Game one. Mets vs Dodgers. LA looking for a little payback. The last two times the two teams have met in the playoffs, 2006, and 2015, the Dodgers were on the short end of the stick. The Mets beat them 3-0 in 06 and 3-2 in 15. 15 was a painful loss since they lost game 5 by one run on a sixth inning homer by Daniel Murphy off of Zack Greinke. Jack Flaherty started for the Dodgers against Kodai Senga. Senga coming into this game had only pitched 7 innings all year. Flaherty was coming off of a disappointing outing against the Padres in game 2 of the NLDS.
The Mets went down 1-2-3 in the first as Lindor grounded out, Vientos struck out and Nimmo lined out to second. In the Dodger half, Ohtani grounded out. Then Betts, Freeman and Muncy walked. Smith flied out to center, was not deep enough for Betts to score. Muncy then singled to center scoring Betts and Freeman. Senga threw a wild pitch, but Kike then grounded out to end the inning.
Alonso and Marte opened the second by striking out. Winker than grounded out to Lux to end the inning. Lux walked to open the bottom of the second. Edman sacrificed him to second. Ohtani singled to right scoring Lux. Garrett replaced Senga. Betts lined out to second and Ohtani was caught stealing second to end the inning. LA up 3-0.
Flaherty got Iglesias to fly out, Taylor popped out and Alvarez struck out in the top of the third. Freeman led off the third with a single. Teo, Smith and Muncy all struck out with Muncy’s coming against Peterson who replaced Garrett. Top of the fourth Lindor walked. Vientos struck out and Nimmo flied out to left. Alonso then walked and Marte flied out to deep right. In the bottom of the inning, Kike singled. Lux sacrificed Kike to second. Edman, batting RH, singled to right scoring Kike. Ohtani then singled to right and Edman scored after Marte made an error and Ohtani went to second. Betts grounded out, and Freeman singled in Ohtani. Teo grounded out to end the inning.
In the top of the 5th, Winker singled. Iglesias singled to center, Winker looked like he was going to third and then he stopped. Kike threw behind him and Lux’s relay to Muncy got him out. Taylor flew out and Alvarez lined out to end the inning. LA up 6-0. Smith walked to lead off the bottom of the inning. Muncy flew out, Kike struck out and Lux grounded out to end the inning.
Top of the sixth, Lindor struck out, Vientos and Nimmo flew out. Young replaced Peterson in the bottom of the 6th. Edman grounded out, Ohtani flew out to deep center. Betts grounded out to end the inning. Flaherty went back out to pitch the 7th. Kiermaier took over in center, Kike moved to second and Lux was pulled from the game. Alonso grounded out, Marte flew out to deep center, and Winker flied out to left. Freeman grounded out to first and Teo walked. Butto replaced Young. Smith struck out and Muncy flied out to center. Scoreless inning streak reaches 31 innings.
Hudson replaced Flaherty for the eighth. Muncy took over at first, Kike moved to third and Taylor came in to play second. Iglesias walked. Jeff McNeil PH for Taylor. Mc Neil lined out to Edman on the first pitch. Alvarez singled to center. Lindor lined out to center. Vientos struck out. Scoreless streak now 32. Kike led off the eighth and singled, his second hit of the game. Bader took over in CF for the Mets. Kiermaier up for his first postseason at bat. It was reported by Joe Davis that Lux left due to hip tightness. Removed as a precaution.
Kiermaier reached on an error by Alonso. Kike to second. Edman lined out to Bader. Ohtani walked to load the bases. Betts doubled to left scoring all three runners. 9-0 LA. That was the Dodgers first extra base hit of the game. Taylor grounded out to third, Betts moved to third. Teo Struck out to end the inning.
Top of the ninth. Ben Casparius in to pitch for the Dodgers. Pages to left field. Acuna PH for Nimmo. Acuna popped out to Taylor. Alonso popped out to Edman. Marte then struck out to end the game. Dodgers were 5-11 with RISP. Dodger pitchers allowed just 3 hits and walked 3. 8 Mets struck out. Dodgers tied the postseason record for consecutive scoreless innings at 33, set by the 1966 Baltimore Orioles against the Dodgers.
