The Los Angeles Dodgers struggled to get any offense going against Max Fried and it led to their seven-game winning streak being snapped in a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves that was closed out by Kenley Jansen in his first time pitching as a visitor at Dodger Stadium.
In what was his best start of the season, Fried held the Dodgers to two hits and collected eight strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. He was followed by Tyler Matzek, who allowed L.A.’s only run on an RBI groundout.
That set the stage for Jansen’s first save opportunity against his former team. The right-hander received a mixed reception from the fans in attendance as he initially was booed and then cheered after being announced as the pitcher.
Jansen promptly retired the side in order on 12 pitches to record his 186th career save at Dodger Stadium. His last out fittingly came by retiring Freddie Freeman, who also was playing his former team.
“It’s definitely different,” Chris Taylor said of seeing Jansen pitch for the Braves. “I was wondering if they were going to play ‘California Love’ for him. He had his best stuff tonight, for sure. We knew he was going to be amped up for this one.”
Manager Dave Roberts, who previously expressed hope that Dodgers fans would welcome Jansen with cheers, agreed with Taylor’s sentiment. “It was different seeing him come out of the other ‘pen. He was sharp and really good,” Roberts said.
Dodgers played tribute video for Jansen
Prior to Monday’s series opener, the Dodgers played a special tribute video that highlighted special moments from Jansen’s career. Included were his debut outing, Vin Scully anointing Jansen the best closer in L.A. history, and the Dodgers’ all-time saves leader voicing his love and affection for the franchise that gave him an opportunity.
The video ended with a ‘Thank you, Kenley Jansen,’ and a large standing ovation from Dodgers fans, accompanied by “California Love” playing on the Dodger Stadium speakers one more time.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Roberts and Justin Turner then walked onto the field out to provide Jansen with a few commemorative gifts signifying the first save of his Dodgers career.
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