Thanks to a Max Walk Off We Have a Series
WHAT A GAME!!! 18 innings – 7 ½ hours. My nine-year-old granddaughter picked a great game to see her 1st ML baseball game. My daughter-in-law and granddaughter were decked out in Dodger gear, while my son was non-committal. They stayed all 18 innings. He just texted me (1:35 AM) and said UNBELIEVABLE! Max Muncy comes close in the 15th, and then unloads going oppo in the 18th for the
WHAT A GAME!!! 18 innings – 7 ½ hours. My nine-year-old granddaughter picked a great game to see her 1st ML baseball game. My daughter-in-law and granddaughter were decked out in Dodger gear, while my son was non-committal. They stayed all 18 innings. He just texted me (1:35 AM) and said UNBELIEVABLE!
Max Muncy comes close in the 15th, and then unloads going oppo in the 18th for the walk-off game winner. The Dodgers backs were against the wall and once again they came through. I kept score the entire game, but I wasn’t as thorough at the end of the game as I was in the beginning.
I just have to preface my comments by first acknowledging that nothing that Nathan Eovaldi did tonight diminishes my desire for the Dodgers to take a good long look at him in FA. 6+IP, 97 pitches, and he was still bringing it 98. What a great outing. He is picking up a lot of the $$$ that Machado is losing.
In the beginning, I was writing this post anticipating a Dodger win. Okay I know they are still down 2 games to 1, and the BoSox still have home field advantage, but it still feels good to write that the Dodgers won Game 3, and Eovaldi is done until at least Game 6. The Dodgers get Dick Mountain against Drew Pomerantz (or Eduardo Rodriguez) and the rest of the Red Sox bullpen in Game 4. I like the Dodgers chances.
I guess we cannot officially pass the Ace torch to Striker, but the fat lady is fully into her aria. I still believe that Kershaw will not throw 2 bad games in the same series, so he is good for a great Game 5. And while I do not like to think about it, it could be his last game as a Dodger at Dodger Stadium (I honestly do not think that will happen). Buehler goes 7 innings of 2 hit ball with 7 strikeouts and no walks, facing one over the minimum, only to see Kenley give up the tying HR in the 8th to JBJ, again with 2 outs. JBJ crushed a cutter that came back over the middle of the plate.
Joc’s 3rd inning HR is why I think he is coveted by FAZ. His 9 pitch K in the 8th probably had no change in their thought process.
While it probably had no impact on the game, the lack of hustle on Machado’s single in the 7th probably killed any thought of Machado getting signed by LAD as a FA. If not then, his swing and miss at Ball 4 in the 8th with a runner on more than likely sealed his fate. Easier said than done, but it would have been great for Machado to hit it into RF where JDM moved to for his AB and force Martinez to make a play. Instead he swung as if he wanted to hit it 500 feet and missed on a pitch way up out of the zone. In the 10th, with a runner on 2nd and the game on the line, Machado pops out. Then in the 13th with a runner on 1st and nobody out he lifts a fly ball to Holt in LF, and then another pop up in the 15th. He certainly was not the only star to have a tough game, but thus far he is not doing what the Dodgers were hoping for when they made the July trade. I guess I am glad that Muncy ended it before Machado could have another AB. But tomorrow is another day, and Machado could become a hero. I know many still want Manny to sign with the Dodgers. Would I pay him more than JDM? Only slightly because of his age and he plays a premium defensive position. But there is no comparison offensively.
In the 9th, with a pitch away from a LHP (Price) Belli cuts down his swing and pokes it into LF. He is really maturing as a hitter. Like everyone else he was trying to unload in extra innings and was not able to get on base. After Belli’s leadoff single in the 9th, I had no problem with Puig NOT sacrificing as was being discussed. He may have been a little too aggressive, but Puig is more apt to end it with a HR than bunt Belli over. Belli getting picked was not a Phi Beta Kappa move. None of us have any idea where Price makes his next pitch to Grandal, so I do not know if there would be two runners on with one out or not. My hope now is that the base running gaffe by Belli does not mess with his psyche.
