Around The League: A Look At The Postseason

Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Just because there is no baseball being played in Arizona right now does not mean the baseball world has shutdown. The 2013 postseason is well underway, so let’s take a look at what has been going on so far.

Pittsburgh Pirates VS. St. Louis Cardinals 

After advancing to the postseason for the first time since 1992, the Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds in the wild-card game and are now on the cusp of knocking out the National League’s one seed, the St. Louis Cardinals. After dropping the first game 9-1, the Pirates took the next two games and are now in the driver’s seat to win their first October series since 1979. The Bucs take a 2-1 series lead into Game 4 on Monday afternoon. Pittsburgh will hand the ball to right-hander Charlie Morton while St. Louis is sending rookie Michael Wacha to the mound.

Los Angeles Dodgers VS. Atlanta Braves 

The Dodgers pounded the Braves on Sunday night, en route to their 13-6 victory. The win gave them a 2-1 series lead and  they are now on the brink of advancing to the NLCS. In the hopes of surviving one more night, Atlanta gives the ball to veteran righty Freddy Garcia, who last pitched a playoff game in 2005 while with the Chicago White Sox. Ricky Nolasco will be on the hill for Los Angeles. The 30-year-old defeated the Braves earlier this season as a member of the Miami Marlins, but has allowed 17 runs in his last three starts, pitching just 12 combined innings.