**** Dodgers vs Braves NLCS thread ****

[JustinCharge 2,397]

Game 6 looms.  Braves up 3 games to 2.  Last 2 games in Atlanta.

Game 5 made no sense really.  The Dodger hitters this year have struggled against lefties and good curveballs.  The Braves had ace Max Fried on the mound for game 5.  He is a lefty with a good curveball.  So when the Braves grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, there was utter joy in the Braves dugout.  They had it.  They knew it.  They were jumping around screaming like little kids.

And then the impossible happened.

Max Fried couldn't throw a good curveball.  Fried's curveballs were flat.  The dodgers just erupted for runs all game and chased him off.

Maybe Max Fried just had a bad outing.  But then again, the Braves choked away a 3-1 lead in the NLCS a year ago.  They talk about the "heart of the champion".  Maybe Max Fried could not handle the bright lights and stardom of a world series berth.  Maybe the moment was too big.  And it just wasn't too big for the Dodgers.

Whatever the reason, the Dodgers inexplicably bombed the Braves in what should have been their death.  Now the Dodgers are headed to Atanta, to face right hander Ian Anderson in game 6.  Max Sherzer pitches in that game.  Sherzer has been dealing with a sore hamstring for a month, but he got 5 days rest is reportedly is now 100%.  The Dodgers should win that game.  Then would come game 7.  The Dodgers face another right hander in Charlie Morton in that potential game.  The Dodgers have hit the curveball of both Anderson and Morton, so these are poor matchups for the Braves.  Walker Buehler gets the call in a potential game 7, and he has been struggling.

I think what we get is a Dodgers win in game 6 and then a high-scoring game 7 with all hands on deck, pitchers pulled early, and some insane hitting.

[KSB2424 3,082]

I'm fairly invested in this series. Braves in 6 

[JustinCharge 2,397]

12 minutes ago, KSB2424 said:

I'm fairly invested in this series. Braves in 6 

ian anderson and charlie morton should both get chased from 6 & 7 early. 

[JustinCharge 2,397]

Breaking news.

Max Sherzer's arm has not bounced back and will not start in game 6.  It looks like the start will go to either Tony Gonsolin or David Price.  Price was added to the roster to replace the injured relief pitcher Joe Kelly.  Kelly will miss the rest of the postseason.

 

https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-max-scherzer-wont-make-scheduled-start-in-crucial-nlcs-game-6-024257158.html

[JustinCharge 2,397]

It has come out that Dodgers president Andrew Friedman ordered manager Dave Roberts to use openers in game 5 of the NLDS vs the Giants.  Urias went in as a bulk guy instead of a starter in that game in the 3rd.  When Urias couldn't go deep into the game, Roberts was short 2 relievers.  That forced Dave Roberts to use Max Sherzer as a closer, which led to his dead arm problems and why Sherzer can't start game 6.

 

https://sports.yahoo.com/madden-baseball-hurting-itself-postseason-143000479.html

It sounds like there is going to be baaaad blood within the Dodger organization if the Dodgers fail to win the World Series.  The finger pointing among execs and coaches has already begun.

[JustinCharge 2,397]

Walker Buehler will start game 6 tonite.  Buehler pitched in game 3, so he is starting on 3 days rest.  I assume this means they will check on Max Sherzer tomorrow and see if he can go in game 7. 

 

I assume game 6 is basically a bullpen game for both teams, with both starters getting hit hard and a final score something like 9-8.

[JustinCharge 2,397]

Braves reliever Luke Jackson implodes in the 7th.  Gives up a double, walk, and a double and gets pulled.  Dodgers were down to their last 9 outs down 4-1.  Still 9 outs left and the tying run is on second base.  Matzek in to pitch.

[jerryskids 5,191]

Buh bye Dodgers  

[JustinCharge 2,397]

Ow.