True Blue LA - July 20: Braves 6, Dodgers 3Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2017-07-20T22:01:54-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/157707952017-07-20T22:01:54-07:002017-07-20T22:01:54-07:00Dodgers see win streak halted at home
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<img alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6opxhI6JNDwHfbkKRiWUQUww6gc=/141x0:2369x1485/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55816231/usa_today_10169626.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="3UtnZw">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> had a rare stinker in their return home on Thursday night, falling to the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> 6-3 in the opener of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p id="ILZYBk">Snapped is the 11-game winning streak, as is the seven-game home winning streak for the Dodgers, who suffered their fifth loss in their last 36 games.</p>
<p id="YbdVfp">Atlanta struck first against <span>Brandon McCarthy</span>, with four hits from the first five batters of the game. A single by <span>Freddie Freeman</span> brought home one run, and a ground-rule double by <span>Matt Kemp</span> brought home another.</p>
<p id="SfG4Lr">McCarthy would get hit around later as well, including another RBI single from Freeman in the third inning then a two-run home run by <span>Kurt Suzuki</span> in the fourth. McCarthy allowed six runs on nine hits in just four innings, the third time in his last four starts he failed to last five innings.</p>
<p id="PATWn9">McCarthy’s next start is to be determined, per manager Dave Roberts after the game.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brandon McCarthy had a blister tonight, Dave Roberts said.</p>— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillShaikin/status/888263922016333824">July 21, 2017</a>
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<p id="BZOgTG"><span>Yasmani Grandal</span> hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to pull the Dodgers to within three runs, but that was it against Braves starter <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span>, who struck out five in his 6⅓ innings for the win.</p>
<p id="JZvV4U"><span>Chris Taylor</span> had two more hits on Thursday, his fifth multi-hit game in his last six, and also kept the game relatively close by throwing out <span>Matt Adams</span> at the plate to end the eighth inning.</p>
<p id="42sPSN">Taylor’s four outfield assists lead the Dodgers.</p>
<p id="lTPqRp">Grandal doubled and <span>Austin Barnes</span> walked against old friend <span>Jim Johnson</span> in the ninth inning, but he eventually got <span>Trayce Thompson</span> to pop out to end the game, thanks to a fantastic grab in short right field by second baseman <span>Johan Camargo</span>.</p>
<p id="PRE5TU">The Dodgers have been so locked in that even in their last four losses they have had the tying run to home plate in the seventh, eighth or ninth innings. The last loss in which that happened (or didn’t happen, I suppose) was June 15 in Cleveland.</p>
<p id="aP1n0z">That was 29 games ago.</p>
<h3 id="yE15Tr">Up next</h3>
<p id="kHWKKc">The Dodgers try to start a new streak on Friday, sending undefeated <span>Alex Wood</span> to the mound in the second game of the series. The Braves originally planned to start lefty <span>Jaime Garcia</span>, but <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/7/20/16006718/twins-braves-jaime-garcia-trade-deadline">a rumored near trade to Minnesota has thrown a wrench into those plans</a>. Right-hander <span>Aaron Blair</span> could be on his way up to make the start instead.</p>
<h3 id="UtrCb8">Thursday particulars</h3>
<p id="qsuN6p"><strong>Home runs</strong>: Yasmani Grandal (13); Kurt Suzuki (8)</p>
<p id="9312AD"><strong>WP - Mike Foltynewicz (8-5)</strong>: 6⅓ IP, 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts</p>
<p id="SOY4o8"><strong>LP - Brandon McCarthy (6-4)</strong>: 4 IP, 9 hits, 6 runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts</p>
<p id="1cOJR8"><strong>Sv - Jim Johnson (22)</strong>: 1 IP, 1 hit, 1 walk</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/7/20/16007384/dodgers-streak-snapped-no-dozen-braves-recapEric Stephen2017-07-20T16:44:20-07:002017-07-20T16:44:20-07:00Dodgers DFA Romo, activate Dayton from DL