Joe Davis reported that tomorrow would be a bullpen game for LA. Sean Manaea will start for the Mets. Game starts at 1:08 PST tomorrow. Two games after winning a shut out by the largest margin in their history, they up that by one.
I expected Flaherty to pitch well tonight. He delivered.
Dodgers smartly execute small-ball. Score 9 w/o a homer.
A pen game tomorrow, not Buehler. Interesting, I like it.
Well, from what I saw of the game, I was pleased. DirecTV had technical issues and I missed about half the game. I did see Flaherty pitching well and 2 sac bunts moving runners. I think I lost the game at 3-0 and picked it up in the 8th with a nice lead. I’ll have to check the box score to get a recap of who did what but apparently Flaherty went 7? Nice.
What is refreshing is that we have finally entered a series clicking on all cylinders as opposed to playoffs past when we did what the Phillies just did. Besides Turner, Harper and Castellanos, the team hit .082. We’ve been there; done that. Not this year.
The pitching and hitting are all complimenting one another.
We are in a good place and I see no reason why it can’t continue.
To me, it seems like this team got a monkey their back by beating the Padres and now we can relax and play Dodger baseball. I know I’m feeling more at ease and confident.
For one, I think the Padres are a lot better then the Mets.
But, as they say, ‘you’re only as good as tomorrow’s pitcher’. That’s now today.
It was actually pleasant in one way, missing half the game. I didn’t have to listen to John Smoltz; and Joe Davis for that matter.
Between the two of them, from the time of the pitch to the time of the next pitch, there’s not one nano-second when one of them isn’t talking. It was around the bottom of the 2nd and I’m paying no attention as Smoltz is rambling on about Penn Sate football or something equally disinteresting, and I just thought “STFUp”. Gawd, he must be paid by the word.
And Joe Davis just goes on with some useless stats that have little relevancy. He and Smoltz together are a Talk-Fest, with John leading the way.
I see no reason that Buehler shouldn’t have a great game. He’s pitching well and maybe we can play better D and hit like we mean it, this time. The guys due for some luck and breaks. He’s way capable of giving us 4 or 5.
My bad, if Buehler isn’t pitching. Did I read “bullpen game”? That’s odd.
Yep, BP game, Roberts said that last night, I think. Makes some sense. They have a long man down there now in Honeywell. Lines Buehler and Yamamoto up for 3-4. I was so disgusted with Davis and Smoltz that I turned the sound off and just enjoyed the baseball. I learned I can really enjoy the game without any commentary at all. One reason Vin was the best and Davis is nothing more than a Joe Buck clone. Vin knew when not to talk, all Davis does is talk.
Also gives the bullpen a days rest between games 2 and 3.
Smoltz is a lot better than Orel, Bear, but I listen without sound often. Do you like Jessica Mendoza?
Nope. The only analyst who gets airtime that I can really stand is Nomar. Orel and Smoltz are just about the same in my opinion. There is just too much inane chatter.
But Orel accentuates the inane chatter with his nasal voice and overly intellectual analysis. Smoltz doesn’t bother me at all. The networks want them to entertain. Yet, Joe Davis seems as full of shit as anyone I’ve seen lately. I like Jessica a lot. Knows her stuff and is essentially a happy person.
Looking forward to today’s game. Not looking forward to more Smoltz and Davis. I just turn the sound way down and watch the game. I’ve read on a variety of blogs people complaining about Smoltz and his constant know-it-all babbling. But I guess Fox is happy with him. Davis is no gem either.
Some good thoughts Phil. I was a half hour into game 1 with the Padres and I had had enough of Smoltz already. He’s very knowledgeable, but it just becomes too much quickly. I said the same thing as you by the second inning…STFU!
