Title: Max Fried Dominates as Braves Secure Back-to-Back Wins Against Dodgers
Date: September 2, 2023
The Atlanta Braves extended their winning streak with a 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, clinching their second consecutive win in LA. Max Fried delivered an exceptional performance on the mound, complemented by the Braves’ potent offense that showcased their home run prowess.
Fried showcased his brilliance throughout the game, pitching for a total of seven shutout innings. He notched a season-high 10 strikeouts, surrendering only three hits and two walks. The Dodgers struggled to get their runners into scoring position until the seventh inning, a testament to Fried’s dominant performance.
In a slight change of strategy, Fried and catcher Travis d’Arnaud opted for traditional signs instead of utilizing the PitchCom device. Fried appeared more deliberate on the mound, utilizing the pitch clock’s allotted time between throws. While his results have been satisfactory since returning from the injured list, Fried’s recent performances hinted at a slight rust as he rebuilt stamina. However, in Friday evening’s game, spectators were treated to the full Max Fried experience.
The scoring commenced in the second inning when Travis d’Arnaud launched a solo homer down the left field line, giving the Braves an early 1-0 lead. Although the Braves had runners in scoring position with Michael Harris at the plate, an ill-advised steal attempt by Eddie Rosario was thwarted by an impressive catch and tag from Dodgers catcher Will Smith. Nevertheless, the Braves avoided any potential consequences from the base running error.
Ronald Acuña Jr., who had become the game’s first player to reach 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases the previous night, played a pivotal role again. Acuña smashed another home run in the third inning, extending the Braves’ lead to 2-0. He also contributed a double and a stolen base, increasing his season total to an impressive 63 stolen bases.
In the fourth inning, Marcell Ozuna continued his hot streak, launching a home run of his own. The Braves added two more runs in the fifth inning and another in the eighth through an Eddie Rosario single, pushing the score to 6-0 in their favor.
However, the eighth inning witnessed some peculiar developments. Braves pitcher Pierce Johnson, who had been performing exceptionally well since the trade deadline, faced some misfortune when Ozzie Albies bobbled what should have been an out. This allowed two Dodgers runners on base. To the surprise of many, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts inexplicably pulled key players Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman from the game. Pinch hitter Kolten Wong capitalized on the opportunity, hitting a home run barely clearing the right field wall, bringing the score to 6-3. Johnson allowed two more runners before being replaced by Michael Tonkin, who prevented further damage with a timely strikeout.
In the ninth inning, Kirby Yates closed the game without any drama. Raisel Iglesias, who had pitched in the past three nights, was unavailable but was not needed as the Braves secured the victory.
With the win, the Braves improved their record to an impressive 89-45 for the season. At the very least, they have split the series in Los Angeles and have won seven out of their first eight games on this West Coast road trip.
The series will continue on Saturday night in Los Angeles, where Braves pitcher Bryce Elder is set to face a Dodgers bullpen game. Elder has faced struggles in the second half of the season, sporting a 4.78 ERA across eight starts. Although Dave Roberts is yet to announce the Dodgers’ starter, it is expected to involve a combination of bullpen arms covering the early and middle innings. The first pitch is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. ET, an hour earlier than usual.