A matchup of two starting pitchers just back from the injured list went in favor of the Atlanta Braves as the snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers’ winning streak at two games.
The outing was Spencer Strider’s second of the season while Blake Snell made his first start of 2026. Snell had been expected to pitch for Single-A Ontario in another rehab assignment game, but the Dodgers adjusted that plan in the wake of Tyler Glasnow going on the injured list.
Justin Wrobleski remains on track to start Sunday in what’s now the rubber match of the series.
Braves 7, Dodgers 2: key takeaways
Bobby Cox tribute
Former Braves manager Bobby Cox passed away at the age of 84. The Dodgers held a moment of silence in his honor and for Ted Turner before first pitch and Freddie Freeman spoke extensively about the Hall of Fame manager.
“Bobby Cox led one of the greatest eras of sustained excellence in baseball history. As manager of the Braves, his clubs became an October fixture, representing consistency, professionalism, and championship-caliber baseball for an entire generation of fans,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“Through his leadership, eye for talent, and commitment to player development, Bobby helped shape the careers of numerous Hall of Famers and guided the Braves to Atlanta’s first major professional sports championship in 1995. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, the Braves organization, the many players and coaches whose lives he impacted throughout his 29-year managerial career, and Braves fans everywhere.”
Blake Snell’s return
Snell’s 2026 debut immediately got off to a rocky start as the Braves loaded the bases with nobody out in the first inning. Austin Riley’s force out gave Atlanta an early 1-0 lead.
The Braves loaded the bases again in the second inning and Snell nearly worked his way out of the jam but Ozzie Albies dug out a low changeup for a two-run single. A passed ball then proved costly as Matt Olson’s base hit drove in two more runs instead of just one.
Snell allowed five runs (four earned) over just three innings pitched. The Dodgers hoped he would stretch out to five innings. Much of the Braves’ success came on soft contact.
Dodgers shut down
Saturday was nearly the Dodgers’ second shutout loss of the season but Andy Pages hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning.
Strider led the way by allowing just one hit as he collected eight strikeouts over six innings. The Dodgers’ only hit off Strider was Will Smith’s single with two outs in the first inning. Their only other baserunners came via two walks.
The loss was the Dodgers’ first to the Braves in eight games at Dodger Stadium since the 2024 season. It put a damper on Blake Snell bobblehead night.
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