After a dramatic win in game 3, the Atlanta Braves turn the page to game 4 as they send their veteran Dallas Keuchel to the mound.
The Atlanta Braves are on the verge of clinching their first postseason series win since 2001 after a dramatic comeback win in game 3.
There was some speculation as to who would start game 4 for the Atlanta Braves, but they made it official Monday morning that Dallas Keuchel would get the ball.
Let’s talk about the decision first before we get into the matchup.
If the decision came between Keuchel and Julio Teheran, and I’m not sure who the other option would be, then I think starting Keuchel is the right decision.
No matter what, this is likely going to be a bullpen game for both teams — especially for the St. Louis Cardinals with their season on the line. I feel good about Keuchel giving us at least four innings and keeping us in the game.
And then at that point you figure out the rest based on the situation.
Dallas Keuchel vs. CardinalsÂ
Going back to game 1, I thought Keuchel was very good and thought Brian Snitker brought him out too soon.
The one thing you have to understand with Keuchel is that he’s going to have runners on base. He pitches to contact, gives up a lot of hits, but as long as he isn’t giving up the long ball you always feel like he’s a pitch away from getting out of it.
In game 1 he gave up 5 hits over 4.2 innings. Three of those hits were doubles, but it was the infield single by Harrison Bader that came back to haunt him as that was the only run he gave up.
He got two big double-plays in that game to bail him out, and that’s why you can’t get too worried about the traffic on the bases with Keuchel pitching.
Keuchel only threw 74 pitches in game 1, so even on three days rest I would imagine he’s good to throw 75 pitches again.
I think he’ll continue to pitch carefully to Paul Goldschmidt and Marcell Ozuna and make others in the lineup hurt him.
After Keuchel, I think we could see Teheran for a couple of innings, as well as Sean Newcomb.