The Los Angeles Dodgers face the Atlanta Braves today in Game 3 of the 2026 National League Division Series, with the best-of-five playoff matchup tied 1-1.
That makes Game 3 one of the most important games of the series. The winner will take a 2-1 NLDS lead and move within one victory of advancing to the 2026 National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Here’s what happens if the Dodgers win, lose or are tied with the Braves today.
What Happens If the Dodgers Win vs Braves?
If the Dodgers beat the Braves in Game 3, Los Angeles will:
- Take a 2-1 lead in the NLDS.
- Move one victory away from the NLCS.
- Have an opportunity to eliminate Atlanta in Game 4.
- Avoid facing elimination themselves in the next game.
A Dodgers victory would put Los Angeles in control of the best-of-five series and give the team two opportunities to earn the one additional win needed to advance.
What Happens If the Dodgers Lose vs Braves?
If the Dodgers lose Game 3, Atlanta will take a 2-1 series lead.
That would put Los Angeles in an elimination situation for Game 4.
The Dodgers would then need to win Game 4 to keep their season alive and force a decisive Game 5. If Atlanta also wins Game 4, the Braves would win the NLDS 3-1 and advance to the NLCS.
If Los Angeles wins Game 4 after losing Game 3, the series would be tied 2-2 and move to a winner-take-all Game 5 at Dodger Stadium.
What Happens If Dodgers vs Braves Is Tied?
There are no ties in MLB postseason games.
If the Dodgers and Braves are tied after nine innings, Game 3 will continue into extra innings until one team wins.
Unlike the regular season, MLB’s automatic runner rule is not used during the postseason, meaning extra innings begin without a runner automatically placed at second base.
Therefore, there are only two possible final outcomes: a Dodgers win or a Braves win.
Dodgers vs Braves Game 3 Scenarios
Dodgers win: Los Angeles leads the NLDS 2-1 and moves one victory away from the NLCS.
Dodgers lose: Atlanta leads the NLDS 2-1, and Los Angeles faces elimination in Game 4.
Game tied after nine innings: The game continues into extra innings until a winner is determined.
Why Dodgers vs Braves Game 3 Is So Important
With the series tied 1-1, Game 3 represents a major turning point.
The winner gets to play Game 4 knowing it can clinch a spot in the NLCS, while the loser must win Game 4 simply to extend its season.
For the Dodgers, a victory would provide a chance to finish the series without needing a decisive Game 5. A loss would immediately put Los Angeles’ season on the line.
Dodgers vs Braves Game 3: Where to Watch
Matchup: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves
Series: 2026 National League Division Series
Game: Game 3
Series status: Tied 1-1
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
What’s Next?
If the Dodgers win Game 3, they can eliminate the Braves and advance to the NLCS with another victory in Game 4.
If Atlanta wins, the situation flips: the Braves can clinch the series in Game 4, while the Dodgers will need a victory to force Game 5.
Either way, Game 3 guarantees that one team will finish the night just one win away from the 2026 NLCS.