Pedro Baez’s change has become a lethal pitch. Who knew? That 2-1 change he threw to JDM was a beauty. I thought he had Kinsler picked, but I understand that it may have been too close to overturn. Belli did not make a great throw to 3rd to try and nail Kinsler on Holt’s single. But that throw home on his catch of a Nunez fly ball to nail Kinsler was something to behold. I know he is a gifted 1B, but I do not take him out of CF. He is a difference maker in the OF. I guess his psyche is okay after all. Not lost by me was the great tag and hold by Austin Barnes. Does Grandal hold on to the ball???
I was writing various scenarios during the game. For much of it I was anticipating a Dodger win. I mean how could the Dodgers lose a game after a brilliant pitching performance by Striker Buehler. He did not get the W, but I do not think he will mind. Then I started to complete a write up for a loss in the top of the 13th. And then the Dodgers tied it up in the bottom of the 13th, and I stopped anticipating. Alexander goes from 0-2 on LHH Holt to a walk and a WP putting a runner on 2nd. Bad read by Muncy and a bad throw to 1st that Kike’ could not handle and Holt scores on the errant throw. So, the pitcher that sent the usually reliable Caleb Ferguson off the roster, walks a batter in the 13th after going 0-2, throws a wild pitch, and then makes an error to allow the run.
Muncy more than makes up for it with his heads up base running play on a foul pop out by Belli with Nunez going into the stands. Puig follows with an infield single and a Kinsler throwing error scores Muncy. 2-2!!!
Maybe Kenta Maeda was having problems throwing strikes to the first two batters he faced in the 15th, but he had no problem throwing a strike to JT on a Vasquez bunt. That was a tremendous play for Maeda to get Nunez at 3rd in the 15th. Then he comes back and strikes out Leon and Betts. Okay maybe he had a little help from the umpire on Bett’ strike 3, but he did get the call. After allowing the first two batters to get on and getting the out at 3rd on a bunt, Maeda struck out the next 5 batters. It was an outstanding effort by Kenta.
Eovaldi continues to deal and young Julio Urias takes over for Maeda in the 17th, and proceeds to shut down the Red Sox, allowing only a 2 out walk to JBJ. Probably not a bad idea. But Urias was only going to pitch the 1 inning and that was verified when Clayton came in to PH for him. He got nice wood on the ball, but it was right at Mookie Betts.
Alex Wood comes in and proceeds to walk the first batter. Come on, look at the bright side, it was not a lead off HR. And then he narrowly misses a DP on a Mookie Betts ground ball to SS, and then gets Bogaerts to hit into a 6-4-3 DP to end the top of the 18th. And now we all know what happened in the bottom of the 18th.
Betts goes 0-7 only reaching base 1 time on an intentional walk, and Xander Bogaerts goes 0-8. The number 3 batter in the lineup goes 0-7, but three of those AB’s were from Eovaldi. JDM and Kinsler go 0-6 with a walk. So, the first 4 batters go 0-25 and the first five 1-31. Nunez, JBJ, and the catchers were once again the problems for the Dodger pitchers.
What a tremendous effort by the bullpen. Especially from Floro, Maeda, Urias, and Wood. Yes Dodgerrick, even Alex Wood had a good inning. And he got the win. Even Ryan Madson came in to get the one batter he was asked to face. I cannot see why anyone will be limited tomorrow for the Dodgers.
Dick Mountain for Game 4, and Clayton Kershaw for Game 5. I do not like getting ahead of myself, but I sure like the odds of the Dodgers going back to Boston with a 3 games to 2 lead.
GO BLUE!! KEEP THE FAITH!!!
More from Dodger Talk
Kim and Sasaki: Dodger Mistakes?
I have heard a few Dodger fans say that maybe the Dodgers made a mistake in signing Roki Sasaki and Hyeseong Kim. Of course, Kim was sent to OKC at the end of Spring Training to work on his hitting. It’s early, but last night he was 2-4 with two walks and 4 RBI, as he hit a…
This is Serious!
Mookie Betts has been sick for nearly two weeks. He is still throwing up. Two weeks ago, he weighed 175 pounds. Now, he weighs 157 pounds. “ My body’s just kind of eating itself, ” he said. “I t’s hard to not fuel it. And so every time — literally, every time — I fuel my body, I…
Clayton Kershaw, Sandy Koufax… and Pete Rose
Yesterday, it was mentioned that Clayton Kershaw has never had Tommy John Surgery after seventeen years in the league. It was my opinion that this occurred because Clayton made a conscious decision not to throw with maximum effort on each pitch. There was a time early in his…
How Many Innings Will the Dodgers' Starters Pitch?
