Braves Fall 4-3 to Dodgers; Eliminated from NLDS

October 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe (5) hits a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game four of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

One swing.

That was the difference between a 3-2 Braves lead and a 4-3 Braves deficit in the bottom half of the 8th inning. Unless you were hiding under a rock, you already know that Juan Uribe took a David Carpenter offering over the left field wall at Dodger Stadium, and with that, the Dodgers took the life out of the 2013 Atlanta Braves.

In the ensuing days, weeks, and months, there will be plenty of chatter in this space. Should Fredi Gonzalez have lifted Carpenter for All-World closer Craig Kimbrel? (Yes.) Is it a fireable offense to leave your best pitcher in the bullpen during the biggest game of the season? (Possibly.)

I could go on and on, but this isn’t going to be your traditional ‘game recap’.

Game 4 featured the unbelievable performance of Freddy Garcia (6 IP, 8 hits, 2 runs, 6 strikeouts), the Dodgers trying to give the game away with horrendous defense in a 2-run 4th inning, and the terrible process/great result combination that allowed Jose Constanza to knock in what seemed to be the game-winning run.

However, this night will be remembered for one thing and one thing alone, and that is the blast off the bat of Juan Uribe. I feel legitimately terrible for young David Carpenter, who was utterly fantastic this season in route to a 1.78 ERA, and I can almost sense the feeling of desperation in Craig Kimbrel, who didn’t throw a pitch in the final game of the year.

It’s all too much to digest right now, but in the very near future, we’ll be back to break it down.

Say goodnight to the 2013 Atlanta Braves.