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<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="x2KEv4">LOS ANGELES — The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> on Thursday before their four-game series against the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> designated relief pitcher <span>Sergio Romo</span> for assignment and reinstated <span>Grant Dayton</span> from the disabled list.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="QTGkbc"><div data-anthem-component="table:545776"></div></div></div>
<p id="zfyt5K">Romo struggled mightily this season, posting a 6.12 ERA and 5.73 FIP in 30 games, with 31 strikeouts and 12 walks in 25 innings. Opposing batters hit .240/.324/.521 against the right-hander.</p>
<p id="dOmD1c">Limited mostly to low-leverage duty in recent weeks, Romo pitched in just one of the Dodgers’ 13 games in July, facing one batter on July 8. He struck out the batter, <span>Jorge Soler</span>.</p>
<p id="qKtYza">Romo signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dodgers as a free agent during the offseason after nine years with the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a>.</p>
<p id="sB5IOf">Dayton was placed on the disabled list on July 6 with a stiff neck. He pitched a pair of scoreless innings while on a minor league rehab assignment, pitching for the Arizona League Dodgers last Saturday, then Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday.</p>
<p id="LUA41c">In 27 games with the Dodgers this season, Dayton has a 3.63 ERA and 4.70 FIP, with 20 strikeouts and 12 walks in 22⅓ innings.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/7/20/16006518/sergio-romo-dfa-dodgers-grant-daytonEric Stephen2017-07-20T16:44:12-07:002017-07-20T16:44:12-07:00Dodgers-Braves series snapshot
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Oakland Athletics" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lv7mk9HqYqaLA-W3pvZ5Bk0LmDk=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55813355/805799836.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="GdMxee">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> are back home to start a four-game weekend series against the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>. Here is a brief overview of both teams before their set at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p id="hWdnR0">Teams: Dodgers (66-29) vs. Braves (45-48)</p>
<p id="UnqoJM">Split records: Dodgers 39-11 at home, Braves 22-23 on road</p>
<p id="vGBqv9">Run differential: Dodgers +181 (1st in NL), Braves -45 (8th in NL)</p>
<p id="Rl9j4o">Runs scored: Dodgers 5.15 per game (3rd), Braves 4.62 (9th)</p>
<p id="ps7oUh">OPS+: Dodgers 109 (2nd), Braves 91 (10th)</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="zCIV5F"><div data-anthem-component="table:545830"></div></div></div>
<p id="TiHBXi">wRC+: Dodgers 112 (1st), Braves 90 (10th)</p>
<p id="af8OfR">Runs allowed: Dodgers 3.24 (1st), Braves 5.11 (12th)</p>
<p id="BKqXf1">ERA+: Dodgers 134 (1st), Braves 94 (9th)</p>
<p id="emNSnK">Last 10 games: Dodgers 10-0, Braves 5-5</p>
<p id="RTHrnk">2017 head-to-head record: first meeting</p>
<p id="xXqiza">2016 head-to-head: 5-1 Dodgers (3-0 LA in LA)</p>
<p id="kil4tY">Braves SB Nation site: <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com">Talking Chop</a></p>
<h3 id="xdThOZ">Pitching matchups</h3>
<p id="SZ0Imc"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2017/7/20/16003870/dodgers-braves-starting-pitchers-schedule"><em>More details</em></a></p>
<p id="TB5fWl">Thursday: <span>Brandon McCarthy</span> vs. <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span><br>Friday: <span>Alex Wood</span> vs. <span>Jaime Garcia</span> (or maybe <span>Aaron Blair</span>?)<br>Saturday: <span>Rich Hill</span> vs. <span>Julio Teheran</span><br>Sunday: <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> vs. <span>Sean Newcomb</span> (L)</p>
<h3 id="OLQKwF">Series schedule</h3>
<p id="efxVXp">Thursday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)<br>Friday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)<br>Saturday, 6:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)<br>Sunday, 1:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/7/20/16006776/dodgers-braves-series-snapshot-scheduleEric Stephen2017-07-20T13:13:37-07:002017-07-20T13:13:37-07:00Dodgers welcome Braves to town
