A look at what’s happening around the majors on Tuesday:
BLANKIN’ BRAVES
Boosted by a sharp start from Ian Anderson, Braves pitchers have now thrown 19 straight scoreless innings against Milwaukee in the NL Division Series.
Christian Yelich, Avisaíl García and the Brewers have lost two games in a row by identical 3-0 scores. Atlanta leads 2-1 and can clinch the series at home in Game 4.
Milwaukee looks to stave off elimination Tuesday at Atlanta. Bob Uecker on the call on WKTY.
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Anderson combined with four relievers on a five-hitter in Monday’s win. Milwaukee’s only runs in the series came on a two-run homer by Rowdy Tellez in the eighth inning of the opener.
“I thought we swung the bats better today. Luck wasn’t on our side today with some balls in some key spots. As the game got on, I think the first time through the order, we have to probably be a little tougher,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell manager said. “And we’ve got to catch a break, frankly.”
Neither team had announced a starting pitcher for Game 4 by Monday evening.
HOMER HAPPY
We’re seeing all sorts of strategies in the postseason — openers, shifts, four-man outfields and a lot of analytics.
But the best way to win so far? Hit home runs.
The teams that hit the most homers were 11-0 through the first 13 playoff games as of Monday afternoon.
MORE MCCULLERS
The Astros have revamped their rotation for the AL Division Series after a rainout in Chicago.
Lance McCullers Jr., who shut out the White Sox on four hits over 6 2/3 innings in the opener, will now pitch Game 4. José Urquidy had been set to start for Houston on Monday, but the game was postponed.
Houston leads 2-1 in the best-of-five matchup.
Carlos Rodón is scheduled to start for Chicago, with Game 1 starter Lance Lynn available out of the bullpen. He went 13-5 with a 2.37 ERA in 24 starts this year, but he was limited down the stretch because of shoulder soreness and fatigue.
A PLAYOFF PEARL
With every swing, Joc Pederson enhances his nickname — “Joctober.”
Pederson is 3 for 3 with two home runs, all as a pinch-hitter, for the Braves in the NL Division Series. His three-run drive sent the Braves over Milwaukee 3-0 on Monday for a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five matchup.
Pederson has driven in four of Atlanta’s seven runs in the series.
The 29-year-old outfielder has hit 11 postseason home runs and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series last year with his longballs. He then signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs in the winter and was traded to Atlanta in July.
“He’s been in the big moment, the big stage, and he’s performed and guys appreciate that,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said.
Pederson is a career .232 in eight big league seasons and struck out 170 times in 2015, when he was an All-Star with the Dodgers. He hit a career-high 36 homers in 2019.
Asked how he pulled a high pitch for Monday’s homer, Pederson shrugged and said, “I guess I’m a pretty good player, I don’t know. I knocked it out of the yard.”
Pederson wore the pearl necklace in his postgame news conference that became part of his uniform late this season. He said the pearls are real and were ordered from his jeweler.
“I think I just saw the pearls and thought that looked cool,” he said.
TOP PHOTO: Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) is attended to after an injury while trying to make a catch against Atlanta Braves’ Adam Duvall during the fourth inning of Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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