In the last two postseasons, the Atlanta Braves have been struck with huge doses of bad luck. The plans they had for the starting pitching in the playoffs fell apart two years in a row.
Sure, the Braves scored only eight runs in four games against the Phillies last October. But Atlanta’s three starting pitchers allowed 13 runs in 19.1 innings, an ERA of 6.06. Meanwhile the Phillies’ starters allowed just five earned runs in 20.2 innings, an ERA of 2.18.
Charlie Morton was supposed to be a playoff starter, but he strained a ligament in his right index finger late in September and missed the series.