Dodgers benefit from strong pitching in 4-2 win over Braves

KEY MOMENT: Dan Haren singled with one out in the fifth inning and advanced to third base on a double by Carl Crawford. Haren scored on a groundout by Yasiel Puig and Crawford scored on a single to right field by Matt Kemp. The two runs turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead.

AT THE PLATE: Newcomer Darwin Barney got on base twice, the second time on a ninth-inning fielding error by Emilio Bonifacio. Barney reached second base on Bonifacio’s error and advanced to third on a groundout by pinch-hitter Adrian Gonzalez. Barney, who started at second base, scored on a wild pitch by reliever David Hale to extend the Dodgers’ lead to 4-2. Barney also drove in Justin Turner for the Dodgers’ first run with a second-inning single. Carl Crawford was three for four with a walk and a run scored. Juan Uribe collected a pair of hits.

ON THE MOUND: Dan Haren won his second consecutive start by limiting the Braves to two runs and six hits over six innings. Brian Wilson, J.P. Howell, Brandon League and Kenley Jansen combined for three shutout innings. Jansen, who struck out two in a perfect ninth inning, earned his 33rd save.

THE LINEUP CARD: With the Dodgers in a stretch in which they play 20 straight days, Manager Don Mattingly sat Gonzalez and Dee Gordon. Mattingly pointed out that Gonzalez didn’t get a day off in the Dodgers’ previous series, in Milwaukee, and that the team doesn’t have a day off until Monday. “I pushed him through,” Mattingly said of Gonzalez. “Today seemed to be the day.” Especially with the Dodgers facing left-hander Mike Minor. Gonzalez bats left-handed, as does Gordon. For Gordon, this was his second day off in the last six days. “I’m trying to keep him at 170 pounds, basically,” Mattingly said, jokingly. “I don’t want him to get worn down. I want him to stay strong.”

UP NEXT: Hyun-Jin Ryu (13-5, 3.21) will face Ervin Santana (11-6, 3.69) and the Braves at Turner Field on Wednesday at 4 p.m. PDT. On the air: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.