Charlie Morton, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Brian Snitker has named Charlie Morton the Atlanta Braves’ starting pitcher for Game 4.
With a shot at clinching a trip to the NLCS on the line, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker is rolling the dice and going with Charlie Morton on short rest in Game 4.
Morton pitched six innings and change Friday vs. the Milwaukee Brewers. While he was electrifying going up against Corbin Burnes through five innings, Morton lost his effectiveness in the sixth inning. Though he got out of the frame unscathed, a big fly off Rowdy Tellez’s bat in the seventh inning chased him. Atlanta lost Game 1 in Milwaukee, 2-1. Atlanta is up 2-1 in the series.
This is a bold move by Snitker to go to Morton once again four days after he last pitched for them.
Atlanta Braves Game 4 starter: Brian Snitker is going with Charlie Morton
So how should Braves Country feel about this? Honestly, pretty good. This was going to be a bullpen game otherwise with the likes of Huascar Ynoa, Drew Smyly and A.J. Minter eating innings. Though all three guys will probably pitch at some point today, look for Morton to be a glorified opener in this spot. His success in October over in the AL is why the Braves signed him last winter.
You have to applaud Snitker for having the stones to go for the kill of the Brewers in Game 4.