When the Atlanta Braves allow just four hits to an opposing lineup, they're fairly likely to win. When those four hits are all home runs, including a three-run blast from Hanley Ramirez, the picture looks less promising.
The Braves had five hits, all for extra bases, but left 11 men on base en route to an odd and frustrating 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday night.
Sunday, Atlanta turns to lefty Mike Minor (6-9, 4.93 ERA), who's been solid in not allowing more than three earned runs in a start since June. The former Vanderbilt standout needs to cut down on the long ball, but he's shown better command of his fastball lately and has used the pitch to set up his changeup (instead of the other way around, as was the case early in the season).
He'll face off against the Dodgers' Chad Billingsley (9-9, 3.62 ERA), who's yet to lose since the All-Star Break while posting a 1.56 ERA in that span.
Brian McCann, who's missed the first two games of this series with continued shoulder issues, should be back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale.
Game Time: 1:35 pm ET, Turner Field
TV/Radio: Fox Sports South, TBS (nationally); WCNN 680 The Fan
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