Atlanta came within two outs of its second shutout loss in losing two of three games to the Los Angeles Angels. The Braves dodged what would have been their fourth shutout loss in their last seven games when Jurickson Profar hit a ninth-inning homer, but it was far too little to save the listless offense Thursday night in a 5-1 loss to the Angels.

The Atlanta Braves went eight scoreless in the 5-1 loss against the LA Angels, as their opponent took yesterday’s loss personally to nearly shut them out. There was a homer from Jurickson Profar in the ninth inning,

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Preview the July 3 matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

It's Thursday, July 3 and the Angels (42-43) are in Atlanta to take on the Braves (39-46). José Soriano is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles against Bryce Elder for Atlanta. The Braves evened up the series 1-1 after a 8-3 victory on Wednesday thanks to a seven-run sixth inning on two homers via Sean Murphy (3 RBI HR) and Matt Olson (grand slam).

Maybe Jurickson Profar’s presence will suddenly help bring the Braves’ offense to life and help the team deal with what has become a very thin rotation. Profar returned from an 80-game performance-enhancing drug suspension on Wednesday and immediately showed his potential.

Jurickson Profar returned from an 80-day PED suspension Wednesday, did his first interview since the penalty was handed down four games into his first season with the Braves, and played his first game since that ignominious day.

The Atlanta Braves have designated veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment, the team announced Wednesday. Verdugo's departure clears space for fellow outfielder Jurickson Profar, who returns from a PED suspension to face the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday (GameTracker).