Kyle Taylor, Valdosta Today Sports
LOS ANGELES – Juan Uribe found himself in a familiar spot at third base Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.
This time he was wearing the navy blue colors of the Atlanta Braves after the trade was finally completed between the two opposing teams.
Uribe told Dodger reporter, Pedro Moura, “I would’ve felt bad if they traded me to a soccer, basketball, or football team, but it’s another baseball team, so I’m happy.”
Uribe’s presence in the clubhouse could only be a good thing for the Braves, who have so many young players. Much like veterans the Braves formally brought in such as David Ross, and Elliot Johnson, who brought a light-hearted, fun atmosphere to the team.
Chris Johnson was also activated from the DL a day early to fill a roster spot left by the players that were dealt to the Dodgers. Fredi Gonzalez decided to give Uribe the start and bat him fifth in the order. Uribe, the 36-year-old veteran, started his Braves career 0-3 with two strikeouts and a walk against Dodgers starter, Zack Greinke (5-1).
The Braves found themselves trying to avoid a sweep to begin the ten game road trip on the West Coast. The Braves won by a final score of 3-2.
Alex Wood (2-2) made his first start since May 16th because of an illness that caused his spot in the rotation to be skipped last week. There were a lot of questions whether Wood’s strength would be there to go deep into the ballgame.
Wood answered the call with seven strong innings, only giving up one run, and striking out seven. With Teheran’s recent struggles and a rotation that includes two rookies, this performance could not have come at a better time for Braves fans.
Cameron Maybin would get the scoring started in the third inning with a solo home run to left center field off Greinke. The Dodgers star pitcher had only allowed four homers in nine starts so far this season. It was Maybin’s fifth home run of the season.
Maybin told MLB.com, “I’ve always felt strong, I’m just working on the right things in the cage with [hitting coach Kevin Seitzer]. I’m not trying to do too much. I’m trying to use the whole field and use the right side more than anything. The hard work we’ve put in every day is just a product of that.”
Maybin is now batting .307 since taking over as the Braves everyday center fielder.
Justin Turner would answer in the bottom of the fourth with a base hit off Alex Wood, scoring Jimmy Rollins, to tie the game 1-1.
It was a great pitching duel until the eighth inning when the Braves caught a break when a wild pitch was thrown to Freddie Freeman by Dodgers reliever, Adam Liberatore, scoring Andrelton Simmons from third. Nick Markakis would add a ground-rule double (10) to the opposite field, scoring Jace Peterson.
The Grilli was fired up at Dodger Stadium in the ninth, as he came on to convert his 14th save of the season. Jason had a bit of hiccup, as he allowed a homer to Alex Guerrero (9) with one out. Grilli would give up a pinch hit single to Andre Ethier before getting a force out from A.J. Ellis, and finishing the game off with none other than former Brave, Alberto Callaspo.
The Braves will continue the West Coast trip on Thursday, as they make the six hour trip north to take on the defending champion, San Francisco Giants. First pitch will come at 10:15 PM ET from AT&T Park. Shelby Miller (5-1) will take on Chris Heston (4-3) of the Giants.
