The Atlanta Braves are getting much needed rest and look forward to their first NLDS appearance since 2010. Check out the Braves' 2013 NLDS schedule loaded with game times, dates and their opponent. Can the Braves muster up a run and get deep in the playoffs?
Opponents: Los Angeles Dodgers
Game Dates & Times: Game 1- Thursday, Oct 3, 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 2- Friday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. ET
Game 3- Sunday, Oct. 6, TBD
Game 4- Monday, Oct. 7 TBD
Game 5- Wednesday, Oct. 9 TBD
Before getting into World Series talks, the Braves need to get past the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. When thinking of L.A., of course, the first guy who pops into fans' mind is Yasiel Puig, but there should be more worries for the Braves and it does not concern their pitching staff.
The Braves are a streaky bunch. Enough has been made about their high strikeout totals, but that was known before the season even began. We're talking about the Upton Brothers and Dan Uggla here. While the Braves jacked up their strikeout total in 2013, they also found ways to score runs and that came via the long ball. They led the N.L. with 181 home runs in 2013. They had eight players, all of whom played the most games in 2013, finish with double digits. Evan Gattis, Freddie Freeman, Justin Upton, Brian McCann and Uggla smacked 20 or more home runs this season. However, it was only Freeman who finished in triple digits with 109 RBI.
If the Braves' hitting falters, their pitching can come up big and hold opponents, but this was not the case at the end of the 2013 season. The Braves score two runs or less in 13 of their 27 games this season. They were shutout four times in September. With aces like Clayton Kershaw and a savvy Zack Greinke heading the lineup and a third pitcher, Hyun-Jin Ryu, who can pitch deep into games, the Braves might have a tough time getting the bat on the ball.
The Braves went 5-2 against the Dodgers in 2013. Can they repeat this performance and win just three out of five games?
