a month, emphasizing that his recent adjustments had paid off. “To put a swing like that … obviously, my work has been better the last few days,” he said. The mechanical tweak involved a foot turn in his stance during the previous series in Houston, which helped keep his hip closed and allowed the ball to travel deeper into the strike zone. Freeman noted that this change was a departure from his usual approach, which had focused on mental and external adjustments. “I've always done little tweaks mentally [and] externally. This time, I just did a foot turn. … I've thought sometimes, you got to think differently up in the box. And I went with a foot turn, and it's worked.” Manager Dave Roberts praised Freeman’s willingness to adapt, calling it a positive sign for the veteran’s growth. “It is good for me to see him kind of change some things,” Roberts said. “He’s a smart player and understanding that at some point in a career, you’ve got to make some adjustments.#freddie_freeman #dodgers #dodger_stadium #emmet_sheehan #braves
Marlins vs Dodgers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to win their series finale against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium, according to expert analysis. The game, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, will feature two of baseball’s top pitchers in Tyler Glasnow for the Dodgers and Sandy Alcantara for the Marlins. The expert prediction leans heavily toward the Dodgers, with a run line pick of -1.5 at -108 odds, while the over/under total is set at 8.5 with the over line at +100. The Dodgers’ run line pick is based on their strong performance against Glasnow, who has been dominant this season. Glasnow, with a 2.45 ERA, has pitched effectively in two afternoon starts, including an eight-inning shutout against the Giants. His 1.29 ERA in those outings and his ability to neutralize the Marlins’ lineup make him a key factor in the Dodgers’ favor. The team has provided Glasnow with solid run support, covering the run line in three of his five starts, including a 3-0 shutout. The Marlins, meanwhile, rely on Alcantara, who has a 3.05 ERA but has struggled on the road. His 7.50 ERA in two starts away from Miami highlights his vulnerability, particularly against the Dodgers’ lineup. The Dodgers have hit .324 against Alcantara in 105 at-bats, with players like Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernandez performing well. This matchup is expected to favor the Dodgers, who have a history of scoring runs against Alcantara. The over/under total of 8.5 is supported by historical trends, as seven of the last eight meetings between the teams have gone over the total. The only Under result since 2024 was a 2-1 game on Monday, which is seen as an outlier.#los_angeles_dodgers #miami_marlins #freddie_freeman #sandy_alcantara #tyler_glasnow
Dodgers Return to Toronto for World Series Rematch The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a highly anticipated series in Toronto, marking a rematch of the 2025 World Series. The matchup carries significant weight, as the Dodgers, who recently secured their second consecutive championship, return to the same venue where they clinched the title in a dramatic Game 7. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are eager to reclaim their footing after a challenging start to the season. The Dodgers enter the series with a strong 7-2 record, leading the National League West. Their recent performance has been a stark contrast to earlier concerns about their offensive capabilities. Over the past week, the team has found its rhythm, culminating in a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals. This surge has solidified their identity as a potent lineup capable of sustained production. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star, has become a key asset, contributing both as a pitcher and hitter. His presence has allowed the team to maintain balance, even when he isn’t the focal point. Freddie Freeman continues to anchor the offense with timely hits and extra-base power, while the depth of the roster has emerged as a critical factor. Players like Andy Pages and role contributors have stepped up in meaningful moments, helping the Dodgers navigate close games with patience and resilience. The pitching staff has also played a vital role in supporting the offense. While not without flaws, the starters have kept games within reach, and the bullpen has minimized damage in critical situations. The Dodgers’ ability to absorb setbacks and adapt has been evident, particularly in their Sunday comeback win. They overcame a five-run deficit by building innings and creating pressure, rather than relying on a single swing.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #toronto_blue_jays #freddie_freeman #mookie_betts