There are 1,458 innings in a 162-game baseball schedule. Of course, games will inevitably go into extra innings, so let’s call a season 1,500 innings (give or take). I have stated before that I would not be surprised if no Dodger starter pitched more than 125 innings. For…
Discussion (199)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Nice recap of the game, although I think the Dodgers must win the next 2 home games if they are going to have chance to win the WS. I think they can win 1 game back in Boston but I don’t see them winning both games.
Let’s see what happens.
I’m gonna say I knew Baez had it inside him and that he needed to come to that belief he’s really got ‘IT’ to deliver. This game surely did more damage to Boston than it did to LA. Now Dodgers can’t let themselves get neither cocky or lackadaisical for the next two games. It’s time for Dodgers to display their instinct to kill when we have Boston showing their vulnerability. Yep inning’d them to death! Do it Dodgers! Take it back to Boston and bury them there! Do not let up! Take their wind! CHEERS!!!!!!
A few take aways:
–
1. The series should be even at 2-2, since they played 2 games (18 innings last night). I am going to seek an ex post facto rule change.
2. Eovaldi is going to get paid. I would love to have him back. Everyone wants him as a starter and I would love that too, but can you imagine him as a closer? After his last TJ he changed his fastball grip and mastered the cutter. He might get $100 million!
3. Rich Hill needs to pitch the game of his life today. They need to sweep in the Ravine.
Love the game, love that we now have a fighting chance because down 3 games to 0 would have been devastating. We, however don’t stand a chance unless we find some offense that doesn’t consist of relying on a HR to put runs on the board.
Will we see the Dodgers string together multiple hit innings and put a crooked number on the board? This team is confounding with their big swings and what appears to be nearly every player trying to hit a long ball. Kershaw’s pinch hit AB looked more like a position player AB with a good offensive game plan when he lined out to RF. If the Dodgers are to win this series they’ll have to get some BB, hit behind a runner, go first to third on a base hit, get a big base hit with men on base, steal a base, sac fly, move up on passed balls, foul pitches off, extend AB’s etc.
If they don’t find an offensive game plan tonight I think we will come up short when relying on the long ball for all of the offense. Hope Dick Mountain pitches the game of his life.
Great recap. I turned in in the 13th. Nice to see the result. A few plays I would still like to see: the muncy near homer, maeda’s out at 3rd, Kershaw’s at bat.
*
All it is is a win and a 2-1 deficit but it feels like more. It feels like hope and “the game” we needed for a miracle to happen
I also see a path now. I even saw it during the game. Win tonight, no other choice, ride the momentum and even the series. Kershaw gets game 5. Have to like that. Game 6 is a tough one with ryu in boston but maybe it’s not a must-win. Buehler for the ring on Halloween night.
*
Good on everyone here for keeping the faith. Some real fans.
I have to give props to wood in this game. Admittedly, I never wanted to see him in a dodger uniform ever again after his recent performances. I just loved the way he was careful not to give up a homer and yet using his strength to get ground balls. I got the feeling he was thinking no long ball and I will make you hit my pitch. He was laser focused. Also props to bellinger who could have quit after a nightmarish game until he atoned with the throw to the plate. Instead of feeling sorry for himself he stayed focus to make a play. The play with Barnes all I could think about is thank God he was the catcher. Great win in the greatest World Series game ever!,
Wow!
Conduct a funeral service this morning then off to Dodger stadium with my son and grandson (we have a 3 hour drive). My first WS game to see in person and I am excited. I hope they don’t go 18 again because I have a part in the worship service Sunday and by the time I get home I might as well just go to church. As long as they win, everyting is good
I think we all thought the same thing on Bellinger’s throw/Barnes’ catch-and-tag: If Grandal was in the game would he have dropped that ball???? But whatever. We got the W. Now let’s get another one.
And I don’t care who starts for them today or which hand he pitches from: Play Muncy!!
Rich Hill is my favourite Dodger.
My one worry with him is the amount of walks he serves up.
Boston is not the team to issue too many Free Passes to.
Wow is right. In all these year I have never before been watching baseball at 4:00 A.M. No sweat. I got three hours sleep after that and the late night/early morning was more than worth it. Go Dodgers!
.
The offense will show up tonight. Maybe 6-7 runs.
