MLB
NLDS Game 3 Recap: Braves Survive, Force Game 4
NLDS Game 3 Recap
Took two games, but the Braves offense got their bats going against Dodger pitching in NLDS Game 3. Lead by a monster grand slam off the bat of Rookie of the Year candidate Acuña, it looked like the Braves would easily avoid the stress of elimination and force a Game 4. But Atlanta made the mistake of giving hope to Dodger hitters. Making this game a lot closer than it should have been.
Things started off great for Atlanta’s first home playoff game since 2013. Dodgers starter Walker Buehler looked shaken, walking Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb with the bases loaded to bring in the games first run. The scoring continued thanks to Acuña’s massive grand slam. Putting up a five-spot in the second inning.
It would be anything but smooth sailing from there for Atlanta. The Braves pitching staff allowed a total of nine walks to Dodger hitters. Allowing them to slowly but surely get back into the game. Starting off by chasing Braves starter Newcomb in the third, putting up two runs. The Dodger comeback continued in the 5th where the Dodgers do what they do best. Taylor hit a two-run home run to bring the Dodgers within one. Then it would be breakout star Muncy to launch one deep into the Atlanta night to tie the game again.
The Braves looked defeated after allowing this meltdown to happen. But ironically, with all the attention on the kids of Atlanta, it would be the only starter from the 2013 Braves left that would turn the game back around. On Alex Wood’s first pitch in the game in the bottom of the 6th, Freddie Freeman launched a ball deep into right field to give the Braves a 6-5 lead. And they would never look back.
While it still wasn’t smooth sailing from there, the Braves bullpen would finally hang on. Stranding the tie and go-ahead runs on base by striking out Muncy, Machado, and Dozier. Now the Braves have some momentum. With a quick turnaround day game the next day, Atlanta has the chance to once again jump out of the gates early. And maybe just maybe, win another at home and send this series back to LA for a winner take all Game 5.
Photo Credit: Buck Davidson via Flickr
