Braves set lineup for decisive Game 7 of NLCS against Dodgers

The Atlanta Braves are turning to rookie pitcher Ian Anderson to start Game 7 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers

The pitching matchup for Game 7 of the NLCS should be will feature rookies on both sides.

The Atlanta Braves announced their lineup on Sunday with rookie pitcher Ian Anderson set to take the mound.

The Braves hope rookie Ian Anderson can keep it rolling in Game 7

Anderson may be a rookie, but he’s been an outstanding arm for the Braves all postseason.

In 15.2 innings pitched, he has yet to allow a run. He won his first playoff start against Cincinnati and also contributed a win against the Marlins in Game 2 of the NLDS. He started Game 2 of the NLCS against the Dodgers and pitched four scoreless innings with just one hit and five strikeouts, but also five walks.

If Anderson manages to make it through three more innings without giving up a run, he will overtake Michael Wacha of the Cardinals for the longest postseason scoreless streak by a rookie going back 100 years.

It’s an incredible situation for a rookie. The 22-year-old made his first appearance in the major leagues back on Aug. 26 and pitched six times in the regular season with an impressive ERA of 1.95.

Of course, it being Game 7 it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation for Brian Snitker.

Atlanta’s hitting lineup is unchanged from Game 6.

The Dodgers’ will have their own rookie on the mound in Dustin May, with Clayton Kershaw potentially available to step in as a reliever.

Whoever is pitching for Los Angeles, they’ll have to keep Atlanta’s batters quiet.

Of the starters, catcher Travis d’Arnaud is leading with a .316 batting average this postseason. He, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson each have hit two home runs. Marcell Ozuna’s three homers are a team-best thus far.