What happened: Atlanta hosted Game 3 of the NLDS with the damage done in the top of the first. Two runners were aboard after an opening error before Freeman, Smith and Ohtani struck out to end the threat.

Why it matters: An opening escape preserved a scoreless start with both rotations under postseason pressure. Retiring the middle of the order without contact reset momentum after the defensive miscue.

What to watch: Watch whether the scoreless opening steadies Sale into the middle innings of Game 3.