What an enjoyable game to watch. Offensively, the Dodgers were everything they haven’t been in years. Playing some small ball and making contact! Wow what a concept!. In these playoffs it appears that the Dodgers realize that depending solely on the HR to score is not a winning approach. The opponents’ overall pitching is usually much tougher than they face in the regular season. No runs scored without a HR being hit. Everyone contributing something to the victory. Only six strikeouts by the Dodgers including two by a slumping Will Smith. But, he did have a walk and Flaherty gave him kudos for calling a great game.
With Lux’s exit from the game, it looks like the injury bug is going to keep after the Dodgers right to the last game of the season. Who knows what the final lineup is going to look like when they get the last out of the World Series.
The trade deadline players, Flaherty, Kopech, and Edman, have to be AF’s most productive. Not only in season, but so far in the playoffs. The BP is, I think, is the best he’s put together going into the postseason. They all have become warriors. It really sucks that the mainstay of the BP, Vesia, has gone down. He deserves to be part of this historic run.
What an inspiration Freddie Freeman must be for his teammates. Not only does he go out there and plays with a sprain ankle, he is actually having productive ABs.
Injuries have had some impact on the Dodgers chase for a championship. But, these players are somehow not letting anything or anyone get in their way right now. This looks like a team of destiny. Nothing is going to stop them on their way to a World Series victory. It’s exciting to watch.
Carry on
Good win, always important to win that Game 1 at home or you immediaely are under pressure to win Game 2.
Flaherty had his best game in a Dodgers uni in his biggest game (so far).
Offense putting up 9 runs without the aid of a HR is encuraging. Even some sac bunts played a part.
I understand why they go with the bullpen game today. Pen is rested and with the off day on TUE they will be able to recharge and rest . Probably Brasier will serve as the opener. Only thing I did not understand is why they used Casparius in the 9th. Would have gone with Henriquez and save Casparius for long duty today if needed.
If we can win today it would be a huge step to winning the series.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Casparius pitching with a 9-run lead makes perfect sense. A. Kid needed some experience, and since he has been called up, Casparius has only given up 3 runs, 2 of which were earned. B. Last time out, Henriquez got lit up. Honeywell is on the roster now, so he might serve as the long man.
Casparius looks like he belongs.
Yes he does, will be interesting to see if they transistion him to the pen next year.
It has already been reported that Casparius is being viewed as a potential high leverage reliever for the future. He relies a lot on his 4-seamer and slider, and gets a good amount of swing and miss on his slider. He also throws his curve, but without the control of his slider. I think he takes Daniel Hudson’s (another 4-seamer/slider RP) spot in the pen next year.
Jeff, I like Casparius a lot. Maybe I’m missing something but he looks like a fire starter to me. And he had 57 starts in MiLB. What do you see that warrants a switch to the bullpen?
I think he is primarily a two-pitch pitcher – 4-seamer/slider. He does have a curve, but I think it is more for show. His slider is a legit swing and miss pitch. I am not the one advocating him as a high leverage reliever. It was reported (sorry I do not remember who reported it) that the Dodgers were looking to convert Casparius to relief, and that is what I wrote at the time I saw the original article. I have seen it a few times since. I think it is more difficult to be a starter with just two primary pitches.
Ben will be 26 when the season starts next year, and I do not believe he will be in the discussion for the rotation (just my opinion), so if he remains a starter he will be back at OKC as depth. Is Casparius better than Knack? Knack has a clearer path to the rotation, and he may not get there. However, the Dodgers are going to need bullpen help in 2025. I am working on a post about the pitching, but here is what I believe the Dodgers will choose from for their rotation WITHOUT adding someone from the outside.
• Shohei Ohtani
• Tyler Glasnow
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto
• Clayton Kershaw
• Landon Knack
• Bobby Miller
• Tony Gonsolin
• Dustin May
• Justin Wrobleski
Dustin May probably ends up in the pen as well, and his stuff is as nasty as you can get.
Thanks Jeff. Great profile on Ben’s stuff.
