The Los Angeles Dodgers watched Freddie Freeman apply pressure to the Atlanta Braves while moving closer to postseason history held by Houston Astros legend Jose Altuve on Sunday.

Freeman drove a 375-foot home run over the right-field wall, creating an eruption inside Chavez Ravine and adding another important postseason moment to his remarkable career.

The home run was Freeman’s 13th during the postseason that either tied a game or gave his team the lead. He needs one more to equal Altuve’s record.

According to Sarah Langs from MLB.com, Freeman ranks second in postseason history with 13 game-tying or go-ahead home runs, trailing only Altuve, who has 14.

“Freddie Freeman now has 13 postseason home runs that have been either game-tying or go-ahead That’s second-most in postseason history behind Jose Altuve’s 14,” Langs wrote.

Freeman delivered against Atlanta relief pitcher Dylan Lee in the fourth inning. Working with a 2-2 count, he connected with a slider that exceeded 86 mph and sent it beyond the right-field wall.

The home run tied the game at 1-1 and provided Los Angeles with a needed offensive response during Game 2 of the National League Division Series. 

The Dodgers, however, experienced difficulty generating offense throughout the matchup between two proud franchises and lost 3-2. The series is now tied 1-1. Atlanta is attempting to capture its third World Series, but must overcome the team that has won the last two. 

Freeman played an instrumental role in both of those Los Angeles World Series runs and remains determined to add another ring. He also helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series before eventually joining the Dodgers.

His latest home run placed him closer to postseason history owned by Altuve, another accomplished player who understands how to succeed on MLB’s biggest stage.

Freeman is 3-for-7 (.429) with one home run, one RBI and one run scored in two games during the series.

Freeman’s value extends beyond his ability to drive the baseball. His preparation, patience and understanding of important situations allow him to remain dangerous when pitchers have little margin for error.

He does not allow a difficult count to force him away from his approach. Against Lee, Freeman stayed prepared for a pitch he could handle and responded when the opportunity arrived.

His experience also gives the Dodgers a steady presence when postseason pressure increases. Freeman has participated in important games for two organizations, faced elite pitchers and delivered for teams carrying World Series expectations.

That history does not guarantee success, but it allows him to recognize what those moments demand. He remains controlled at the plate, trusts his preparation and refuses to let the situation become larger than the assignment.

Freeman also brings accountability and competitive urgency to the Dodgers. He understands that one quality swing can alter an entire game, particularly when offense is difficult to produce.

His home run against Atlanta demonstrated this. Los Angeles needed a response, and Freeman supplied it against his former team while moving within reach of a postseason record from Altuve.