NLDS 2013: Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers Game 4 preview
By Chris Lacey
Who: Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
When: 9:30 PM, ET – TBS
Series record: 2-1, Los Angeles
The Atlanta Braves have a must win situation against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four. Unfortunately for the Braves they face the best pitcher in the National League on Monday. The Dodgers have decided to start their ace Clayton Kershaw on three days rest. This could be bad news for the Braves, but this will be his first ever start on short rest.
Atlanta had no answer for Kershaw in game one when he threw seven innings and struck out 12 batters while allowing one run. The only positive take away from game one is that the Braves forced him to throw 124 pitches. If Kershaw struggles in this game, Atlanta has to take advantage of this early in the game and not allow him to settle in.
Los Angeles handled the Braves easily in game three as they pounded away 14 hits and scored 13 runs. Freddy Garcia has the tall task of trying to slow down Los Angeles on offense. The one player that he should pitch very carefully to is Hanley Ramirez, who has been on fire this whole series with a .538 average and six RBIs.
The Braves have a good chance to get a win tonight and maybe steal the series away from the Dodgers.