For the nth time this season, the Braves took a step back from a good stretch, as they have now dropped three straight after winning three in a row last week. They lost to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, 8-2.
It’s one of the many mediocrities of the team, which includes being middle of the pack in runs (16th) and a virtual last-placer in homers (27th). That recently-concluded series with the Cubbies also saw them go an awful 19-for-97 from the plate (.195). Brandon Phillips is the lone notable batter in the Braves’ roster, as he is 10-for-20 in the past week, with one homer and five RBIs.
The Braves will have Mike Foltynewicz (7-5, 3.84 ERA) as the starter on the mound. Although he has allowed eight hits in his last two, the team has won in each of his last seven starts.
The steamrolling Dodgers are keeping their foot on the gas. Wednesday night, they smothered the Chicago White Sox, 9-1, to win their 11th in a row (and 30th in their last 34 games) and spoil the debut of the Sox’s prized prospect, Yoan Moncada.
As you may know – or guessed with their MLB-leading record – there’s an abundance of weapons in the Dodgers’ roster, both in offense and on defense. Chris Taylor is arguably the hottest batter for the team in the past week (9-for-17), and even at that, he’s far from being truly the most dangerous hitter in the team. Should he cool down, look for rookie sensation Cody Bellinger, or any of the other guys to suddenly catch fire and takeover.
Brandon McCarthy (6-3, 3.38 ERA) will be Foltynewicz’s counterpart for the game. The 11-year veteran is not as threatening compared to the guys on O, as he only has a 5.93 ERA in his last three. Also, the Braves’ current roster is 25-for-72 against him all-time (.347). However, just to confuse all of us, the Dodgers are 12-3 in his 15 appearances this season.
