An Ugly Ending To The Dodgers Series

After squeaking out a win on Friday night, the Braves lose the last two games against the Dodgers, really struggling on offense.  Surprisingly, the two righties shut down Atlanta fairly well, though Chris Capuano did fine Friday before the bullpen blew the game.

Saturday night – Dodgers 6, Braves 2

• The Dodgers only managed four hits off Ben Sheets, but all of them were homers.  He was one homer away from a dubious record discussed by me in spring training.
•  The Braves had a chance to jump out to a big lead and knock Aaron Harang out early, but couldn’t get more than one run in an inning with a double and three walks.
• The bullpen was solid, as the only baserunner in three innings was on a walk by Jonny Venters.
• Sheets again struggled getting ahead early, throwing first-pitch strikes to only 11 of 24 (45.8%) batters.

Sunday afternoon – Dodgers 5, Braves 0

• The offense gets most of the blame here.  Braves hitters only managed five baserunners, of which only two got into scoring position.
• Mike Minor threw well again, with his only blemish being a Luis Cruz solo HR.  He didn’t walk anyone, but only struck out two, which meant a lot of balls in play.
• The bullpen turned this game into a laugher, allowing four runs the last two innings, with Cristhian Martinez allowing the bases-clearing double to Mark Ellis.
• On a good note, the Dodgers 3-6 hitters only reached base once on an Andre Ethier walk.