Freeman Stays Hot, Braves Outlast Dodgers in Game 2

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers by the score of 8-7 in NLCS Game 2 on Tuesday.

For the Braves, this evening's victory propels them to a flawless, 7-0 record thus far in the 2020 MLB Postseason.

Despite Atlanta's Game 1 win coming courtesy of a ninth-inning rally, NLCS Game 2 proved to be much less stressful . . . for awhile.

As the contest progressed, the Dodgers' greatest threat seemed to come in a pivotal third inning plate appearance, when Will Smith grounded into a force-out to strand the bases loaded.

From that moment forward, it was all Atlanta, as the Braves' star-studded lineup sought to capitalize on Clayton Kershaw's absence (due to back spasms).

The Braves' offensive onslaught began in the fourth inning, when Freddie Freeman launched a home run for the second consecutive night to make it 2-0.

In the fifth, however, their lead became nearly insurmountable.

Cristian Pache and Freddie Freeman both recorded RBI knocks before Los Angeles completely lost control -- walking in a run and only limiting the damage courtesy of a flashy catch by outfielder Cody Bellinger.

The Braves then added to their 6-0 advantage with a Dansby Swanson RBI double in the seventh, before Corey Seager responded with a three-run blast to give the Dodgers life.

In the top of the ninth, Ozzie Albies took Adam Kolarek deep, seemingly adding the finishing touches to Atlanta's victory with the scoreboard reflecting a lopsided 8-3 tally.

To the Dodgers' credit, they never stopped battling, as things became far too interesting in the bottom of the ninth.

Following an RBI double from Corey Seager and two-run shot from Max Muncy, the Braves heard footsteps -- it was 8-6 when closer Mark Melancon entered the contest.

Will Smith then reached on a fielding error by Ozzie Albies -- Cody Bellinger followed with an RBI triple (making it 8-7), and Los Angeles had the tying run merely 90 feet away when AJ Pollock grounded out to end the contest.

The Braves should be encouraged by their offensive eruption in Game 2, particularly in the absence of a key piece of their roster -- outfielder Adam Duvall will reportedly miss the remainder of the 2020 Postseason with an oblique injury.

Unfortunately, Atlanta's pitching staff showed signs of struggle for the first time in October. Ian Anderson's command was lacking, and the Braves' bullpen completely imploded in the latter innings.

Thankfully, the outcome of Game 2 remained the same, despite any potential shift in momentum inspired by the Dodgers' ninth-inning efforts.

As the 2020 MLB Postseason rolls on, the Braves are now only two victories away from their first World Series appearance since 1999.

Game 3 will be played on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:05 PM EDT.

The left-handed Julio Urias is scheduled to take the mound for Los Angeles -- Atlanta will counter with "rookie" sensation Kyle Wright.


Will the Braves take a 3-0 series lead on Wednesday, or have the Dodgers sparked a series comeback?

Feel free to provide your thoughts in the comments section below and don't forget to "Subscribe" for future post notifications :)

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