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Dodgers name Dustin May Game 5 starter

Cooper Neill / Major League Baseball / Getty

The Los Angeles Dodgers named rookie right-hander Dustin May the starter for their must-win Game 5 matchup against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series, Dave Roberts said after Thursday's loss, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

May has made one start this postseason but only pitched the first inning while acting as the opener in a Game 3 victory against the San Diego Padres. The 23-year-old made one NLCS appearance out of the bullpen in Game 1, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two over 1 2/3 innings.

Over eight career postseason innings, May has a 1.13 ERA, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out seven.

The Braves currently hold a 3-1 series lead after winning Thursday's Game 4 10-2.

At 23 years and 40 days old, May will become the third-youngest pitcher in Dodgers history to start a potential elimination game, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com. Fernando Valenzuela was younger when he started Game 4 of the 1981 NLDS and Game 5 of the 1981 NLCS, while Jonny Podres started Game 7 of the 1955 World Series. All three games were Dodgers victories.

May played 12 games this year, making 10 starts. The flamethrower posted a 2.57 ERA and 4.62 FIP over 56 innings.

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