Dodgers 2013 NLCS Playoff Forecast: Pittsburgh Pirates
Liriano pitched the Pirates into the NLDS by defeating the Reds in the Wild Card game. He also threw 6 innings in the NLDS allowing two runs, but didn’t face the Dodgers this season.
The Game 3 starter will most likely be rookie Gerrit Cole, who is throwing Game 5 of the NLDS. Cole allowed one run in 6 innings in Game 2 against the Cardinals. Cole beat the Dodgers back in June throwing 5.2 innings while allowing three runs.
The final starter for the Pirates looks to be Charlie Morton. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up two runs in Game 4 of the NLDS and also didn’t face the Dodgers this season.
The Pirates bullpen has been strong this postseason with multiple relievers holding an ERA of 0.00. Vin Mazzaro, Bryan Morris, Justin Wilson and Jason Grilli have yet to allow a run, while Jeanmar Gomez allowed two runs, but none of them were earned.
Mark Melancon and Tony Watson have each thrown three innings and allowed just one run.
Lineups:
It’s unclear how healthy Andre Ethier will be in the NLCS, but look for the Dodgers to continue to use the same lineup. Carl Crawford and Juan Uribe were the heroes of Game 4, while Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez had a solid NLDS series.
Adrian Gonzalez had a home run in Game 1 and while Skip Schumaker and A.J. Ellis contributed, Mark Ellis was solid with four hits in 15 at-bats.
The Pirates will be coming into the series led by their young stars Pedro Alvarez and MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen. Alvarez has three home runs and six RBI in five postseason games so far, while McCutchen is hitting .412 in the postseason.
In-season acquisitions Marlon Byrd and Jason Morneau each have five hits in the postseason with Byrd contributing five RBI as well. Second baseman Neil Walker and outfielder Starling Marte have struggled combining for five hits in 41 at-bats.
Catcher Russell Martin was the hero of the Wild Card game, where he hit two home runs to lead the Pirates. He has just two hits in the NLDS in the four games.
The last spot in the lineup has been going to shortstop Clint Barmes, although Jordy Mercer has gotten a start and ample playing time. They have combined for a total of three hits and are more known for their defense.
So, how do you think the Dodgers will fare against the Pirates?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In case you missed it, here’s the home run that sent the Dodgers to the NLCS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJgp8vkSa3k
