Ray Kerr shines in biggest outing of MLB career as Braves advance to NLDS

The Major League Baseball postseason often puts players in situations that they aren't familiar with, and that was the case Thursday night for Atlanta Braves left-hander Ray Kerr. 

Not only did Kerr make the first postseason appearance of his career, but he did so as the starter for a winner-take-all Game 3 of the NL wild-card series against the Philadelphia Phillies, which the Braves won, 6-2.

Many didn't know what to expect from Kerr in terms of both length and production. Kerr didn't mind the lack of expectations, as it was potentially something that helped him turn in an excellent start in the biggest outing of his professional career.

Ray Kerr shined against the Phillies

Kerr was outstanding on Thursday, tossing 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing one hit, walking one batter and striking out two batters. 

It was the third time this season that Kerr had faced Philadelphia, and he was stellar in each appearance. In total, he tossed 9 2/3 innings of shutout baseball with seven strikeouts against the Phillies this season.

In a spot where some may let the moment get too big in their first postseason start, Kerr didn't seem phased by the moment in the slightest.