Freddie Freeman endured an emotional day in his first time playing the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-1 victory.
Freeman received a standing ovation when Braves manager Brian Snitker presented him with a 2021 World Series ring during a pregame ceremony, and again for his first at-bat. He wound up going on to reach base three times, with one hit.
Freeman’s walk in the first inning moved Trea Turner into scoring position, and Will Smith immediately took advantage with an RBI single. Braves starter Ian Anderson didn’t retire any of the first four batters faced but managed to limit the Dodgers to just two runs.
Anderson stranded two more baserunners in the second inning and seemed to settle into a rhythm until Turner led off the fifth with a home run. Freeman followed that with a walk, Max Muncy doubled and Smith also drew a free pass to load the bases and end Anderson’s night.
The Dodgers again missed an opportunity to fully capitalize on their opportunity, as their only run after loading the bases came when Justin Turner beat out a would-be inning-ending double play.
The Dodgers finished 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, which invariably kept some pressure on their pitching staff.
Julio Urías responded by collecting nine strikeouts and allowing just one run over six innings. Urías threw a season-high 94 pitches before giving way to the bullpen.
He was backed by Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson, Brusdar Graterol and Craig Kimbrel combining for three scoreless innings.
Dodgers injuries piling up
As Hudson went to field a tapper up the third-base line, his left knee buckled and sent him down in pain. Hudson was checked on by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Nate Lucero before being assisted off the field.
The Dodgers believe Hudson suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Meanwhile, in the midst of playing 20 consecutive games without a day off and already without Walker Buehler, the Dodgers lost Andrew Heaney to the injured list for a second time this season. Heaney made just one start after missing two months due to left shoulder trouble.
Mitch White is expected to be recalled to start in Heaney’s place on Saturday.
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