While starting pitching is what propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to three straight wins at SunTrust Park, the Atlanta Braves who flipped the script behind a stellar outing from Sean Newcomb.
He retired the first 15 batters faced before walking Yasiel Puig to lead off the sixth inning. Puig represented the Dodgers’ only baserunner until Chris Taylor ripped a two-out single into left field in the ninth inning.
That marked the end of the road for Newcomb, who threw 134 pitches. His previous career high (40 starts) was 111 pitches.
Newcomb’s start was largely without near-hits, with Manny Machado initially coming closest when he flied out to the fence in center field in the fourth inning. As Newcomb crossed his career high in pitches, he seemingly got stronger.
The southpaw induced a pair of groundouts and ended the eighth inning by striking out Puig. Newcomb was one strike away from history when Taylor pulled a base hit into left field.
Dan Winkler allowed an RBI single to Machado before wrapping up the Braves’ 4-1 victory.
Meanwhile, Ross Stripling labored yet again in what was a short start. He retired the first two batters faced only to allow a base hit to Freddie Freeman, RBI double Nick Markakis, and an RBI double to Kurt Suzuki, putting the Dodgers in an early 2-0 deficit.
Markakis then extended the Braves’ lead with a two-run home run in the third inning. Stripling allowed the four runs on seven hits, while recording five strikeouts against one walk in just four innings of work.
The loss prevented the Dodgers from sweeping the Braves for the first time since 1991. Kent Mercker resides as the last Braves pitcher to throw a no-hitter, coincidentally accomplishing the feat against the Dodgers, on April 8, 1994.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
