Atlanta Braves pitcher Ray Kerr earned a surprise NLDS start on Sunday night, delivering a performance that evened the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 32-year-old lefty struck out four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, striking him out on a 95-mph fastball to secure a 3-2 victory.
A Morning Discovery
Kerr learned about his role in the morning, just hours before taking the mound. The Braves manager Walt Weiss praised the relief pitcher’s performance, noting that Kerr has been throwing the ball well this season. Kerr allowed two hits and one walk over 2 2/3 innings, recording a season-high four strikeouts.
The pitcher described his approach to the high-pressure moment. He had breakfast with his wife and baby, went swimming, and then developed a process in his head. He spent just five or six minutes warming up before the game.
From Convenience Stores to the Mound
Kerr’s path to the major leagues is unconventional. He worked at a 7-Eleven and a theater after graduating high school. A coach at Lassen College eventually convinced him to return to baseball, leading to a career that began with the Seattle Mariners as an undrafted free agent.
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He has bounced between teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Braves, while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Kerr returned to the majors this year and posted a 1.47 ERA over 18 1/3 innings in his first nine appearances.
The left-hander’s ability to handle elite hitters like Ohtani highlights his value to the roster. Opposing left-handed hitters have struggled against him, limiting them to a .174 batting average. In fact, a double was the only extra-base hit he allowed to lefties during the season.
Heading Home
The Braves will now travel to Atlanta for Game 3 on Tuesday. Kerr anticipates a raucous atmosphere at Truist Park, especially with the Dodgers in town. He remains focused on the next opportunity, telling himself “All right, let’s get it” before every appearance. “It’s going to be crazy there,” Kerr said. “The crowd’s going to be beautiful to watch. I already know it. Especially against the Dodgers.” And if Kerr gets the nod to take down more innings again, he’ll tell himself “All right, let’s get it.” “That’s what I say every time,” he said, “and then I stick to it.” ___ https://apnews.com/hub/mlb Copyright 2026 The Associated Press.
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