The Braves took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS with a 9-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 4. Eddie Rosario had another big night at the plate, and manager Brian Snitker pushed all the right buttons in the bullpen game for Atlanta. Now the Dodgers find themselves on the brink of elimination in Game 5 on Thursday.
You can view the full postseason schedule by clicking here. Net’s get to the important stuff for Game 5.
How to watch
Date: Thursday, Oct. 21 | Time: 8:08 p.m. ET
Location: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
TV channel: TBS | Live stream: TBS.com
Odds: TBA
Starting pitchers: TBA vs. LHP Max Fried (14-7, 3.04 ERA)
Preview
The Atlanta rotation was able to skip a turn in Game 4 thanks to the bullpen game. Now ace Fried lines up on full rest for the potential clincher in Game 5. In Game 1, Fried limited the Dodgers to two runs in six innings with five strikeouts against no walks. Overall this postseason Fried boasts a 1.50 ERA with 14 strikeouts and no walks in 12 innings.
As for the Dodgers, Dave Roberts will undertake his own bullpen game on Thursday. It’s not yet certain how that will line up. It’s worth noting that right-hander Corey Knebel, who didn’t pitch in Game 4 and threw 16 pitches in Game 3, has twice this postseason served as Roberts’ opener.
Prediction
Fried is on the mound, the Braves are one win away, and the Dodgers have an uncertain pitching situation (and no Justin Turner, thanks to a hamstring injury). Atlanta advances to the World Series for the first time since 1999.
Pick: Braves 5, Dodgers 3
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