Braves-Dodgers preview

Atlanta Braves

Braves-Dodgers preview

A look at the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers as they prepare to face off in the National League Division Series, starting Oct. 3, 2013, in Atlanta.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez led the Braves to an NL East best 96-66 record and the team's first division title in eight years. The Braves, who at one point led the standing by 15-1/2 games won the division by 10 games over the Nationals.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly led the Dodgers from last to first, and ultimately to the NL West division title with a 92-70 record in the regular season. The Dodgers won the division by 11 games over the Diamondbacks.

The Atlanta Braves led the season series against the Los Angeles Dodgers winning 5-out-7 games, which included a three-game sweep in Atlanta.

The Braves start the NLDS with Kris Medlen (15-12, 3.11 ERA) on the mound. Medlen started this season 1-6 despite a 3.48 ERA over the first two months, but finished at 15-12 with a 3.11 ERA. He set new career-highs in wins (15), starts (31) innings (197) and strikeouts (157) in his first full season in the Braves rotation.

Dodgers will start All-Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw (16-9, 1.83 ERA) in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Braves. In 33 starts this season Kershaw pitched 236.0 innings, with 232 strikeouts, 52 walks. He's the first pitcher since Roger Clemens in 2005 to finish with an ERA under 2.00, and he's only the 11th since 1981.

Braves left hander Mike Minor (13-9, 3.21) is the Braves' workhorse pitching 204-2/3 innings - most of the staff.

Dodgers right hander Zack Greinke (15-4, 2.63 ERA) had 28 starts, with 148 strikeouts and 46 walks. It is arguably his best season since winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2009.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman led the team in hits (176), and RBIs (109).

Los Angeles first baseman Adrian Gonzalez led the team with 171 hits and 68 runs. Gonzalez, who had 22 homers, was the only Dodger with 100 or more RBIs.

Braves rookie Evan Gattis finished second among all NL rookies with 21 homers, and led all rookies in the majors with 65 RBIs. Gattis played in 105 games, while starting in 94 as catcher, outfielder, first baseman or designated hitter. Gattis had the longest homer of the season - a 486-foot moonshot off the Phillies' Cole Hamels in Philadelphia.

Outfielder Yasiel Puig, a 22-year-old Cuban defector, started 94 of 106 games since joining the team in June 3. Puig hit .319 with 19 homers and 42 RBIs in 104 games.

Braves third baseman Chris Johnson finished the regular season as one of the Braves' most valuable players. He had a .321 batting average, good for second place in the National League.

Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez led the Dodgers with a .345 batting average (105 hits in 304 at-bats).

Braves rookie right hander Julio Teheran (14-8, 3.20) pitched a near no-hitter this season. The Braves' staff lead the National League with a 3.18 ERA.

Dodgers rookie left hander Hyun-jin Ryu (14-7, 2.97). Ryu had 30 starts with 154 strikeouts and 49 walks in 192 innings. He allowed more than three runs just five times all season.

Dodgers' closer Kenley Jansen went 4-3 with a 1.88 ERA in 75 appearances. Jansen had 28 saves in 32 opportunities, striking out 111 batters while walking 18.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel (4-3, 1.21 ERA) became the 11 reliever in baseball history to post a 50-save season. The All-Star reliever had 98 strikeouts and 20 walks in 67 innings pitched.

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Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez led the Braves to an NL East best 96-66 record and the team's first division title in eight years. The Braves, who at one point led the standing by 15-1/2 games won the division by 10 games over the Nationals.

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