Pearl power: Pederson HR gives Braves 3-0 win, series lead over Brewers

ATLANTA — Don’t underestimate what someone wearing a pearl necklace can do.

Joc Pederson proved that again as his 3-run blast charged the Braves to a 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Monday.

“It was pretty special,” Pederson said. “To come up big in a moment like that was pretty cool.”

Atlanta now leads the National League Division Series 2-1 and will have the chance to advance to the NLCS at home on Tuesday.

The go-ahead HR was Pederson’s second pinch hit HR of the series after provided the only run in Game 1′s loss.

“He’s been in the big moment, the big stage, and he’s performed and guys appreciate that,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said.

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The three-run lead is what the Braves needed to support another dominant performance on the mound by an Atlanta starter.

Ian Anderson picked up right where Charlie Morton and Max Fried left off in Milwaukee. Anderson pitched five innings and struck out six batters. He only gave up three hits and didn’t surrender any runs.

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Anderson has only been in the majors for over a year but he has already pitched in NLCS Game 7 last year and now a NLDS go-ahead game.

Through three games, Atlanta’s starters have struck out 24 batters and have a combined 1.06 ERA according to Braves stats.

The Atlanta bullpen has also set the Braves up for success. Will Smith pitched a perfect ninth for his second save of the series.

The Brewers went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position during Monday’s loss. They have not scored in the last 19 innings.

Game 4 is scheduled for 5:07 p.m. Tuesday. Starters for each game have not been announced yet.

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