Game Preview: Braves going for 4 game sweep in LA behind the red-hot Charlie Morton
By Chase Owens
Coming into Thursday their was a lot of buzz around this series for a number of reasons. You had the two best teams by record in the Braves and the Dodgers. You had two opponents that have seen each other on the biggest stages (2020 & 2021 NLCS). And you had arguably the top four players in the NL MVP race if the season ended today.
If we are sure of anything after watching the first three games play out, it’s that these two teams are undoubtedly the class of the National League. We also know the race for NL MVP between Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Pitching Matchup for Braves vs. Dodgers
Perhaps the hottest starting pitcher in baseball is that of 39 year-old Charlie Morton. The Braves’ veteran has been on fire in his recent stretch and really been dominating lineups once he cut down on his walks. Over his last four starts Charlie has thrown 24 innings, allowed just one earned run, and struck out 33 men.
The Dodgers will be sending rookie Bobby Miller (8-3, 4.00 ERA, 3.64 FIP) to the mound. If you remember not so long ago Miller made his MLB debut against the Braves at Truist Park. Miller had a good day picking up the win in his debut thanks to five innings of one-run ball against Atlanta.
Hitter to watch
As hot at Ronald Acuña Jr. has been, I am going to go with my gut on this one. I’m picking the Braves home run leader, Matt Olson to end his season long homerless streak at 18 games. I don’t really have any particular stat, or reason why I’m doing so; Just more of a hunch that Olson is too good a hitter and he is due.
How to watch Braves vs. Dodgers - 9/3/23
Date/Time/Location: 9/3/2023 at 4:10 PM EST at Dodger Stadium
TV: Bally Sports Southeast
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan