Closing out the MLB Playoffs doubleheader will be the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. Game time is at 8:30 p.m. ET, first pitch is around 8:37 p.m. ET. If you can't access the game on your televisions, watch the live stream online as the Braves and Dodgers get set for Game of the 2013 NLDS.
The Dodgers are hobbling into this game. There will be no Matt Kemp, nor will Andre Either be out on the field. Here's a look at the Dodgers' depleted lineup entering the 2013 postseason.
1. Carl Crawford LF
2. Mark Ellis 2B
3. Hanley Ramirez SS
4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
5. Yasiel Puig RF
6. Juan Uribe 3B
7. Skip Schumaker CF
8. A.J. Ellis C
9. Clayton Kershaw P
As you can see, the top of the lineup presents trouble. Crawford hit just over .280 this season and a healthy Hanley hit .345, but he was only able to play in 86 games. The Dodgers will heavily depend on Gonzalez and Puig to bring in runs. Though no longer hitting 40 home runs a season, Gonzalez is still dangerous as he can still hit homers out of any ballpark.
For the Braves, the key will be to not strikeout and put the ball in play, but that, of course, is easier said than done against Kershaw. Here's what their lineup looks like entering Thursday's game.
1. Jason Heyward CF
2. Justin Upton RF
3. Freddie Freeman 1B
4. Evan Gattis LF
5. Brian McCann C
6. Chris Johnson 3B
7. Andrelton Simmons 2B
8. Elliot Johnson 2B
9. Kris Medlen P
Braves fans should be excited about Heyward leading off. They practically don't lose when Heyward sets the table for them. From batters 1-7, the Braves have all players in double figures in home runs. Johnson, their third baseman, who only has 12, is leading the team with a .321 batting average.
By getting rid of Dan Uggla from the starting roster, Fredi Gonzalez removed 81 strikeouts from the Braves' lineup. By not starting B.J. Upton and having Gattis in the lineup, Gonzalez is saving the Braves 70 strikeouts. Atlanta cannot afford to swing and miss against Kershaw or any of the Dodgers' starters if they want to have a chance in this series.
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