The Atlanta Braves are looking to even the series up with the Los Angeles Dodgers after falling victim to start Clayton Kershaw in Game 1. The former Cy Young winner tossed 12 strikeouts in seven innings as the Dodgers took the win 6-1 in Atlanta. Kris Medlen was pulled in the fifth innings after giving up five runs early in the game. Now Atlanta will bank on left-hander Mike Minor to help avoid an 0-2 hole.
The Dodgers have struggled against lefties so far this season, going 26-27 over the year. Minor is 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA in one of his best seasons of his young career. However, he finished the year 0-4 in five starts. That is not exactly the momentum the Braves are looking for in a crucial game, but Minor has all the confidence in the world.
"I think the biggest thing tomorrow is going to be nerves, trying to settle myself down and have a good first inning, throw strikes, and get my breaking stuff working early on," Minor said, via ESPN.com.
Riding high off a strong Game 1, the Dodgers will send Zack Greinke to the mound to try and keep the lead. In his final 12 starts of the season, the right-hander recorded a 1.58 ERA, the second best only to Kershaw's ERA. He only faced the Braves once, but pulled out a 5-0 victory after going seven innings.
Atlanta will need to fix their issues at the plate if they are going to compete with the Dodgers and not lose their fifth-straight postseason appearance. Atlanta went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, hitting just five singles all night. Manager Fredi Gonzalez notes the Braves missed out on too many opportunities throughout the game and need to get more players on base to win.
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