Dodgers hit 3 homers to beat Braves 6-0 in series opener

LOS ANGELES — Hyun-Jin Ryu pitched seven dominant innings, Max Muncy hit an early, three-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 6-0 in their NL Division Series opener on Thursday.

Picked a surprising Game 1 starter over fellow lefty Clayton Kershaw, Ryu delivered in his first post-season start since 2014. The South Korean allowed four singles — all with two outs — struck out eight and walked none.

The 31-year-old Ryu missed 3 1/2 months of the season with a groin strain and returned Aug. 15 to post a 1.88 ERA in 52 2/3 innings. Dodgers great Sandy Koufax was among those who gave Ryu a standing ovation as he walked to the dugout after his final pitch.

The Dodgers set franchise and National League records by hitting 235 homers during the regular season, and their tear continued with three more to begin their playoffs.

The defending NL champions actually were outhit 6-5 by Atlanta, but the Braves only got singles.

Game 2 in the best-of-five is tonight at Dodger Stadium, with Kershaw starting for Los Angeles against Anibal Sanchez.

The Braves have lost eight straight series openers in the post-season. They haven’t won a Game 1 since 2001 when they went on to sweep Houston in the NLDS.

Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. struck out twice and went 0-for-4 as the Baby Braves were blanked. This was Atlanta’s first playoff appearance since 2013.