The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Sunday afternoon’s matchup three games down in a four-game series against one of the best teams in the MLB. The Atlanta Braves were going for the sweep, but the Boys in Blue, who lead the NL West, would not go quietly and ended up winning 3-1 when all was said and done.

Once again, 24-year-old rookie right-hander starting pitcher Bobby Miller took the mound for the Dodgers against Atlanta. Ironically, his major league debut earlier this year was against the Braves on May 23rd. Miller pitched five innings and helped secure the 8-1 win earlier that summer. During Sunday’s postgame interview, he shared how he felt about facing the Braves for a second time.

“I know it’s going to be tougher for the second time, but I definitely felt comfortable going into this one,” the right-handed hurler shared. “You know I was super focused.”

The young starter, who was a 2020 first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers, extended his inning count to a full seven innings. He held Atlanta to only three hits, with one run (a home run), one walk, and five strikeouts, earning him a 3.80 ERA.

Always seemingly cool, calm, and collected, Miller expanded on his outing.

“You know, especially after getting our teeth kicked in a little bit after the first three games. We really needed this one today,” he stated. “I was really locked in. You know, I had a great feeling going into this game. Probably the most locked-in I’ve ever been so far. I knew I needed my best stuff.”

Considering the Braves gave the Dodgers a run over the last three games, for the team and Miller to hold them to just one run, the home run in the top of the seventh inning was outstanding. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was in agreement about his young pitcher.

“He keeps getting better,” Roberts said. “I thought Will (Smith) did a fantastic job with the fingers. And then you look at Bobby, the execution was great from the start. Breaking ball, secondary, all good. Fastball: command, location, usage of it was fantastic. To get them through that seventh inning was another step for us, for him. And we needed it today. And he came up big.”

“He’s got, you know, what four or five more starts, and we’re continuing to gather information, but he’s put himself right there in the front of the conversation as far as starting a playoff game. And he’s earning it.” Roberts continued, “I wouldn’t have thought that at the beginning of the season. So to be a part of that conversation right now speaks to how well we trust him and what he’s doing on the field when he takes his starts.”

When looking towards the postseason, Doc was optimistic after Miller’s start mainly because he remains calm under pressure for such a young player. He mentioned there is not one formula for experience and talent. Managing emotions, being prepared, and staying focused are definitely key components in his opinion.

Not everyone is built to handle The Show, and it can sometimes be too big of a moment for some – rookie and veteran players alike. Before the game got underway, Roberts alluded to the impact that all of the rookies have had on the team this season.

“Huge contributions. I think mainly for the pitching side. With Bobby (Miller), with Emmet (Sheehan), with Ryan (Pepiot) and obviously with James (Outman) in centerfield. Huge contributions,” Doc gushed about his young players. “And we had (Miguel) Vargas early and it was good to see him get his feet wet.”

“This is not easy,” the veteran manager continued. “It’s not easy to be a rookie on this ballclub having championship aspirations and to be productive and impactful. It’s hard. And all those guys have taken their lumps, but they’ve gotten better. And they’re all viable pieces for the rest of the season.”

Roberts is trying to prepare all of his rookies for October. After the game, he spoke about the bigger picture.

“We’re trying to give them as many opportunities,” Doc expanded. “You know you can’t replicate postseason baseball if you haven’t been there, the emotions, but what you can do is give them as many opportunities and meaningful games in a regular season and bet on them in the postseason.”

A game can shake out any number of ways. Many know that one error or blown call can change the trajectory. Mostly, after this series, Doc was just happy about the win and the day off. And the fact that he knows his team shows up to play every single day.

Let’s go Dodgers!

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