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The Atlanta Braves found themselves in a challenging position in the NLDS, returning home with the series tied at one game apiece. They aimed to seize a 2-1 advantage over the Los Angeles Dodgers, which would have positioned them to potentially eliminate the defending champions on their own turf. However, the Braves fell short in Game 3, as their offense sputtered once again, mustering only a single run against Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
In a notable strategic decision, manager Walt Weiss placed star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in the designated hitter role for Game 3. This adjustment led to a reshuffling of the lineup: Ha-Seong Kim started at shortstop, Lane Thomas shifted from left field to right field, and Mauricio Dubón moved from shortstop to left field.
Weiss addressed the rationale behind the move, explaining, "Ronald was originally in right field in game two; I think in the first inning, he slid into second [and] jammed up his knee. He was fine. He played the rest of the game without issue. Came in sore today, and so we made that switch, but, you know, prior to the game, we had him at DH instead of running around in right field."
Despite the lineup change, Atlanta's offense continued to struggle. They managed just four hits off Yamamoto over seven innings, resulting in only one run. Acuña went 0-for-3 with a walk, while Kim was 0-for-1 in his only plate appearance. The Braves' inability to support ace Chris Sale, who pitched five innings allowing three earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts, proved costly.
Now, the Braves face a daunting task. They must win Game 4 to keep their season alive and then head back to Los Angeles for a decisive Game 5 against a hostile Dodgers crowd. Tyler Mahle is slated to start Game 4 for Atlanta, opposing Tyler Glasnow.
Key Analysis
Weiss's decision to use Acuña as the DH was a precautionary measure to protect the star's sore knee, but it also weakened the team's outfield defense. The move did not spark the offense, as the Braves continued their playoff struggles at the plate. With their backs against the wall, Atlanta will need a dramatic turnaround to overcome the Dodgers and extend their postseason run.
Originally reported by yahoo.