Dodgers Defeat Braves Backed By Kershaw’s Dominance
The Dodgers and Braves were back at it again on Friday night in Atlanta for game two of their four-game series. Clayton Kershaw took the hill for Los Angeles facing off against Mike Foltynewicz. Folty has been one of the best pitchers in the national league this year.
The Dodgers win, 4-1. They are 58-46. It was quite the evening for Clayton Kershaw. He pitched into the eighth for the first time in 2018. He also reached base, oddly enough, in all four of his plate appearances.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 28, 2018
The Defense
Clayton Kershaw headlined this one, pitching one of the most dominant games he’s tossed this year. He went 7.2 innings and allowed just one earned run. He also struck out eight Braves in the process. What’s more impressive was his pitch count. He threw 101 pitches despite nearly going eight full innings.
Kenley Jansen came in and closed out the game, tossing 1.1 innings of his own. Kenley was perfect in this one, as he struck out two. He earned his 30th save of the season, leading the National League.
The Offense
Alex Verdugo kicked off the scoring in the top of the third with his very first home run of the year. Grandal followed up with a home run of his own, a solo shot to take the lead in the top of the fourth. Grandal is now hitting 407 in the month of July with FIVE home runs.
Kershaw was the star of the offense as well on Friday night, reaching base in all four at bats. He walked three times an had a pivotal two-run single in the fourth.
Looking Ahead
Alex Wood will take the mound against his former team on Saturday evening, facing off against lefty Max Fried. Fried is coming off of his worst outing of the year in Milwaukee, where he allowed four runs in just three innings of work. Alex Wood’s last outing was also against Milwaukee, where he allowed two earned runs in six innings.
Worth noting: Freddie Freeman owns a career average of 545 in 11 at-bats against Wood.
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