Alex Wood finally gets his chance in NLCS Game 4

Alex Wood finally gets to pitch this postseason, after a long wait. If he does well in Game 4 of the NLCS against the Cubs on Wednesday, the Dodgers’ long wait might be over as well.

With a 3-0 series lead, the Dodgers are just one win away from their first World Series since 1988.

Wood last pitched on Sept. 26, though he has pitched in a few simulated games in the interim.

“It’s a little bit different getting in the game scenario and your endurance. But I feel good with where I'm at,” Wood said. “It is probably a little more of an advantage getting your legs back underneath you and get ready for [Game 4]”

Wood made his first All-Star team in 2017, but after the break posted a 3.89 ERA with 13 home runs allowed in 12 starts, after allowing just two home runs before the midsummer classic. He did end his regular season with three consecutive quality starts, allowing four runs in 18 innings during that span, with 15 strikeouts and two walks.

So far this postseason, Dodgers starters have a 3.13 ERA in six games, and have allowed two or fewer runs in the last five starts.

“I'm really excited to have it be my turn and hopefully kind of throw well and pass the torch on to the next guy,” Wood said.

Jake Arrieta starts for the Cubs, after a bit of a layoff of his own. He missed time in September with a hamstring injury and made one start in the NLDS, though he lasted just four innings in Game 4. He was effective in that outing, allowing just one unearned run with five strikeouts, throwing 90 pitches.

No opposing starting pitcher has recorded an out in the sixth inning against the Dodgers this postseason. Through six games, opposing starters have a 6.12 ERA and have averaged 4.17 innings per game. Relievers have pitched more innings against the Dodgers in these playoffs (25⅔) than starters (25).

Game 4 info

Time: 6:01 p.m. PT

TV: TBS (Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, Sam Ryan)

Online: TBS.com and the Watch TBS app

Local radio: AM 570 (Charley Steiner, Rick Monday)

National radio: ESPN Radio (Dan Shulman, Aaron Boone)