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In a critical Divisional Game 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Atlanta Braves had to depend on a bullpen that’s not at full strength to avoid being down 2-0 .
Just as they did when they closed the Wildcard series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the “pitching by committee” bullpen displayed a strong performance in their 3-2 win.
Walt Weiss was ecstatic about the pitching despite not being at full strength.
“Look, yesterday we talked about our pen being not at full strength and not chasing — not being in position to chase a game from behind yesterday,” stated Weiss. “I think losing the way we did yesterday allowed us to do what we did tonight and gain the split.”
Ray Kerr started his second playoff game in his career, and just as he did in Game 3 of the Wildcard game, he had another impactful start, going 2 2/3 innings with four strikeouts, allowing two hits and a walk.
The Braves used six pitchers, highlighted by Didi Fuentes.
Fuentes retired 11 straight batters until giving up a home run in the ninth inning to Max Muncy. The 21-year old pitched 3 2/3 innings, although that wasn’t quite the plan from the beginning.
“It wasn’t the plan, believe me. I was thinking I’ve got to get the last four innings between him and [Raisel] Iglesias,” said Weiss. “To be honest with you, I thought it would probably be most likely two and two, but Didi was throwing the ball so well, I didn’t want to mess with that.”
Michael Harris II was also a hero in this game as he scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning after hitting a triple and scoring off of a wild pitch. He also doubled in Matt Olson for the insurance run in the seventh inning. Harris was a home run short of the cycle.
Atlanta has bounced back numerous times during the season when their back was against the wall, and tonight was no different.
“I think it means a lot to obviously overcome what happened yesterday, not winning the game,” stated Harris. “Going back to Atlanta and potentially hand the ball off to either [Tyler] Mahle or [Chris] Sale. I think that gives us confidence and motivation to come back with some momentum.”
Chris Sale will be the starter for Game 3 at Truist Park, and after splitting the first two games in Los Angeles, there is no better way to take control of the series than to have your ace on the mound at home.
The Braves look to build on this momentum, and with the fans behind them, it should give Atlanta the boost they need to keep it going.
