A Bold Gamble Pays Off Big
The Atlanta Braves pulled off a risky move that paid off in a huge way. They chose to start a third bullpen pitcher instead of their ace, Chris Sale. The National League Division Series reached a one-game apiece tie thanks to this perfectly executed decision. The team beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium, according to MLB.com. By using Ray Kerr for a second time this postseason, the Braves saved their best arms for later rounds. This smart play keeps Sale ready for Game 3 and Tyler Mahle for Game 4.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knew the fight was hard before the first pitch even happened. He told reporters, “We knew it was going to be a battle; we knew those guys weren’t going to go down,” per MLB.com. The Braves proved him right by holding the potent Dodgers lineup in check. They did not need a full nine innings from a starter to win. The bullpen stepped up and delivered exactly what the team needed to survive on the road.
Kerr’s Journey From Foster Care to the Spotlight
Ray Kerr is the story everyone should be talking about right now. He grew up in foster care and had to work at a 7-Eleven and a movie theater just to get by. He went to junior college and even lost his eligibility for a time before finding his way back. Now he is a key player in the biggest games of the year. Kerr found out he was starting this Sunday morning of the game, according to Fox Sports All Headlines.
His performance was nothing short of amazing. He threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings and retired Shohei Ohtani twice. Derek Jeter praised the young pitcher on the MLB on FOX postgame show. He noted that Kerr did the exact same thing he did against the Phillies, setting a tone for the whole staff.
Looking Ahead to a Battle in Atlanta
The series is now tied up and the momentum has shifted back to the Braves. The team will head back to Atlanta for Game 3 with Chris Sale on the mound. That is a massive advantage for the home team. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted the challenge ahead, stating, “Expecting to see Sale in Game 3. We’ve got our work cut out. Now it’s a three-game series,” per MLB.com. The Dodgers know they cannot take the Braves lightly after this performance.
Max Muncy did cut the deficit in half with a solo shot in the ninth inning. Raisel Iglesias, the Braves closer, entered the game and induced pinch-hitter Josue De Paula to pop out, ending the contest. The bullpen plan worked, and the team is alive and well. The Dodgers have great pitchers, but the Braves have found a way to win without their ace.