Right now, Doc appears to not have much confidence in Knack as a starter.
Love his fire/desire.
he does. That is why I would have preferred to go with Henriquez in the 9th inning and save Casparius for today if needed. I trust him more than Henriquez at the time of their respective careers.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DR disagreed and he makes the choices. I am sure they will get Henriquez into a game when they feel he has the best chance of success.
There is no reason that Casparius cannot pitch again today. He only threw 13 pitches (9 strikes): 4-seam fastballs (6), sliders (6), and curve (1). He faced and retired Luisangel Acuña, Pete Alonso, and Starling Marte. Hudson would also be available today. I fully expect to see another Game 4 with 8 relievers, and none going more than 1.2 IP. Maybe Honeywell can go 2.0, but he has not pitched since Sept 24, nearly 3 weeks.
Impressive that they scored 9 runs on just one extra base hit, Mookie’s double in the 8th. Concerning are the injurie to Lux, and Freeman’s limited mobility. Getting Freddie off of his feet when possible is something I see them doing throughout the series. Two sac bunts in one game. Long time since I have seen that.
Would go with Mookie at 2b, Pages in RF, Kike CF, Edman SS today. Best lineup vs a LHP..
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
That is what I said yesterday.
Mookie will not be shifting back to 2b in 2024. Kike likely starts at 2b and Pages in CF. Plus, with Kierkaier, who made a typical great play last night, we have defensive coverage in CF for later in the game.
I’m quite sure Manea won’t last past the 5th so who cares which side our guys hit from one their bullpen comes in.
You could be right. But it just makes sense to put Mookie at second, Pages in right and leave Kike in CF. Defense better that way.
Good call Bobby.
As usual Mr. October performed both at the plate and in the field (hanging that runner out to dry by thowing behind him to second was brilliant and a back breaker to the Mets).
It was great to see the small ball game put into use, gawd I miss the good ole days of baseball when that was the normal part of the game. Stealing, bunting runners over, hitting the other way is so much fun to watch. Maybe we will see that style return across MLB in coming seasons.
Also, delightful to see Ohtani doing his thing and driving in runs whenever he has RISP.
Also nice to see Mr. August clear off the bases with his hard struck ball down the line. Hopefully he can get on a roll and stay effective and a threat the rest of the post season, because we are going to need him.
It was also nice to see CT actual hit a ball, sure it was a relatively weak grounder but he did make contact. I feel bad for CT but he really is beyond bad at the plate, unless it is a blowout CT cannot be allowed to step into the batters box.
As usual Mr. October performed both at the plate and in the field (hanging that runner out to dry by thowing behind him to second was brilliant and a back breaker to the Mets).
It was great to see the small ball game put into use, gawd I miss the good ole days of baseball when that was the normal part of the game. Stealing, bunting runners over, hitting the other way is so much fun to watch. Maybe we will see that style return across MLB in coming seasons.
Also, delightful to see Ohtani doing his thing and driving in runs whenever he has RISP.
Also nice to see Mr. August clear off the bases with his hard struck ball down the line. Hopefully he can get on a roll and stay effective and a threat the rest of the post season, because we are going to need him.
It was also nice to see CT actual hit a ball, sure it was a relatively weak grounder but he did make contact. I feel bad for CT but he really is beyond bad at the plate, unless it is a blowout CT cannot be allowed to step into the batters box.
I knew Flaherty was going to have a good game (stated previously to the game ). Along those lines of thought, I think Beuhler is going to pitch well also, not as dominant as Flaherty but very effective, none the less.
A post so nice, you said it twice!
My editing was playing small ball i guess
MMB, very good post and observations! MMB, very good post and observations!
Hey, shit happens.
Ohtani continues to be other worldly with men in scoring position. Absolutely, crazy numbers. How lucky are us fans to watch his greatness?
Great win last night!! U have to protect the home field advantage. Even though we dominated it is only one win. Got to come out strong today.
