ALDS/NLDS Game 4 - Open Thread

ASTROS (2) @ WHITE SOX (1) - 1:07 PM CDT

Lance McCullers Jr. (GAME 1 - W, 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K)

VS

Carlos Rodon (132.2 IP - 4.9 fWAR, 2.65 FIP, 34.6 K%)

This series was already getting tense, but after a rainout yesterday, all the chips are on the table. The Houston Astros are able to line up Lance McCullers Jr. to finish the job. The Sox have a duly-rested bullpen, and comeback kid Carlos Rodon ready to roll in an absolute do-or-die situation.

McCullers Jr., Dusty Baker’s Game One starter, is running back out there today in an attempt to choke off the series before a trip back to Minute Maid is even on the table. He shut down the Sox lineup in the series opener, and has the trust of his team and his fans to get it done again.

Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon gets as big of a “prove-it” moment as you could ask for. By this point, we know the story; a former top prospect, he was non-tendered last winter only to re-sign with Chicago. He rewarded them with the best season of his career, an All-Star campaign complete with a no-hitter (nearly a perfect game).

Rodon has been battling some shoulder issues, and the Sox reportedly have Lance Lynn waiting in the wings to back up. One bad inning could doom Chicago’s season — it will be all hands on deck on the south side today.

BREWERS (1) @ BRAVES (2) - 4:15 pm CDT

Eric Lauer (118.2 IP - 1.7 fWAR, 4.04 FIP, 23.9 K%)

VS

Charlie Morton (GAME 1 - L, 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 9 K)

One would think that Eric Lauer needs to be sharp today. The Brewer offense is not its strongest point anyway, and certainly not when Charlie Morton is serving the pitches. The Braves have a chance to punch their ticket to the NLCS, and a great pitcher queued up to deliver the order; Lauer is making his first career postseason appearance.

Milwaukee will be familiar with Morton, having seen him a few days ago, but will they able to adjust? Will two runs be enough against the Brave offense?

Will Ehire Adrianza and Eddie Rosario bring their team to glory?

GIANTS (2) @ DODGERS (1) - 8:07 PM CDT

Anthony DeSclafani (167.2 IP - 3.0 fWAR, 3.62 FIP, 22.5 K%)

VS

T.B. Dee (? IP - ?.? fWAR, ?.?? FIP, ??.? K%)

The Giants were the better team all year — by one game — but it may still feel like an upset should San Francisco deliver the finishing blow at Chavez Ravine tonight. DeSclafani was another SF veteran enjoying a career year down by the bay; T.B. Dee is a little-known crafty arm whose reputation precedes him.

If all three series end today, it will be Houston/Boston in the ALCS, fighting to face the winner of Atlanta/San Francisco. But none of these teams can be counted out — they’re all here for a reason, and will be doing their best to remind us of those reasons today.