Dodgers at Braves, 4:20 PM PDT, TV: FSSO, MLBN (out-of-market only), SPNLA

The Dodgers’ RHP Kenta Maeda (8-8, 4.12 ERA) takes the mound at Sun Trust Park against RHP Mike Soroka (10-2, 2.32 ERA). Maeda’s last start was arguably his best of the year: he pitched seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball against the D-Backs, striking out six and walking none. Soroka is a rookie with the second-best ERA in MLB behind the Dodgers’ Hyun-Jin Ryu and this is the first time I’ve heard or read his name. He’s gone at least seven innings in each of his last three starts and four of his last six.

Yesterday’s game was mostly forgettable, but here’s Cody Bellinger’s 40th HR of the season. It’s a career high for him.

Today in Dodgers’ history:

• 1950 At the Polo Grounds, Hank Thompson’s two inside-the-park home runs off Don Bankhead and Carl Erskine contribute to the Giants’ 16-7 drubbing of the Dodgers. The 24 year-old third baseman will hit 129 round-trippers in his 9-year career, three of which will be of the IPHR variety.
• 1964 St. Louis outfielder Curt Flood collects eight consecutive hits during a doubleheader against Dodgers pitching. The Cardinals split the twin bill in Los Angeles, losing the opener to Sandy Koufax, 3-0, but take the nightcap when Curt Simmons tosses a six hitter to give the Redbirds a 4-0 victory.

Babe Ruth died in New York City on this day in 1948.

Lineup:

I wonder if Bellinger has a bonus clause in his contract for winning a Gold Glove award and that’s why they’ve started playing him in positions other than right field.