Braves Split Series With Dodgers Behind Minor, Uggla

June 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla (26) at bat in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, Brad Rowland said the offense would need to explode in the series finale to “make up” for their lackluster efforts in the games before. They did just that, scoring eight runs on seven hits, and an incredible seven walks to beat the Dodgers, 8-1. Mike Minor got into some trouble in the first inning when he walked the bases loaded with no outs. Somehow, he managed to get out of the situation while letting up just one run.

That’s all he would give up the entire night. It wasn’t as effortless as it has been lately for Minor–he gave up six hits and three walks in addition to the first inning woes–but he still put the Braves in excellent position to walk away with the win. On the season, he has a 2.44 ERA and 3.24 FIP with impressive strikeout and walk numbers. He has a 8.29 K/9 and a 1.81 BB/9.

Dan Uggla, Jason Heyward, and Freddie Freeman each had two hits–both of Uggla’s were home runs–and combined for six runs and seven RBIs to lead the offense. Uggla, Heyward, and Justin Upton also each managed to walk twice.

Uggla and Heyward had extremely impressive nights at the plate and hopefully this signals a return to form for them.

Alex Wood and David Carpenter both did well in relief for the Braves. They each let up just a single hit. Wood struck out three batters in two innings and Carpenter struck out one and walked one in his one inning of relief. For as much grief as the bullpen has been getting this year, they have been pretty good lately.

Stay tuned for the series recap.