The Atlanta Braves trailed by a score of 2-0 early on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but a clutch RBI-double from Martin Prado proved to be the difference as the Braves won 4-3.
Mike Minor pitched well after a shaky start, going six innings and allowing just three runs to score. He struck out two and did not issue a walk. Aaron Harang was equally as effective, working six innings and allowing just three runs to score.
Chipper Jones, who was celebrating his 40th birthday tonight, belted a home run in the fifth inning to cut the deficit down to just one run. With the bases loaded and Prado at the plate, he hit a weak grounder to the second baseman that scored another run, tying the game at 2-2. Brian McCann came around to score on a wild pitch in the sixth.
The Dodgers tied the game up in the bottom of the sixth, which led to a bullpen battle in the seventh and eighth innings. Neither team was able to mount much of a rally until the ninth rolled around.
Tyler Pastornicky, who had a perfect night going 3-for-3 with a walk, led off the inning with a single to right field. Jack Wilson came on as a pinch-hitter and bunted Pastornicky over to second. Michael Bourn struck out, bringing up Prado with two outs. The left fielder fouled off pitch after pitch from closer Javy Guerra before sending a high fastball to the center field wall. Matt Kemp made a great attempt on the ball, but he would end up face planting into the wall as Prado dashed in safely for an RBI-triple.
Craig Kimbrel allowed a single and walk in the bottom of the ninth, but a strikeout of Tony Gwynn Jr. ended the game as the Braves' closer struck out three batters in the ninth.
Atlanta is schedule to conclude their series with the Dodgers on Wednesday night, but rain is in the forecast all day and night. Keep an eye on the weather report for a possible window of time to get the game in.
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