The Atlanta Braves hit the road, where they have struggled, entering Dodger Stadium to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NL Division Series. Listen to the radio stream as the Braves and Dodgers play for the series lead.
The Dodgers started this series by winning Game 1 soundly. Clayton Kershaw proved human, struggling to find the strike zone. However, the Braves did not take advantage, scoring only one run. Once the game got beyond the fifth, Kershaw settled down and struck out eight of the last nine batters he faced.
On offense, the playoffs did not intimidate Yasiel Puig as the electric rookie singled in his first at-bat and finished the night with a run and two hits. Adrian Gonzalez hit a home run off Kris Medlen, who struggled in his second career postseason start, sending a two-run bomb beyond the reach of Jason Heyward. Mark and A.J. Ellis also finished with two hits each as the Dodgers controlled the scoreboard and smacked around Braves pitching.
Game 2 was closer. The Braves won that game thanks to a huge two-run single from Heyward late in the game. The Braves were leading 2-1 and Heyward's RBI drove in the eventual game-winning run. The Braves showed better discipline at the plate, striking out only six times and drawing three walks against Dodger pitching in Game 2.
Ramirez was immune to Braves pitching, going 3-4 and driving in all three of their runs with a two-run home run and opening the game with an RBI double in the top of the first.
Mike Minor proved solid for the Braves, going 6.1 innings, allowing just one run while striking out five Dodgers.
How will these same hitters help alter the series? Will they be able to get under these fresh pitchers' skins early and distract them from their game plan? Which club will prove more efficient in Game 3?
Click here to listen to ESPN Radio's broadcast of Game 3 of the NLDS between the Braves and Dodgers