What a performance by Walker Buehler!! That has to rank among one of the all time great WS pitching performances! And to think, it almost went for naught because of the Dodgers’ woeful offense.
.
The post game interview of Max Muncy by Alana Rizzo was very special. What a uniquely humble man, who paid attention to how he was pitched in his prior at bat against Eovaldi and made the necessary adjustment. Seeing him relish the greatest moment of his professional life was truly worth staying up for entire game.
.
I’m so glad we won, but I have to admit, I was ready to throw in the towel on several occasions. This team is excruciatingly painful to watch, particularly when we start to add a multitude of pop-ups to the strike outs. Then, I catch my breath and realize the Dodgers out hit the vaunted Red Sox offense, they out pitched the vaunted Red Sox bullpen and we won! It would be nice to have a few arms in the bullpen that regularly pitched at 100, with command, but I’ll take what we have cause they’re my Dodgers and root them on to 3 more wins! Easy, peasey!
Last night’s win has to impact tonight’s game. Leaving us tied and with three games to decide it all. That is the only way. If we cant win tonight boston is just better.
Alex Cora, he of the “live for today” mantra, has been outmanaged for once. The Sox have only 2 potential starting pitchers available for today – Pomerantz, who hasn’t pitched since 9/30, and Rodriguez, who has been relegated to short relief for months. Sale has a sore shoulder and will pitch on regular rest in Game 5. Eovaldi is unavailable for the next several games. Price was supposed to go in Game 6 but he pitched last night and they have to be careful.
–
Hill is rested as is Kershaw. Everyone will be on regular rest. Other than Baez and Jansen, no one in the Dodgers’ ‘pen was overtaxed last night, thanks to Buehler’s great start. The Dodgers are lined up to have the pitching advantage for the rest of the series.
–
Now – if they can only hit to take advantage of their advantage…
So I didnt see the whole game but how to rank the most impactful plays?
1. Muncy ends it
2. Kinsler stumble and throw away
3. Bellinger throw out at plate
4. Joc hr
5. Maeda out at 3rd
6. Buehler Ks Martinez
7. Puig makes contact to tie game
8. (Was that a muncy walk that scored in #8?)
9. Baez/floro/maeda zeroes
10. Wood gets out of 18th undamaged
There is a very good article written about last night’s game, by Grant Brisbee today.
Pedro is becoming that reliable arm in the bullpen. I’m now actually wanting him in the game.
Please tell me that they’re not thinking of pitching Kersh today.
Alana Rizzo tweet: Clayton Kershaw will start game five. There is still no word on tonight’s starter. I’m not quite sure why Hill became TBD.
But its now official: Rich Hill vs Eduardo Rodriguez . Boston is going to use their entire pen again today. Hill having a good outing could really really help.
Tonight’s Lineup!!!
Freese 1B
Muncy 2B
Turner 3B
Machado SS
Bellinger CF
Puig RF
Taylor LF
Barnes C
Hill P
I think Bellinger and Muncey should play very day. Dozier and Kike should not see the field except as a defensive player? I think Doc likes certain players more than others and are given more opportunities than others. Joc, Kike and Dozier fall into that category. I am glad to see Hill pitching tonight. He is a competitor. There again Doc is not a fan of Hill. The starrting rotation should of been Hill, Kershaw, Beuhler and Ryu. Hill had the most rest and Beuhler and Ryu pitch better at home. Just my opinion.
I like the lineup, Roberts is going with his gut and putting in Muncy. Also, love Dick Mountain at home on a Saturday night, the place will going crazy. If that curve ball is breaking we got a shot. Dodger Stadium has really turned into a home field advantage the past 4 or 5 years. The old reputation of showing up late in the 3rd inning and then leaving by the 7th to beat traffic has died hard. Couldn’t believe how many fans were left at the end of the game last night. Even MLB network was mentioning how loud the fans are there, and how they energize the team. Gonna need every last one of them tonight.
Did you know: Last night’s 7hr 20min game was longer than the entire 1939 World Series (4 games combined!)
Game 3 of the 2018 World Series was the longest postseason game in baseball history, and it was almost the longest game in baseball history. It was longer than Games 1 and 2 combined, and it was longer than the entire 1939 World Series (That year, the Yankees swept the Reds in four games that took a combined 7:05.)