Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Series Recap

by TonyAlmeyda on Sep 5, 2011 10:00 AM EDT in Series Previews & Recaps

The Braves ran into a hot team this weekend. The Dodgers had won nine of 10 entering the series and very nearly swept the Braves. They showed just how hot they had been with the way they won.

Brandon Beachy had a decent outing on Friday with nothing to show for it. He left the game with the lead, but Arodys Vizcaino gave up four straight hits and the Dodgers never looked back. This is the first time in his young career that Vizcaino has really been knocked around, but he'll bounce back.

Both teams Saturday had base runners all over the place and couldn't score, but only L.A. managed to push any across. Is it just me, or does it seem like the Braves have games like that at least once a week?

Sunday's win was notable for a few reasons. First of all, it ended with Martin Prado's fourth game-winning hit of his career. It also marked Jack Wilson's first start with the Braves; he was 1-for-4 and played third base. He made his debut in Friday's game and struck out as a pinch-hitter. He should add some quality depth to the Braves bench. Also, it marked the major-league debut of 27-year-old Antoan Richardson. On top of that, he smacked his first major-league hit on the very first pitch he saw.

Matt Diaz had two hits in Sunday's game. Since his return to Atlanta, Diaz is 5-for-8. We love our caveman!

Meanwhile, Jason Heyward continues to struggle. He was 0-for-7 in the series and has only two multi-hit games since August started, both of which have come in his last 10 games.

However, Alex Gonzalez was on base seven times in the series (four hits, three walks). This is mind-boggling considering he usually struggles to get on base that much in a week. When he walked twice in Saturday's game, it was the first time he had done that since June 14 last year. He drew as many walks in the series as he did the entire month of August.

Dan Uggla continues to amaze. He hit two home runs in the series, bringing his season total to 32. His high is 33 set last year, so he could very easily pass that mark by the end of the season. Considering how much he struggled to start the season, that makes his home run total even more impressive.

The Braves are 7.5 games behind the Phillies in the NL East and 8.5 ahead of St. Louis in the Wild Card.

Have a nice Labor Day!

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frustrating series

we had a chance to win all those games. at least we got one.

by beeswax on Sep 5, 2011 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

all we have to do is tread water

the rest of the regular season and do everything possible to stay healthy

A lot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets, the 2-1....
Twitter: @taymccracken

by ATLBRVS_19 on Sep 5, 2011 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

Don't know about you

but I definitely do not want to face the Brewers in the first round. If we could win the division, I think we miss them… or, we could hope that somehow the Phils and some other teams beat them up a little, while the DBacks keep doing what they are doing. I’d much rather face them in the first round than the Brewers.

Also, I think “smacked” is a little misleading for Antoan’s hit. I found his description, “a bleeder,” to be more accurate. “Smacked” sounds like he really got a hold of one.

by atlbravosfan on Sep 5, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't care who we face

so long as we can get at least one of Hanson or Jurrjens healthy, because if we don’t have at least one of them, its going to be a short postseason ride.

It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.

by thenightstallion on Sep 5, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Healthy and pitching to their abilty, yes. Able to take the mound, no thanks.

7/17-8/30 Jurrjens 7 G / 41.1 ip / 27 er / Braves go 4-3

7/16-8/6 Hanson 5 G / 26.2 ip / 24 er / Braves go 2-3

8/7-9/3 Minor 5 G / 28.1 ip / 11 er / Braves go 4-1

Granted, Minor is inexperienced. But I’d rather go with him as the 4th starter than either Jurrjens or Hanson at this point in time. Thank goodness we have a few weeks and hopefully things change. I’m real interested in hearing what Dr Steadmon told Jair yesterday. Sounds like Hanson is slowly progressing. But there’s a big difference in able to pitch and their early season ability to pitch.

Pre-All Star break Jurrjens/Hanson would be great to have. I’m not sure we want the Sept/Oct version.

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Sep 5, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

the division is done if any of this series gets rained out which is quite possible.

the best option to avoid the Brewers is to just have the DBacks catch the Brewers which is quite possible. although that then sort of depends on the Giants. if they stop winning, the Dbacks might just put it in cruise control depending on how badly they want to try to avoid the Phillies in the DS.

by nuftjedi on Sep 5, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Uggla only hits solo homeruns. He is not clutch.

by !Vive la Francoeur! on Sep 5, 2011 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

Dont know if you noticed

But no one has been clutch lately or for most of the year. That has been our problem. At least he is driving in one run.

by MikeJolly on Sep 5, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

True, but...

Some of that falls on the guys in front of him too. It seems like he’s up a lot with the bases empty. Plus, with nobody on base the opposing pitchers aren’t as concerned with making a perfect pitch. They don’t mind if he hits a solo shot, it’s the 3-run shots that kill.

by DBelt on Sep 5, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions