This matchup turns on what happens after Atlanta's starter leaves. Blake Snell gives Los Angeles a strong opening stretch against a Braves lineup that did less damage against left-handed pitching this season, while Ray Kerr is returning soon after a short outing. I expect the Dodgers' hitters to keep pressing into the middle innings, where this series opener was decided.
Dylan Dodd kept Los Angeles scoreless for three innings in the opener, but the Dodgers scored all five of their runs after he left. Teoscar Hernández put them ahead with a home run after Freddie Freeman walked, and the sixth inning brought another burst of power. Atlanta's late homers made the finish closer, but they did not erase the gap built against the relief pitchers.
Kerr worked three and a third scoreless innings against Philadelphia in his last appearance. MLB's season splits show a stronger Dodgers batting line against left-handers than Atlanta's, and Los Angeles has right-handed bats it can move up against Kerr. The regular-season meetings came under different pitching conditions; this game asks Atlanta to cover a much longer stretch beyond its starter.
