Dylan Dodd's debut backed up by strong defense as Braves take series from Cardinals

The Atlanta Braves faced off in the second game of a three-game set Tuesday evening and it was a special night for Braves starting pitcher Dylan Dodd, who made his MLB debut. Kevin Pillar made his Braves debut as well.

The first inning set the tone of the game for the Braves when Acuna hit a first-pitch lead-off single. Acuna followed this up with a stolen base. Matt Olson went down swinging and Austin Riley came up to bat. Riley quickly launched a two-run homer off of Cardinals starter Steven Matz to make it 2-0 Braves. His second of the season. Dylan Dodd had a solid first inning, giving up one hit to Tommy Edman, but quickly securing the next three outs. 

Arcia adds on

Orlando Arcia added to the Braves' lead in the top of the second, when he launched his first home run of the season. That was all for the Braves in the second, who went down 1-2-3 after. Dodd in his second inning of work pitched well, working a 1-2-3 inning of his own with no hits let up.

The Braves tacked on again in the third, as d’Arnaud doubled, and was then driven in by a Michael Harris II ground out to make it 4-0 Braves. Dodd, now settled in, sat down the Cardinals batters in order, while the Braves stayed quiet in the fourth.

The Cardinals pulled a run across in the bottom of the inning, when Willson Contreras singled home Dylan Carlson, but was gunned down by Ronald Acuna. Jr at second. No action was seen in the fifth inning, as both Matz and Dodd pitched well, and kept the game 4-1. This was the case in the sixth inning as well. Dodd was taken out in the fifth and put in line for the win pending the bullpen held it together.

And held it together they did with scoreless frames from Jesse Chavez, Joe Jimenez, Dylan Lee, and A.J. Minter. The Cardinals tried to etch another run across on a Brendan Donovan single, but again, Acuna gunned down Tyler O’Neil at home. Taking out two runners in the game. 

Final innings

The eighth and ninth innings remained quiet for both teams, A.J. Minter worked a quick save, and the Braves took the win to improve at 4-1. D’arnaud went 3-4 during the game. He is currently batting north of .450 while Acuna has been hot at .364. Eddie Rosario went 2-2. Everyone except Matt Olson and Michael Harris had hits for the Braves, who collected 12 in total. Dodd went 5 IP with 1 ER and 3 Ks. The Braves play the Cardinals tomorrow at 1:35 p.m. looking to complete the sweep.