Atlanta Braves What We Learned From Game 1 Vs. Dodgers

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 04: Mike Foltynewicz #26 of the Atlanta Braves reacts as Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after his second inning three-run home run during Game One of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Mike Foltynewicz Familiar Problems Flare up in Early Innings

There isn’t any questioning how good of a pitcher Mike Foltynewicz was this past regular season. He maintained an ERA under three and was consistently the Braves best pitcher. That hadn’t been the story in seasons past with Folty struggling badly giving up walks and always having an ERA over four.

Still, he had earned a postseason start and was sent to the mound to start against the Dodgers in game one.

What resulted was ugly, Foltynewicz gave up four runs and two homers, including a three-run homer with two outs and a solo shot with a 0-2 count.

Folty quickly reverted to the same issues we have seen in the past when things didn’t go his way. Walking around the mound looking frustrated and unengaged, lacking the bulldog ability to lock back in and eat innings for his team.

Instead, he appeared unable to re-focus and the results were telling. A blow to the Braves pitching staff considering there are only question marks behind him. How much the Braves should trust Foltynewicz in the remainder of the series is a question they will have to face as the series continues.

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