The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers played an entertaining first act at Dodger Stadium and now continue their four-game series in a showdown of National League heavyweights.
The Braves’ win on Thursday night guaranteed they won’t be caught by the Dodgers in the standings regardless of how the remaining three games unfold. It also prevented the Dodgers from tying their all-time record for most wins in a calendar month, as they instead settled for the most in Los Angeles franchise history with 24.
As the Dodgers try to carry some of that momentum into September, Julio Urías also is trying to rebound from what turned into a rough outing his last time out. He struggled to put hitters away and gave up three home runs while taking the loss.
Working in Urías’ favor is he’s been much better at Dodger Stadium than on the road this season, pitching to a 2.30 ERA over 10 starts. The left-hander nonetheless faces a tall order in containing a Braves lineup that leads baseball in most statistical categories.
Urías is opposed by Max Fried, who is making his sixth start since getting activated off the 60-day injured list. The Southern California native enters 5-1 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
Fried has allowed three earned runs or fewer in his last three starts. He sees a Dodgers lineup that primarily includes right-handed position players but is backed by Kolten Wong being among those available off the bench.
Along with selecting Wong’s contract, the Dodgers recalled Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A Oklahoma City for their expanded roster.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
DH: Amed Rosario
LF: Chris Taylor
3B: Max Muncy
2B: Kiké Hernández
CF: James Outman
SS: Miguel Rojas
Braves lineup
RF: Ronald Acuña Jr.
2B: Ozzie Albies
3B: Austin Riely
1B: Matt Olson
DH: Marcell Ozuna
C: Travis d’Arnaud
LF: Eddie Rosario
SS: Orlando Arcia
CF: Michael Harris II
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