Harris Shines as Braves Even Series with Dodgers

Harris Sparks the Braves Offense

Michael Harris II put on a show on Sunday night, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The victory evens the National League Division Series at one game apiece.

Harris finished just a home run shy of the cycle. In the fifth inning, he hit a two out triple and then scored the go ahead run on a wild pitch by Dodgers reliever Kris Bubic. Harris struck again in the seventh, hitting an RBI double to right field off Edgardo Henriquez to give Atlanta a key insurance run.

Pitching Staffs Battle in Bullpen Game

Both teams turned to their bullpens early. Braves starter Ray Kerr took the mound so the team could give Chris Sale extra rest before his Game 3 start. On the other side, Dodgers starter Blake Snell struggled with his control. The pitcher threw 90 pitches, but only 47 were strikes. He walked five batters and was chased from the game after three and two thirds innings.

Atlanta's bullpen shut down the potent Dodgers lineup. After Mookie Betts walked and Shohei Ohtani singled to start the fifth, Braves relievers retired 14 straight batters. Ohtani was held in check, finishing 1 for 4 with two strikeouts.

The Dodgers made a late push in the ninth inning. Max Muncy hit a two out, two strike solo home run off Didier Fuentes to cut the lead to 3-2. However, Braves closer Raisel Iglesias secured his second save of the postseason by getting pinch hitter Josue De Paula to foul out to third base to end the game.

What it means for the next game

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves (MLB, Tue, 06 Oct): Atlanta Braves win 46%, Los Angeles Dodgers win 54%; projected score Atlanta Braves 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 4. Our safest pick: Braves +3.5.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves (MLB, Wed, 07 Oct): Atlanta Braves win 40%, Los Angeles Dodgers win 60%; projected score Atlanta Braves 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 5. Our safest pick: Over 6.5 runs.