Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton. (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
The Atlanta Braves are in a must-win situation going into Game 4 of the NLDS against the Phillies and they need these three stars to show up.
The Braves didn’t play a single game on the brink of elimination during their run to the 2021 World Series. They won’t get to say that in 2022.
All of Atlanta’s postseason hopes hang in the balance on Saturday going into Game 4 of the NLDS trailing the Phillies 2-1.
After a 9-1 drubbing on Friday, the Braves need to do some soul-searching if they want to stay alive. Three players in particular need to make their mark.
3 Braves players who must step up to avoid elimination
Charlie Morton
The Braves couldn’t be in better hands than Charlie Morton, who will be on the mound on Saturday in Philadelphia.
The pitcher is 4-0 in postseason elimination games. He’s maintained an ERA of 0.47 in those games.
Atlanta needs him to come with that kind of excellence with the season on the line.
Spencer Strider couldn’t get the job done in Game 3. He had to be pulled in the third inning after the floodgates opened. By the end of the frame, Philadelphia had a 6-0 lead and the result was essentially decided.
This time around, the pitcher has to give the offense a chance to make a difference.