Atlanta Braves News: The Morning Chop/Box Score: 8/1
The Box Score
Editor notes: The Braves were swept by the Dodgers… and really: did we expect anything else? Dodger pitching only got stronger with every game, and it became apparent early on that Atlanta would only win if they were able to cash in on every opportunity available. That didn’t happen, as they scored 4, 2, and 1 runs in the 3-game set. Julio Teheran settled in after giving up single runs in the first and third innings, but… the offense could not sustain anything against Clayton Kershaw.
Off to San Diego.
Kershaw keeps things rolling as Dodgers sweep Braves
LOS ANGELES_If the inability to complete a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline on Thursday drew attention to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ perceived shortcomings, a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves that night offered a reminder of the team’s greatest advantage.
The Dodgers might not have added David Price to their rotation or Joaquin Benoit to their bullpen, but they still have Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw pitched his second consecutive complete game in the sweep-sealing win over the Braves at Dodger Stadium, lowering his league-best earned-run average to 1.71 in the process. The Dodgers have won the last 11 games he has started.
“He’s just on the warpath every time he pitches,” Manager Don Mattingly said.
Atlanta Braves Deepen Bench and Bullpen with Emilio Bonifacio Trade
With the big names that were flying around at the end of the MLB Trade Deadline, the move made by the Atlanta Braves understandably flew under the radar. The trade was not as big of a deal as others completed around it, but the Braves did a good job adding depth in two key areas while losing very little in return. Emilio Bonifacio and pitcher James Russell come to Atlanta along with cash and the Chicago Cubs will get Victor Caratini.
While Russell isn’t quite as exciting as other lefty relievers that the Braves might have been interested in, he will give them a deeper option from the left side. His career numbers look good and the Braves usually can get a lot out of a little when it comes to trades anyway. The addition of Bonifacio is a great addition for bench depth as well as providing some insurance.
Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2014/08/01/3227473/kershaw-keeps-things-rolling-as.html?sp=/99/160/316/163/#storylink=cpy