3 takeaways from Braves Game 2 win over Brewers and 3 predictions for Game 3

The Atlanta Braves shut out the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of their NLDS series, 3-0.

After losing a tough one on Friday evening, the Atlanta Braves bounced back with a strong Game 2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Atlanta could have choked like the Braves tend to do this time of the year, but they were a resilient bunch to steal a road game up in Milwaukee. The Braves will host the Brewers on Monday afternoon in Game 3. Should they won on Monday, Atlanta will be one game away from getting back to the NLCS to face the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants series.

Here are three takeaways from the Braves’ 3-0 shutout victory over the Brewers in Game 2, as well as three predictions that absolutely will come true in Game 3 on Monday afternoon.

Atlanta Braves at Milwaukee Brewers, Game 2: 3 takeaways

3. Brian Snitker made the right call with his bullpen moves in Game 2

After making a poor decision to leave Charlie Morton in for the top of the seventh inning in Game 1, Braves skipper Brian Snitker made the right call to pull Max Fried after six innings. He was electrifying on the mound, outperforming Brandon Woodruff throughout the game. While things got dicey with Luke Jackson, Tyler Matzek and Will Smith later, Snitker was proven right in Game 2.

2. The top-half of the batting order carried the Braves on Saturday night

It was a contributing factor in the Braves’ Game 2 victory. They got almost all of its offensive contributions from the top of the lineup. Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies all had hits. Austin Riley did them one better with a game-high two hits on the evening. The only other Braves to register a hit on Saturday were Eddie Rosario and later Joc Pederson in a pinch-hitting situation.

1. Max Fried was even better than Charlie Morton in his first postseason start

The star of the game was easily Fried. While he was the Braves’ postseason ace last year, he slotted down to perfection as their No. 2 starter after Morton. Though he got pulled prematurely after only six innings and 81 pitches, he was even better than Morton. Fried struck out nine batters, allowed three hits and did not walk anybody in the Milwaukee lineup. He was so filthy.

3 predictions for Game 3 between Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves

3. Ian Anderson will have outstanding command of his change-up on Monday

Look for the Braves’ No. 3 postseason starter Ian Anderson to pick up where Fried left off. While he has had his moments this season, he was otherworldly in the postseason a year ago as the No. 2. His change-up can be unhittable at times. Do not be shocked if it is as menacing as Fried’s breaking ball was on Saturday night. Expect for him to give the Braves a third straight quality start.

2. Joc Pederson gets the start in the outfield for the Braves over Adam Duvall

If Snitker makes any changes to the starting lineup, look for him to potentially start Pederson over Adam Duvall in the outfield. While catcher Travis d’Arnaud is also hitless vs. Milwaukee, Pederson has two more hits in far fewer at-bats over Duvall. He still may be the first hitter off the bench in a pinch-hit role, but Pederson has the hot bat and Atlanta has to find a way to hold serve Monday.

1. Braves take 2-1 series lead after a convincing Game 3 victory

It may not come as easy as Saturday night’s victory was, but the Braves will back up Anderson’s gem to take a 2-1 series lead after Game 3 on Monday evening. This will be the first postseason game in front of Braves Country since the Worst Inning Ever back in the 2019 NLDS vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. The Battery will be about as loud as it has ever been in its short history so far.

Look for the Braves to hold serve and win Game 3 by a score of 5-3. Atlanta will be one win away.