Dodgers 2, Braves 1: BUMP

The Dodgers took their second consecutive 10-inning game in Atlanta on Thursday.

The Dodgers played another extremely frustrating game on Thursday, as Clayton Kershaw struggled* and the offense left 13 runners on base.

*This is important to clarify. Kershaw struggling is not like other pitchers struggling. Kershaw labored through some innings and allowed 10 hits, which he hasn’t done since last April. However, a struggling Kershaw still went eight innings and struck out 10. I can’t recall which of the Dodgers’ play-by-play guys said it, but watching this Kershaw is as impressive as watching no-hit stuff Kershaw. For him to clearly not be at his best and still shove is marvelous.

The Braves scored in the first after the first two batters of the game drilled back-to-back doubles. The Braves then loaded the bases in the second and had runners in scoring position in the fourth, sixth and eighth, all against Kershaw. Yet, only the one run scored off him. He got some help from his defense (namely, Chase Utley and Adrian Gonzalez) and got hurt by his defense at times (Trayce Thompson, A.J. Ellis), but he gave the Dodgers a great chance to win.

The Dodger bats were quiet for the most part against Matt Wisler. They too scored in the first after a throwing error by Braves’ third baseman Adonis Garcia put Corey Seager on. Seager stole second and scored on an RBI single by birthday boy Joc Pederson.

The Dodgers had ample opportunities to score, but failed to do so most of the night. Their best/scariest opportunity came in the seventh when Clayton Kershaw, who hit a two-out double (ruled an error after a collision in the outfield), tried to score from second on a single by Seager. The play at the plate was close and went to a review, and though he looked safe the umps stuck with the call on the field, which was out. Kershaw needs to never slide into home and take a hard tag like he did ever again.

Chris Hatcher relieved Kershaw after his eight innings and threw another perfect inning to get the game into extras. Much like Wednesday’s contest, the Dodgers broke the tie in the tenth. This time, Enrique Hernandez hit a one-out single and was driven home on a booming double to the left-center gap by Yasmani Grandal. Jansen allowed a double and the tying run got to third, but he got Freddy Freeman to fly out to give the Dodgers their 10th win of the season and their fourth series win in five series.

The Dodgers head out to Coors Field to start a three game weekend set against the Rockies. My general rule for Coors Field is that any series that doesn’t result in a major injury to a key player should count as a win.