3 run 9th propels Braves to game 3 win

*Photo from the Los Angeles Times*

   Atlanta leads series 2-1

   Mike Soroka dazzled, Adam Duvall came up big again, and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat the St.Louis Cardinals 3-1. They were trailing 1-0 all game, until the 9th, when Dansby Swanson and Duvall had big hits to rally Atlanta to victory. Manager Brian Snitker said that ''They never quit. They never give up, the heart and desire and will is unbelievable in those guys.'' Swanson hit the game tying double, and Snitker said that ''I love Dansby in those situations. I always have."

   The Cardinals scored their run in the second inning, when Matt Carpenter hit a sac fly to Ronald Acuna Jr that scored Marcell Ozuna. In the 9th, after Josh Donaldson doubled, they pinch ran with Billy Hamilton, and Brian McCann drew a walk, sending Rafael Ortega in to run for McCann. Swanson doubled off the left field wall to tie the game. With Ortega on third and Swanson on second, Duvall hit a single into center field that scored both of them and gave Atlanta a 3-1 lead. 

Atlanta starter Mike Soroka went 7 innings and gave up one run on two hits. He struck out 7 and earned a no decision. Sean Newcomb got the win, as he got the last out of the 8th inning. Mark Melancon shut down St.Louis in the 9th for his second save of the playoffs. Swanson thought he would get a chance in the 9th after seeing the inning developing, saying that ''In those situations, you just try and breathe and relax, it's easier said than done." Duvall said of his recent clutch performances that ''I'll be ready whenever they need me." 

   Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing no runs on 4 hits and two walks. He struck out 8 and got a no decision. Closer Carlos Martinez got the loss, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and two walks. Martinez said through a translator that ''There were some pitches that didn't go where they were supposed to go." Manager Mike Shildt said that Martinez will remain the closer despite being hit hard in games one and 3. 

   Game 4 is on Monday afternoon, where the Braves look to advance to the NLCS. They start game one starter Dallas Keuchel on short rest. St.Louis starts Dakota Hudson as they look to stay alive.