Dodgers-Cardinals NLCS Game 4 X-Factor: Juan Uribe

After their Game 3 victory last night, the Dodgers are looking to even out the series tonight at Chavez Ravine on the 25th anniversary of the Kirk Gibson walk-off home run in the 1988 World Series.

The x-factor for tonight’s game will be a Dodger with his own famous game-winning home run, Juan Uribe. The Dodgers third baseman hit a two-run home run in Game 4 of the NLDS that gave the Dodgers a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning.

However, the feeling has worn off in the NLCS as Uribe is just 2-13 in the series. One of his hits was a two-run single in Game 1 but since then he’s gone 1-11.

Uribe has been providing solid defense all series as usual, but the Dodgers will need his bat to wake up, especially if Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig continue to get on base.

Last night in Game 3, Puig hit a triple and the momentum was in the Dodgers’ favor after scoring two runs but Uribe struck out to end the inning. Later in the game, Puig led the inning off with a single and Uribe promptly erased Puig with a double play.

The Dodgers will need Uribe to continue to produce in the clutch if they plan to tie the series tonight in Game 4. Runs have been at a premium in this series and the Dodgers need everyone in their lineup to step up. The team is still just hitting .213 in the NLCS but is coming off a victory against Cardinals’ ace Adam Wainwright.

Uribe is 1-1 with a double in his career off the Cardinals’ Game 4 starter Lance Lynn. This postseason, the third baseman has hit .276 with two home runs while driving in six.

The Dodgers have been shutdown by the Cardinals’ bullpen and have looked overmatched thus far, but Uribe is a fastball hitter and the bullpen throws fastballs so Uribe must get it done.

Look for Uribe to add to his postseason glory tonight.

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In case you missed it, here’s the home run that sent the Dodgers to the NLCS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJgp8vkSa3k