Dodgers at Braves
The Atlanta Braves are in a tailspin that threatens to knock them out of the race for the National League East title, entering Sunday’s finale of a four-game home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a jolt to their suddenly silent offense. Atlanta’s pitching issues of late are well documented, but the Braves have scored just seven runs during a current four-game losing streak that has them 2 ½ games behind Philadelphia in the division race following Saturday’s 5-1 loss.
Atlanta’s struggles at home continued as it has dropped 10 of its past 14 home games, falling to 7-13 overall in July after posting a winning record in each of the first three months of the season. Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig, who was activated from the disabled list before the game, finished 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a two-run homer in his first game since July 8. Los Angeles has turned things around since being 10 games under .500 on May 16, going 43-20 since that date. Good work from the bullpen has helped spark the Dodgers’ turnaround, as Los Angeles relievers have posted a 2.85 ERA in July while posting 12 saves.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, SportsNet Los Angeles, FS South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (8-2, 2.43 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (9-5, 3.41)
Stripling has become a key rotation piece, but looks to get back on track after a rough showing in the All-Star game and in his first start after the break. The 28-year-old gave up five runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision Monday at Philadelphia, but did strike out six with no walks. Command has been critical for Stripling, who has issued one walk or fewer in nine consecutive starts, including June 10 against Atlanta in which he got the win after allowing two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Newcomb stumbled entering the All-Star break but the 25-year-old, in his first full major-league season, started the second half with a solid outing Monday at Miami. He gave up one run on four hits with five strikeouts, his first victory since June 16, but walked four hitters to give him 16 against just 12 strikeouts in 18 innings this month. Newcomb endured one of his roughest starts of 2018 against the Dodgers on June 10, taking the loss while allowing five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles improved to 33-16 since the beginning of June, the best record in the NL during that stretch.
2. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo homered in Saturday’s loss, and is hitting .278 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in his past 49 games.
3. The Dodgers have won 13 of their past 19 road games and are 31-22 away from home this season, the best record in the NL in road games.