MLB Playoffs: Dodgers vs Brewers NLCS Game 4 Thread

The Dodgers face off against the Brewers in game 4 of the NLCS with L.A. fighting for their MLB playoffs hopes.

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 4 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!

Veteran left-hander Rich Hill will take the mound for Los Angeles as the Dodgers look to even up the series against Milwaukee. Hill has faced the Brewers twice during this season totaling 12 innings pitched and allowing just two earned runs.

L.A. will need Hill to keep the Brewers bats at bay in order to right the ship. Hill started game 4 of the NLDS against the Braves pitching 4 1/3 innings and surrendering two earned runs during the Dodgers victory. He also issued five free passes and that’s what he’ll need to improve upon if he’s going to have any success in tonight’s game. Here’s a look at the Dodgers potential starting lineup:

1. Chris Taylor, LF

2. Justin Turner, 3B

3. David Freese, 1B

4. Manny Machado, SS

5. Brian Dozier, 2B

6. Enrique Hernandez, CF

7. Yasiel Puig, RF

8. Austin Barnes, C

9. Rich Hill, P

Once again, Austin Barnes will be laying down the signs for the Los Angeles Dodgers following another subpar performance by Yasmani Grandal during game 3. Grandal continued a dismal MLB playoffs allowing yet another costly passed ball during last night’s game and L.A. needs to shore up its defense behind the plate.

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David Freese is back in the lineup and playing first base with Milwaukee sending a lefty to mound. This means that Max Muncy will once again be coming off of the bench and that hurts this lineup considerably. Although Freese has had a lot of success during his career against Milwaukee, his best days are far behind him. Muncy has the potential to change a game with one at-bat and manager Dave Roberts could be making a huge mistake by keeping him on the pine.

The Milwaukee Brewers will counter with their own veteran left-hander. Gio Gonzalez will take the ball for the Crew and looks to provide more than the two innings he pitched during game 1 of this series.

Manager Craig Counsell should have his full complement of arms in the bullpen so it won’t be imperative that Gonzalez goes deep into tonight’s game. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Counsell treat game 4 the same way he treated game 1 and keep a short leash on Gonzalez. Here’s a look at the Brewers potential starting lineup:

1. Lorenzo Cain, CF

2. Christian Yelich, RF

3. Ryan Braun, LF

4. Jesus Aguilar, 1B

5. Mike Moustakas, 3B

6. Jonathan Schoop, 2B

7. Manny Pina, C

8. Orlando Arcia, SS

9. Gio Gonzalez, P

Jonathan Schoop will get his first start of the NLCS at second base and he needs to do something with his opportunity. Schoop has been terrible since the Brewers acquired him from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline. Schoop hit just .202 with only four home runs in 46 regular season games following the trade and has provided almost zero value for the Brewers.

On the other end of the spectrum is shortstop Orlando Arcia. Milwaukee’s young defensive dynamo has been one of the team’s hottest hitters and is currently tied for the MLB playoffs lead with three home runs.

This is a big game for Los Angeles as they cannot fall behind three games to one and expect to take a trip to the World Series. For Milwaukee, they need to continue to do what they’ve done all season long and continue to prove people wrong.

Next. Is there a problem with the Brewers bullpen plan?. dark

Members from our writing team will be here during the game to talk about the action during game 4. 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!

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