MLB
NLDS Game 1: Ryu, Dodgers Blank Atlanta Braves
It was a tone-setting kind of night at Dodger Stadium as NLDS Game 1 usually are. Unfortunately for the Braves, it was the opposite of how they wanted to start this NLDS. A dominating performance from Ryu and an early explosion of runs from the powerful Dodger offense was too much for Atlanta to handle. They now stand two games from elimination.
Dodger Dominance
It was not a great game for Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz. Turning in his worst outing of 2018 at the worst possible time. Going just 2 Innings allowing four runs on three hits, giving up the long ball twice. Joc Pederson started the scoring on the games third pitch. Launching a 0-2 mistake over the Right Center Field wall. That would not be the only mistake on the night for Foltynewicz.
The very next inning it would be Max Muncy’s turn to take a ball over the Right Center Field wall, this time a three-run shot. The game was already nearly out of reach in the second inning. And then Kike Hernandez would put the icing on the cake with a 6th Inning home run to finish off the scoring for the night.
Ryu Shut Down
While it was a disaster for Folty, it was the complete opposite for Dodger starter Hyun-jin Ryu. Turning in a strong seven innings of work allowing no runs on just four hits and striking out 8. He had command of every pitch all night. More importantly, he kept the kids, Acuña and Albies, to a combined 1-8. Keeping their speed off the bases was huge for Ryu to keep the command and pace of the game in his favor. Safe to say Ryu put some of the doubters to bed, and made Dave Roberts look like a genius.
Look Ahead
Lucky for the Braves, they won’t have to sit on this one too long. Game 2 from Dodger Stadium is tonight. But the task of scoring runs gets tougher as they’ll be staring down Clayton Kershaw. It’s pretty close to a must-win game for the Braves, in what is sure to be a good matchup against Kershaw tonight.
Jason A G via flickr.com
