Freddie Freeman homers as Dodgers beat Chris Sale, Braves in marquee matchup

Time will tell if this weekend’s series is a postseason preview. But Friday night certainly had the feel of a playoff game. On one side, the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers .

On the other, a red-hot Atlanta Braves squad that arrived in Los Angeles tied for the most early-season wins in the majors. Both teams possess high-powered offenses, with the Braves leading baseball in runs scored and the Dodgers topping all clubs in OPS. Time will tell if this weekend’s series is a postseason preview.

AP Both teams have talented pitching staffs, the Dodgers ranking second in ERA and the Braves led by former Cy Young winner Chris Sale. AP Both teams have talented pitching staffs, the Dodgers ranking second in ERA and the Braves led by former Cy Young winner Chris Sale . On Friday, both turned one spectacular defensive play after another on top of all that.

But in the end, the Dodgers did what they usually do in high-profile matchups, grinding out a 3-1 win to take the opening contest in this three-game set. This one was decided on the margins, ultimately coming down to one costly mistake and one big swing. With the score tied 1-1 in the fifth inning, Braves rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis –– fresh off a stunning diving catch in the bottom of the fourth and his first career hit in the top of the fifth –– airmailed a throw into the dugout that put Miguel Rojas on second base.