Three runs in the first led to an early lead for the Dodgers that they wouldn't give up, resulting in a 4-2 loss for the Braves.
The BABIP fairy struck in the first inning when three ground ball singles helped lead to three runs off Tim Hudson. Some balls were hit hard in the inning while others bled through, but for the most part it was bad luck. However, it would prove to be enough for the Dodgers.
The Braves managed seven hits as a team, five being singles, two doubles from Nate McLouth and one double from Dan Uggla. They put runners on second in both the second, third and fourth innings, but they were stranded at the base each time. They put another on second when McLouth doubled in the seventh, but he was left as well.
The Braves finally broke through in the ninth off Jonathan Broxton. Brian McCann singled, Uggla doubled, Freddie Freeman grounded out to score McCann. With Uggla on third and down by three, Alex Gonzalez struck out for the second out. McLouth doubled home Uggla to bring it within two runs, but Eric Hinske struck out to end the game.
Dodgers starter Ted Lilly pitched seven shutout innings on four hits, walking two and striking out six. Two of the strikeouts were the pitcher, but two were also Martin Prado. He constantly worked with runners on and allowed seven ground balls, seven fly balls, and three line drives, but he was able to get out of trouble each time, either due to good pitching or good luck.
Matt Guerrier pitched a scoreless eighth. Broxton gave up two runs in the ninth but shut the door with a two-run lead.
Hudson ran into one of his BABIP outings, inducing 11 ground balls, three fly balls and just one line drive through six innings. He allowed four runs on six hits, unintentionally walking one and striking out four. Following a rough first inning, scoreless second inning and one-run third inning, Hudson pitched perfectly from the fourth through the sixth.
Jairo Asencio gave up four singles between the seventh and eighth innings, but he struck out two with no walks or runs allowed.
Uggla went 2-4 with a double and single. McLouth went 2-4 with two doubles and one RBI. McCann went 2-4 with two singles. Freeman added a RBI and walk.
James Loney went 2-4 with two RBI. Matt Kemp and Jerry Sands each had one RBI. Juan Uribe added two singles.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Dodgers fans check out True Blue LA.