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<img alt="Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3KtHisw-uWqvZjjXFQgWUTqzGqU=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55810473/810869802.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="DzbHcj">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> are back home looking to continue their winning ways, opening up a four-game weekend series against the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> beginning Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p id="n3Mhmo">Winners of 11 straight games and 31 of their last 35, the Dodgers are trying their 12th straight game for the first time since 1976.</p>
<p id="UWGYhv">They will have to face a semi-rebuilding Braves team that comes to town at 45-48, yet in second place in a putrid National League East. Atlanta clawed back to .500 last weekend with a sweep of the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>, but then lost three straight at home to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, who seem to finally be figuring things out since the All-Star break.</p>
<p id="gnVPRh"><span>Freddie Freeman</span> is the Braves’ best hitter, hitting .328/.431/.699 with 17 home runs in 49 games. He missed six weeks with a right wrist injury and since returning has played eight of his 12 games at third base.</p>
<p id="rtARdf">That’s because former Cardinal — and former Dodgers postseason fun ruiner — <span>Matt Adams</span> has filled in quite nicely since getting traded to Atlanta, hitting .286/.333/.595 with 14 home runs in 49 games for the Braves. Atlanta first basemen lead the National League with 28 home runs.</p>
<p id="dmxusO"><span>Brandon McCarthy</span> gets the start in the series opener for the Dodgers, looking to rebound from his last outing, when he allowed four runs and couldn’t get out of the fifth inning in Miami.</p>
<h3 id="LdQNuM">Game info</h3>
<p id="sy92ZK">Time: 7:10 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="moFQ7c">TV: SportsNet LA</p>
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https://www.truebluela.com/2017/7/20/16005648/dodgers-braves-previewEric Stephen2017-07-20T10:02:16-07:002017-07-20T10:02:16-07:00Dodgers-Braves probable pitchers
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<img alt="Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PsbpMooNOKOHJtGP5Oj-E_djVvA=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55806193/809486780.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="rYxEfC">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> are back in Los Angeles for a 10-game homestand, starting with a four-game series against the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>. Here is a look at the starting pitching matchups for the weekend set.</p>
<h3 id="VTqazv">Thursday, 7:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)</h3>
<p id="ygwc1V"><span>Brandon McCarthy</span> had a 2.88 in nine home starts and 50 innings, and the Dodgers have won seven of those nine starts. <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span> is trying to get in on the Dodgers’ racket, with the Braves winning each of his last seven starts. That streak even includes a start when he allowed eight runs — his ERA is 3.76 during that span -- but the Braves rallied to beat Washington.</p>
<h3 id="L8Iy1d">Friday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</h3>
<p id="PNHxzy"><span>Alex Wood</span> has yet to allow a run in July, totaling 13 innings with 14 strikeouts. He has allowed three or fewer hits in each of his last four starts. <span>Jaime Garcia</span> allowed a run in seven innings in his last start, snapping a four-game skid in which he allowed 23 runs in 22 innings.</p>
<h3 id="TpcTuC">Saturday, 6:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)</h3>
<p id="jil9vB"><span>Rich Hill</span> has a 1.74 ERA in his last five starts, with 44 strikeouts and six walks in 31 innings. <span>Julio Teheran</span> has allowed seven or more runs four times this season, but has also allowed two or fewer runs 10 times, including all three starts in July.</p>
<h3 id="4yo4lB">Sunday, 1:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)</h3>
<p id="3cFGmK"><span>Clayton Kershaw</span> has allowed two runs in his three July starts, with 31 strikeouts and three walks. In his last 19 July starts, dating back to 2012, Kershaw has allowed 15 total runs.</p>
<p id="XiouQr"><span>Sean Newcomb</span> lasted at least six innings in each of his four June starts, but in three July starts has given up 16 runs in 12⅔ innings.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/7/20/16003870/dodgers-braves-starting-pitchers-scheduleEric Stephen