Braves Preview: Dylan Dodd to debut, Atlanta looks to take series against Cards
After dropping the series finale in Washington, the Atlanta offense came alive last night in St. Louis striking early and often in a 8-4 victory against the Cardinals. The Braves got home runs from Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr, and a mammoth bomb from Austin Riley that just so happened to be the longest home run hit in Busch Stadium by a visiting player. The offense backed a solid Charlie Morton, and the Braves remained in control for most of the evening.
Tonight, the Braves offense will need to bring the bats again as they look to support rookie Dylan Dodd in his first major league start against a very solid Cardinals lineup. Dodd, who has only posted 6.2 innings above the AA level, was superb in Spring Training forcing the Braves to give him a shot early in the season.
An early injury to Kyle Wright opened the Door for Dodd who was recalled this week for tonight's start. To find the keys for success, Dodd only needs to look at his fellow rookie teamate Jared Schuster's first MLB outing. Schuster was clearly overwhlemed early on his start against Washington, walking three and giving up four runs in his first inning of work. Controlling his emotions will be key if Dodd wants to avoid a similar fate.
The Braves offense will be up against a familiar face in Steven Matz. The longtime Met came to St. Louis last season and was mostly solid in between health issues. The lineup remains fairly consistent, but Atlanta will counter with a right-hand heavy lineup that will see Kevin Pillar make his first start for Atlanta in left field. Sean Murphy is back behind the plate for the Braves with the hot hitting Travis d'Arnaud getting the call at DH and batting cleanup.