The Dodgers really want to win tonight. They want to win so badly, they are letting ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw pitch on three days rest, something he has never done before. The Dodgers are up two games to one after last night’s slug fest, winning 13-6. Hanley Ramirez is playing better than anyone predicted giving this Dodgers’ lineup a boost. The Dodgers 3-4-5 (Ramirez, Gonzalez, and Puig) combined for eight of the fourteen Dodger hits.
The Braves have to win this game in order to keep their season alive. In order to do that, they will need to get some hits from players with last names other than Heyward and Gattis. Their starting pitching also needs to be more solid and will need to knock Kershaw out of the game early. Tonight, they hand the ball to veteran Freddy Garcia. Garcia has ten postseason starts, going 6-3. Basically, the Braves just need to find a way to get it done.
While it is Kershaw pitching, I do not think this is a smart move by the Dodgers and it will backfire. Ricky Nolasco was scheduled to pitch tonight with Kershaw being ready, if needed, for a Game 5 on full rest. I am confused why the Dodgers chose this route. I never want to go against him, but I think the Braves win tonight and get a game five. He may be better on short rest than other pitchers on regular rest, but the Dodgers could have won without forcing him to go early. This is a risky decision that could end their postseason run. I expect Nolasco to be in the bullpen tonight in case Kershaw cannot get it done. I like the riskiness, but I think it might work against the Dodgers. Dodgers vs. Braves- who you takin?
