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

Picked to be a surprising Game 1 starter over fellow lefty Clayton Kershaw, Ryu delivered in his first postseason 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 31/2 months of the season with a groin strain and returned Aug. 15 to post a 1.88 ERA in 522/3 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 postseason. The defending NL champions actually were outhit 6-5, but the Braves only got singles.

Game 2 in the best-of-five matchup is Friday at Dodger Stadium, with Kershaw starting against Anibal Sanchez.

The Braves have lost eight straight series openers in the postseason. They haven’t won a Game 1 since 2001.

Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. struck out twice and went 0-for-4 as the Baby Braves were blanked. This was the Braves’ first playoff appearance since 2013, when they lost to the Dodgers in four games.

Joc Pederson’s homer in the bottom of the first rattled Mike Foltynewicz in his postseason debut.

Foltynewicz gave up four runs and three hits in two innings. He struck out five and walked two. He got out of a two-out, bases-loaded jam in the first by striking out Yasiel Puig.

Foltynewicz found trouble again in the second.

With two outs, he hit Pederson and walked Justin Turner before Muncy sent a 1-0 pitch over the wall in center, making it 4-0.