Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves – 2020 NLCS Game 4

Can the Los Angeles Dodgers even their series with the Atlanta Braves after crushing Atlanta in Game 3? That will be the question as the Dodgers buried Atlanta, 15-3. An 11-run first-inning that saw the Dodgers bring 14 men to the plate all but ended this game as it was just getting started.

Corey Seager had an RBI double and a run scoring single in the frame and Max Muncy hit a grand slam to close out the inning. Los Angeles finally got their bats going, not only with the record setting first inning, but they also hit five homeruns in the contest, three in the first frame.

Now, Los Angeles finds themselves as the favorite to even the series. However, they have been favored in each of the first three games, yet trail in the series, 2-1.

That Los Angeles has been favored in each of the first three games is an indicator that oddsmakers fully expected the Dodgers to dominate the series. They are the favorite in Game 4 with the moneyline set at -245. Even giving up 1.5 runs they are still a heavy favorite.

The total may be a number to pay attention to. With Clayton Kershaw going in Game 4, you may want to consider going under.

The Dodgers offense looked meek through the first 15 innings of this series but came alive with seven runs in the final three innings of Game 2, then put up 15 Wednesday night. That is great news for Los Angeles, but bad news for Atlanta.

Strike first! pic.twitter.com/aaa0vICv2E

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 14, 2020

Los Angeles must feel pretty good about evening out this series with Kershaw getting the start. After back spasms led to him being scratched in Game 2, he is ready to go. That is not only good news for this contest but sets up the scenario where he would be ready to go in Game 7 if that became necessary.

Kershaw was outstanding during the regular season, going 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA. His 0.84 WHIP was the lowest of his career. In the playoffs, he has been even better, posting a 2-0 record and a 1.93 ERA. In 14 innings Kershaw has allowed one walk while striking out 19.

Atlanta will counter with right-hander Bryse Wilson. Wilson made six appearances during the regular season, two of which were starts. He posted a 1-0 record with a 4.02 ERA but has not appeared in the post-season. In fact, his last appearance was on September 27, giving him a span of 18 days without taking to the hill.

How effective he is early on will be a gigantic key to this contest, especially after the Dodgers onslaught in the first inning on Wednesday. Wilson better show up with his best stuff or this contest is going to be over after the first inning.

On the pitching matchup alone, I like Los Angeles in this contest. Wilson is going to be extremely rusty and Atlanta cannot expect seven or eight more innings out of their bullpen after they have been used extensively in the last two contests. Wilson needs to give them at least three or four innings so, if he struggles early on, it could get ugly.

The Dodgers lineup finally looks like what we saw in the regular season. This was a team that was battering opponents with a powerful lineup that blasted 118 homers in just 60 games. Now they have six over the last two days, including two by Corey Seager. A perfect storm is brewing for the Dodgers. Look for them to crush Atlanta in this game, 8-3.