Dodgers Still in Line for Series Win in Atlanta

The Dodgers came up a run and a Ryu short on Wednesday night in Atlanta after the Braves shut down the Dodgers’ offense for most of the game. Not only did the Dodgers lose after a heartbreaking bases loaded rally in the top of the ninth against the flame throwing Craig Kimbrel, but they also lost Hyun-jin Ryu for an unknown amount of time with a right glute injury.

The offense was stagnant for the Dodgers in Game 3, and Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig were both flailing at those sliders down and away. Kemp struck out three times, and Puig struck out four earning him a Golden Sombrero. On the bright side, A.J. Ellis had two hits including a double and Jamey Wright pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball after relieving the injured Ryu.

Roberto Hernandez (6-8, 3.83) vs. Aaron Harang (9-6, 3.31)

Lineup:

Gordon 2B

Puig CF

Gonzalez 1B

Kemp RF

Ethier LF

Uribe 3B

Rojas SS

Butera C

Hernandez P

With a now injured Ryu, it was an even smarter move by Ned Colletti to pick up starting pitcher reinforcements with Roberto Hernandez and Kevin Correia. Hindsight is 20/20, but those two trades could very well help to get the Dodgers into the playoffs down the stretch.

Hernandez will be making his second Dodger start on Thursday morning against the Braves. Even though Hernandez wasn’t involved in the decision and the Dodgers ultimately lost to Milwaukee in his first Dodger start, Hernandez pitched admirably.

Aug 13, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) celebrates the final out with catcher Evan Gattis (24) on a double play during their win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. The Braves won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

He allowed 2 runs on just 3 hits with 5 strikeouts and no walks through 6 innings. For some reason, Don Mattingly lifted him after just 65 pitches. Hernandez has faced Atlanta three times already this season when he was with Philadelphia. He is 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA in those three starts. In his career, he is 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA against the Braves in 4 starts. He’s made just one start at Turner Field, and he somehow won that game even though he allowed 5 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings pitched.

Old friend Aaron Harang has pitched well for Atlanta this season. The Dodgers faced Harang when Atlanta was in Los Angeles last month. Harang wasn’t involved in the decision, and in face he hasn’t had a decision in 5 of his last starts. He allowed 4 runs on 9 hits over 6 innings in the game which the Dodgers won. The big right-hander is 4-6 with a 4.40 ERA against his former team in 12 career starts. Against the Nationals in his last start, Harang allowed 1 run on 7 hits over 7 innings. Adrian Gonzalez is hitting .400 against Harang with 8 hits including 2 doubles and 3 homeruns in 22 plate appearances.

Prediction: Adrian Gonzalez drives in two runs.

Set your alarm and coffee pot for the 9:10 a.m. start. The Dodgers have a great chance of winning 6 of 7 against Atlanta this season which would be just peachy!

Go Blue!