Atlanta Braves, led by surprise hero Didier Fuentes, cobble together bullpen game victory in NLDS Game 2: 'It’s stuff you would never do in

The 21-year-old, baby-faced Colombian was a man — a kid, actually — in total flow state. He'd just retired the side in the eighth, his third consecutive perfect inning against the two-time defending champs. After he entered to start the sixth, it'd been nine up, nine down, thank you very much. Los Angeles' imposing lineup full of MVPs and All-Stars and October-familiar veterans looked utterly lost against the rookie right-hander in this knife's-edge NLDS Game 2 .

As Fuentes strolled off the mound beneath a scared-silent Dodger Stadium, with his club clinging to a 3-1 lead, three measly outs stood between the Braves and an even series.

Manager Walt Weiss and his brain trust — a six-man think tank of ballcoaches who'd spent the night navigating a most complicated bullpen game — huddled to discuss the decision. They could either stick with the cruising Fuentes or hand the ball to closer Raisel Iglesias, warm and ready in the Braves bullpen. Fuentes had thrown three consecutive days in the series against the Phillies. Four innings was a big ask. But he looked untouchable.