Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Minor works in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the National League division series on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, in Atlanta.ATLANTA – Mike Minor slammed his fist into his glove after getting out of a jam with a strikeout. Luis Avilan pumped his arm wildly after escaping another mess with a huge double play.
The Braves were fired up for this one, with good reason.
Atlanta got the win it had to have before heading to Los Angeles.
Minor pitched six strong innings, Jason Heyward had a two-run single and the Braves pulled off some nifty plays in the field, holding off the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 on Friday night to even the NL division series at one game apiece.
In a postseason already marked by defensive miscues all over the place, including some shaky plays by the Braves in Game 1, Atlanta’s defense came through by turning three double plays – none more crucial than the one Avilan started in the seventh to escape the inning with a 2-1 lead intact.