Braves need an offensive jumpstart in Game 7

For the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers it all comes down to one game. The NLCS will wrap up Sunday night with a decisive Game 7 with the winner advancing to the World Series to face the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Braves have lost two straight since taking a 3-1 lead in the series after Game 4. If Atlanta is going to advance, then they are going to have to get their offense in gear after two straight lackluster performances. The Braves scored just four runs in Games 5 and 6. They are 3-for-20 with runners in scoring position over that span and have left 13 men on base. They haven’t homered since Game 4.

There is a fine line between being aggressive and over anxious, but Atlanta needs to get things figured out quickly as they have just simply given away too many at-bats over the last two games.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts declined to announce his starter for Game 7 but it is expected that Tony Gonsolin will see the bulk of the innings. Gonsolin started in place of Clayton Kershaw in Game 2 and allowed three hits and five runs in 4 1/3 innings. He walked three and struck out seven. There is also a chance that Game 3 starter Julio Urias or Kershaw could be used at some point in relief as well.

There is no mystery in regards to who the Braves will start. Atlanta’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of rookie right-hander Ian Anderson who has been up to the task so far this postseason. Anderson has yet to allow a run in 15 2/3 innings over three playoff starts. He wasn’t sharp in Game 2 but pitched around five walks in four scoreless innings.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and can be seen on FOX.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, October 18, 8:15 p.m. ET

Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas

TV: FOX/FS1

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network.