Milwaukee Brewers vs Braves: 3 bold predictions for NLDS

The Milwaukee Brewers are in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year–by far, a franchise record. After falling to the eventual World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers in last year’s wildcard, they’ll take on the Atlanta Braves in the National League Divisional Series this time around.

The first pitch is set to be thrown in Game 1 on Friday at 3:37 pm CT with Game 2 coming on Saturday at 4:07 pm CT. Games 3 and 4 and 5 (if necessary) will come on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

In Game 1, Brewers’ stud Corbin Burnes is set to take the mound against Charlie Morton. Burnes was dominant throughout the year, ending with a 2.43 ERA (best in the MLB) and 234 strikeouts. Morton wasn’t a slouch either, finishing with a 3.34 ERA and 216 strikeouts.

In anticipation of the playoffs, here are three bold predictions of what we’re about to see in the NLDS.

With the Milwaukee Brewers set to take on the Atlanta Braves in the National League Divisional Series, here are three bold predictions.

Brewers’ NLDS bold prediction: Atlanta will only homer in one game

Part of the reason for the Braves’ disappointing season in a weak NL East is their reliance on the long ball. They are largely a boom or bust offensive team depending on if the ball stays in the park or not, as they finished with the third-most home runs in the National League.

Thankfully, Milwaukee’s pitchers have been able to keep the ball out of the stands all season long and that should work in their favor once again. With Burnes announced as the Game 1 starter and Brandon Woodruff announced for Game 2, it’s almost assured Freddy Peralta will start Game 3. Amongst starters, Burnes gave up the fewest homers in the Majors and Woodruff the 10th fewest.

Brewers’ NLDS bold prediction: Luis Urias will start Game 2

Atlanta’s best pitcher, Max Fried is a lefty as is Drew Smyly, another likely candidate to start in the NLDS. That means Luis Urias will have an opportunity to get into the starting lineup and mash some left-handed pitching. Milwaukee will need to muster up any offense they can, meaning Urias will sneak in a start, possibly at third base, in Game 2. He finished the year second on the Brewers in home runs (23) and RBIs (75). It will be difficult to keep that bat on the bench for the entire series.

Brewers’ NLDS bold prediction: Milwaukee wins in four

The Brewers are a darkhorse for the World Series, but it all starts with the NLDS. Atlanta is a talented enough team to take them down, especially if they limit Milwaukee’s offense. The good news is the Brewers’ big three of Burnes, Woodruff, and Peralta come into the postseason fully healthy and rested. That gives them a huge advantage and one the Braves won’t be able to overcome. Atlanta will sneak in one victory, but Milwaukee will take care of the rest.