MLB Top-10 First Basemen 2026: Freddie Freeman Ranked No. 1 By The Shredder Freddie Freeman has been named the top first baseman by MLB Network’s The Shredder for the third straight season and the sixth time in his career. The 36-year-old remains a key figure in the 2026 rankings, despite a slightly subdued performance in 2025. He posted a .295 batting average with a .367 on-base percentage and .502 slugging mark, accumulating 39 doubles, 24 home runs, and 90 RBIs across 147 games. His postseason heroics continued with a walk-off home run in the 18th inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, showcasing his clutch ability. Since the 2022 season, Freeman’s 149 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) leads all first basemen with at least 1,000 plate appearances over that span. However, he has not reached a .300 batting average or .900 on-base plus slugging since 2023. Recent injuries have impacted his production, but he is now fully recovered and received praise from Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts during Spring Training. Freeman, entering his fifth season with the Dodgers, has expressed a strong desire to conclude his career with the team. “I would like that, yeah,” Freeman said earlier this year. “I love being here. I’m from Southern California. I’ve had a great time. The fans, you guys treat me great. Everyone’s treating my family good. So that’s out of my control. I’m not worried about another contract, not going to bring it up, not going to talk about it. I got two years left. I’m just an employee. I just do my job, and if they want me back, they want me back. But I think Andrew and everyone know that I love being here. So whatever happens, happens.#los_angeles_dodgers #toronto_blue_jays #freddie_freeman #dave_roberts #the_shredder
Chelsea Freeman's Denim Look Steals Spotlight on Opening Night Chelsea Freeman, wife of Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, made headlines with her bold custom denim outfit as the team kicked off the 2024 season. The fashion-forward look, featuring a Western-style denim design with the team's logo, quickly became a social media sensation. The couple’s dynamic continued as the Dodgers secured an 8-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking the start of their championship campaign. Freddie Freeman, a three-time World Series champion and former MVP, went 0-4 in his debut game, but the focus remained on the team’s collective effort. Chelsea’s outfit, which she shared online, was described as a major hit, drawing comparisons to her previous standout appearances. Last season, she made waves with a striking blue custom look that outshone even the wife of star player Shohei Ohtani. Her fashion choices have consistently been a highlight, from her dramatic appearance at the Dodgers’ World Series parade to her bold styling during the team’s celebratory events. The denim look, posted just hours before Friday’s game, featured Chelsea posing with her and Freddie’s three sons alongside “WANTED” posters and a sleek, customized design. She captioned the post, “Our favorite season begins! 💙⚾️ #OpeningDay #5,” signaling the start of the regular season. The outfit is expected to generate buzz at the newly renamed Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, where fans and media will be watching closely. Chelsea’s fashion-forward approach has already set the tone for the season, with her style becoming a topic of conversation among sports fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.#los_angeles_dodgers #freddie_freeman #dodger_stadium #chelsea_freeman #uniqlo_field
How many future Hall of Famers are playing in the 2026 WBC? The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a star-studded lineup of players who are already being discussed as potential Hall of Fame inductees. While some iconic names from past tournaments are absent, the competition includes a mix of current legends and rising stars. The event will serve as a stage for players who have already made their mark in the sport and are now poised to join baseball’s most revered ranks. Among the notable absences are Freddie Freeman, who opted out of the tournament after previously representing Canada, and Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa, who were unable to secure injury insurance. Lindor’s injury to his hamate bone further complicated Puerto Rico’s roster, leaving a gap in their lineup. Meanwhile, the United States team has added exciting first-time participants like Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, both of whom are already being considered for Cooperstown. The tournament will see several players who are already on the short list for the Hall of Fame. These athletes are categorized into tiers based on their likelihood of induction, with Tier 1 players being the most certain to be enshrined. Clayton Kershaw, now retired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, will make his WBC debut, though his role is expected to be ceremonial. Shohei Ohtani, though not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame, is a lock due to his historic achievements, including four MVP Awards. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ star, is already being discussed as a future Hall of Famer. Despite starting his career later and facing injuries, his high WAR numbers and consistent performance have solidified his place among the elite. Manny Machado, representing the Dominican Republic, has accumulated over 61.#world_baseball_classic #freddie_freeman #francisco_lindor #carlos_correa #clayton_kershaw