Flaherty has put himself into position to lead the Dodgers to the series win.
huge play by Kiké to get Winker last night
i don’t know if anyone has commented on kikes base running that caused Alonso to make a bad throw. If machado can do it we can
Manae used to be an easy win for LA last season but he has been very good this year
the Dodgers need to jump on the Mets early today to take away some of their fight
great to c Mookie get a huge hit for his confidence and leave a positive taste
finally Muncy contributed
smith is practically an automatic out. Can’t hit fastballs right down the middle.
i was glad to c Casparius get into a game and I believe he will be available today if needed
interestion they left Peterson in for 40 pitches in a losing game.
Go Dodgers!!!!!
I was going to say that after all the uproar on Machado’s running on the infield grass, I had not read anything on Kiké doing the same thing and inducing a bad throw by Alonso, pulling Lindor off 2nd. After this round of 2024 playoffs, there may be a new rule (interpretation/clarification) next year. Both plays were meant to interfere with the throw.
My impression was that Kike other than Machado stayed right in the baseline.
All he did was not slide but stay upright. That made it tough or the fielder.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff I didn’t see the play as DirecTV had technical difficulties. But you know the game. Baserunners are taught to run right at the SS, to make the throw from the first baseman as difficult as possible. It’s usually “inside” the baseline, as the first baseman is inside and holding the runner at first. But with runners on first and second, the first baseman may be at double-play depth and the SS will be “outside” in which case the runner runs at him outside. That’s the reason that that the SS is taught to be yelling “inside” or “outside” to let the first sacker know, as a reminder. The first baseman, if he has time, he takes a couple of steps to the inside before he throws, to clean from the runners. Freeman couldn’t do that with his mobility issues and threw from his knees.
It’s like the catcher clearing from the runner down the first base line on strike 3 in the dirt or bunts by home.
It’s as common as runners at 3rd starting down the line in foul territory and returning back in fair territory to block a throw from the catcher to 3rd.
Maybe the Shortstops don’t yell “inside” or “outside” in the Big Leagues anymore. I don’t know. I don’t hear catchers yell “get over there” anymore either, to remind the pitcher to cover first.
Running at the SS is just what any good baserunner does. The problem with Machado was he took it too extreme by running 2 feet inside on the infield grass. I thought that was out of the baseline but I guess I don’t know the rule that allows that. As an ex-SS, I expected the runner to be right in the way of the throw, but he better slide.
Kiké was more subtle but he did veer and I think on the grass. Obviously Alonso tried to throw over him but he did not have a straight path. Alonso is no Freddie Freeman for sure. Without injury I think Freddie makes the play. We will never know.
He was definitely on the grass.
Game 2 lineups are out.
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/mets-vs-dodgers/2024/10/14/775306/preview
Pages in CF. Kike at 2nd. FF in the cleanup spot. Teo 3rd.
Smit 5th, MM 7th.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Everyone in agreement that bullpen game over Buehler is the best move in game 2? Cuts down on all the Monday morning quarterbacking later.
I’m in. I think if u have to do one then today is the day. This gives a bullpen a day to recover. We will miss Vesia who has neutral splits. Banda could replace.
So far, Doc and Co. are pressing all the right buttons, so count me in on agreeing with whatever they decide.
I’m sold, it makes sense, so no second guessing for me
Apparantly Landon Knack will be the bulk pitcher for today’s game.
Hopefully the dodgers score early and often. I would like to see knack get 3-4 innings. Brasier 2, knack 3-4, Banda 1-2, Phillips, Kopech, treinen 1 if close.
Do you guys feel like The Mets kind of “punted” game one? I mean, what da heck was that? I saw about 10% of the intensity of The Padres series last night.
A bullpen game vs their guy tonight. If the Dodgers win, I mean, I don’t want to say it, but it rhymes with clover.
The Dodgers look RELAXED. And that is not good for The Mets.
A bullpen game makes sense today as opposed to game three because after today there is a day off. But someone in the bullpen maybe two of them of the six good relievers need to go multiple innings because Vesia is gone.
