Atlanta Braves open second half with a win behind another great start from Dickey
By Tyler Wilson
R.A. Dickey picked up right where he left off in the first half with yet another quality start. The veteran’s days in Atlanta are likely coming to a halt, but that hasn’t stopped him from rolling along.
Fresh off of the All-Star break, the Atlanta Braves squared off against the Diamondbacks to begin a six-game homestand. Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey took the bump opposite D-backs righthander Taijuan Walker, and both were exceptional for their clubs.
Arizona’s offense was able to collect a few hits through the first five innings, but couldn’t capitalize on run scoring opportunities early.
The Braves got to Taijuan Walker early. Ender Inciarte led off the bottom of the 1st with a double, and later scored on a 2-out Matt Kemp single to give the Braves an early 1-0 lead that they’d take all the way to the 6th inning, when things began to get interesting.
R.A. Dickey was in control for Atlanta through five scoreless. He began the 6th by striking out Jake Lamb, but then gave up four straight singles to bring in an Arizona run and load the bases. Dickey was blessed with the pitcher up to bat, and Taijuan Walker grounded into an inning-ending double play. 1-1 after six.
That would be the end of the day for R.A. Dickey. 6 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. The 44-year-old’s 5th consecutive quality start.
Freddie’s got the power!
Freddie Freeman was the muscle behind the Braves’ offense Friday night. Freeman began his fine work with a solo home run in the bottom of the 6th to answer Arizona’s strike. 2-1 Braves.
Sam Freeman allowed a solo shot from Paul Goldschmidt in the 7th inning to tie the game back at 2, and a pair of throwing miscues by Tyler Flowers and Jose Ramirez brought Chris Owings home in the 8th to give the Diamondbacks their first lead of the night. 3-2.
The Braves got to Archie Bradley in the bottom of the 8th for two more runs. Ender legged out a leadoff infield single, and Brandon Phillips doubled down the right field line to put runners on 2nd and 3rd for Freeman, who poked a single between 3rd and shortstop to score both of them. 4-3 Braves after 8 innings.
Johnson shuts the door with Ender’s help
Jim Johnson took the mound in the 9th for the first time since tacking on his MLB-leading 7th blown save against the Nationals a week ago.
Rest from the All-Star break may have been just what the reliever needed, as he was able to pick the save to start the second half off right. Ender Inciarte made a brilliant leaping catch at the wall to start the inning. Johnson then popped up David Peralta and struck out Paul Goldschmidt to end the game.
Braves win, 4-3.
Notes:
With tonight’s victory, the Braves gained a game on the Colorado Rockies in the Wild Card race. They now sit just 6 games back of the second Wild Card playoff spot.
Next: Royals may be looking at Jaime Garcia
The Atlanta Braves look to take the second of a three-game series against the Diamondbacks on Saturday, sending a red-hot Mike Foltynewicz to the hill to face Patrick Corbin.