Braves grand slam gives Dodgers 5-3 loss

The Dodgers’ reign over the Braves is over. For the first time since 2015, LA lost a 3-game series to Atlanta.

Tony Gonsolin looked great on the mound for the Dodgers, but it was Dustin May who let the game slip out of reach in the 5-3 loss to Atlanta.

The Dodgers got off to a great start when Cody Bellinger smacked home run No. 42 to give the team a 3-0 lead with one out in the first inning.

Unbeknownst to them at the time, this was the only time the Dodgers scored in this game. From the second inning onward, the Dodgers only got four hits and one walk and it didn’t seem so bad until the Braves started getting a little thing going.

Gonsolin, who was recalled hours before he was set to start, went four innings and only allowed one run on five hits while striking out five batters. The cat-loving pitcher almost found himself in a jam in the third when opposing pitcher Max Fried and Ronald Acuña were on the corners with no outs. Acuña attempted to steal second, as one does, and Will Smith denied the advance. That was the end of the Braves’ third inning threat.

After Pedro Báez pitched a scoreless fifth inning, May came out to make his first relief appearance. He started the sixth inning and loaded the bases with one out. Then (I cringe saying it), Rafael Ortega hit a grand slam on a 1-2 pitch. It meant the Braves went from being down two runs to being up two runs. The score held until the end of the game, delivering the Dodgers a big L.

Even though May did make a mistake, the movement of his pitches are insane. He’ll settle down before the regular season is over.

Kenley Jansen’s eighth inning appearance was the only time the Braves went down in order. They were able to get someone on in every other inning.

The Dodgers went 3-3 in their road trip and are probably happy to head back home where they do their best work.

Sunday particulars

WP: Anthony Swarzak (3-3), 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

LP: Dustin May (1-2), 2.0 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

SV: Mark Melancon (4), 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 K

Home runs: Cody Bellinger (42), Rafael Ortega (1)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers have a Monday off as they head home to start a 6-game home stand. First up will be a 3-game series against the Blue Jays. First pitch on Tuesday is at 7:10 p.m. PT.