MLB Playoffs: Dodgers vs Brewers NLCS Game 3 Thread
The MLB playoffs are heating up as the NLCS heads west for game 3.
For each 2018 postseason matchup, there will be a game thread on Call To The Pen that will feature comments from members of our writing team! This is our game thread for Game 3 of the LAD vs MIL NLCS matchup! These game threads will be put up for each game individually from the start of the MLB playoffs and continuing through the end of the World Series!
The Brewers and Dodgers have provided plenty of excitement through the first two games of the NLCS. As the series shift gears and heads west, the Dodgers will be sending Walker Buehler to the mound hoping to take control of this series and their MLB playoffs destiny.
The Dodgers young right-hander will have his hands full with a potent Milwaukee lineup. However, he has been impressive with a 2.62 earned run average with 137 1/3 innings pitched during this season. Although he struggled during the NLDS, surrendering five earned runs while pitching five innings, he also collected seven strikeouts and has the type of stuff that can stymie any lineup. Here’s a look at the Dodgers potential starting lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Justin Turner, 3B
3. Max Muncy, 1B
4. Manny Machado, SS
5. Enrique Hernandez, 2B
6. Cody Bellinger, CF
7. Yasmani Grandal, C
8. Yasiel Puig, RF
9. Walker Buehler, P
This isn’t exactly murderers row or anything. However, when you can bat Yasiel Puig eighth you have an advantage. The Los Angeles Dodgers also have some added firepower with Max Muncy starting the game at first base. This is one of the most productive lineups in MLB and gives L.A. a good chance to come away victorious tonight.
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Facing that vaunted lineup will be Brewers righty Jhoulys Chacin. Without question, Chacin has been Milwaukee’s de facto ace this entire season. His numbers won’t stack up against other aces in MLB, but he has been the Brewers top starting pitcher and has been an integral part of this team reaching the MLB playoffs.
He finished the season with a 3.50 earned run average with 192 2/3 innings pitched while making a career-high 35 starts. The Milwaukee Brewers had issues in the rotation all season long. However, Chacin has been the one constant and most reliable option for manager Craig Counsell. He will look to build off of his strong start during the NLDS when he had five innings pitched with zero earned runs and just three hits allowed against Colorado. Here’s a look at the Brewers potential starting lineup:
1. Lorenzo Cain, CF
2. Christian Yelich, RF
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Travis Shaw, 2B
5. Jesus Aguilar, 1B
6. Mike Moustakas, 3B
7. Erik Kratz, C
8. Orlando Arcia, SS
9. Jhoulys Chacin, P
Although the Brewers lineup doesn’t boast household names like Puig and Machado, this is as potent a group as you will find in MLB. Headlined by MVP frontrunner Christian Yelich, this group is set up well to do damage against the Dodgers young righty. With Erik Kratz hitting the ball hard and swinging the bat well, it makes sense to see him behind the plate in game 3.
The key for Milwaukee’s success will be to get to Buehler early and get him off of his game. Counsell should have his full complement of bullpen arms available so an early lead will go a long way for this club.
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Members from our writing team will be here during the game to talk about the action during game 3. Feel free to click the comment button below to join in on the conversation! We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the game!