North Gwinnett News

The Atlanta Braves point to the numbers for liking their chances for a fall classic appearance.

Starters Max Fried, Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson were lights out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series, combining to allow just four runs over 201/3 innings to lead the Braves to a 3-1 series win, MLB.com reported.

One year after the Braves advanced all the way to Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, manager Brian Snitker gladly senses that something is different this time around.

“I think we're in a better position this year,” Snitker told MLB.com as the Braves prepared to face the LA. Dodgers in the NLCS. “We were kind of piecing that starting thing together all last year, and now, we've got three guys that are pretty good and are battle-tested and have been through the wars.”

Fried’s hot-streak has stretched since the All-Star break, with the crafty left-hander posting a MLB-best 1.74 ERA since then, MLB.com reported. Last year, he allowed three runs or fewer in three of four playoff starts and adding to that streak against the Brewers in Game 2 by hurling six scoreless innings.

Over his last 11 postseason starts, Morton has posted a sparkling 2.53 ERA. As for Anderson, inexperience hasn’t been a problem for the 23-year-old as he tossed five shutouts innings against the Brewers in Game 3 after having not allowed a run over his first 17 2/3 innings in the postseason, MLB.com reported.

“We feel very good heading to the NLCS this year, regardless of who we're playing,” catcher Travis d’Arnaud told MLB.com. “We've got a great pitching staff. Three studs on the mound. Shoot, all our guys are nasty.”