The Atlanta Braves dropped the fourth and final game of the series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon. Here's what you need to know from the contest:
Heller, who was traded for off waivers from Tampa Bay and pitched in sixteen games before being sent to AAA Gwinnett in late July, didn't have his "A" stuff today.
Taking over for Brad Hand in the 7th, Heller gave up one hit and had a wild pitch but kept the Dodgers off the board.
When he came back out for the 8th, however, that was a different story.
Heller got a throwing error on a comebacker to the mound to open the inning, then after erasing that runner via double play, allowed two singles and a walk to score another Dodgers run (with a wild pitch thrown in there, for good measure.)
In a bullpen that's full of veterans and is looking for someone to step up and take a setup job alongside AJ Minter and Joe Jiménez, Heller didn't help his case today.
Despite dropping the finale, Atlanta won both this series 3-1 and the season series against Los Angeles. Going toe to toe with the other juggernaut in the league and winning has to provide a confidence boost as you head into the homestretch.
Atlanta's now a league-best 46-24 on the road and is not only the first team to 90 wins in all of baseball, but now has both the tiebreaker and a six-game lead over the Dodgers for best record in the National League (and the corresponding home field advantage that comes with that)
What's next for the Atlanta Braves?
Atlanta's heading home tonight for a much-needed off day tomorrow before welcoming the St. Louis Cardinals into town for a three game set. Game one of that series is on Tuesday at 7:20 PM ET.
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