The Dodgers are better against LHP because Edman and Pages and Teo are great against LHP. A big difference with Edman and Pages.
I have a good feeling about today’s game.
I also think the Mets are going to be easier to beat than the Padres.
Actually, gonna need two of the six good relievers to go multiple innings and it needs to be early in the game and if the Dodgers blow them out in the middle of the game, Doc can put one of the three week relievers in the ninth inning and possibly eighth and ninth innings depending on the score.
You called it right Eric. I give you credit for that.
I’m still not sure why the Padres never, and in Game 1 as well, the Mets didn’t try bunting towards Freeman.
He’s clearly hobbled, so why not make him move and work?
2 LHB in the first inning and Brasier is pitching? He sucks against LHB. Bad call there. I didn’t know about 2 LHB until I saw it. I guess I should’ve did my homework.
Banda, Kopech, Treinen, Hudson are all good against LHB.
Braiser is GREAT against RHB, should have used him against his strength.
Now Knack ugh. Doc is off his game today according to stats. But at least Knack’s being used early that way the offense has time to come back from a possible Knack implosion. Doesn’t make the call right though.
There you go a Knack implosion. Well, that might be too much to come back from. This is on Doc if they lose because the stats say so.
Lindor is a switch hitter.
Told you we should have started Buehler! The end of Knack’s post season!
I agree, but only because Doc is making STUPID decisions and the stats say so. So it’s not like I’m picking on Doc. And don’t tell me Doc is a robot getting signals from the front office.
I also believe momentum is real, and being down by a large amount of runs affects the offense.
This one is 100% absolutely on Doc if there is a loss.
Doc did not throw a single pitch. Knack hung one and it got clobbered. Not Doc’s fault.
The stats say Knack sucks and he’s prone to giving up home runs so yeah Knack hung one of course because that’s what the stats say and Doc knows it. Are you a Doc apologist? It sure sounds like it.
No Eric I am not apologizing, I am placing the blame on the pitcher’s performance. It is always on the player. Dodger staff as a whole gives up too many homers. Miller and Buehler have given up more than he has. Miller in less innings. Performance is on the player.
Whatever. You don’t care about stats. Not gonna go back-and-forth with you on this. This one is obvious.
So much for the scoreless streak.
Gotta hit with ‘em. Ohtani with 2 Ks already. Isn’t it supposed to start with him?
Easy to place blame when something does not go your way. 2 homers, 6 runs, bad pitching, not bad managing. Knack got himself into trouble by walking Winker after he gave up a single to Marte. Yep, makes Doc a moron.
See my post above. Knack sucks and is prone to giving up home runs and Doc knows that. The stats are very clear about that.
Why is Knack still in the game? Doc’s decision. He loaded the bases and he got lucky.
And just who are you replacing him with without wearing down your bullpen in a game you trail by six runs? Against a pitcher who has been nails his last several starts??? Manaea has already struck out six in three innings. Including Ohtani twice. Does not look like the offense has much punch today.
See one of my posts above. I already talked about that. I already talked about that and about the offense.
Yup, you did!
I was afraid this was going to happen; shoot your wad in game one and go flat in game two. If this holds up the Mets will control the series going to NY where they are very dangerous. Looks like the pressure will be on Yamamoto again.
It will be on the whole team. Yamamoto won’t start until at least game 4, Buehler should get game 3. In this case, that is going to be a must win unless the offense today suddenly goes bat nuts.
Over 50 pitches in 1.2 innings. Knack couldn’t get my grandma out and she is dead. Guy is hitting .150, attack the damn strike zone.
No swing and miss from knack. He just doesn’t seem to be able to handle the big game. I don’t blame Roberts for putting knack in. It was pretty obvious he had nothing. His body language was terrible. I don’t know why he kept him in. This was a bullpen game so he knew he was going to use all his pieces. I guess he had more confidence in knack. The last bullpen game knack was not in until the game was over.
ohtani looks like he has never seen a baseball before. This does not bode well for the series. This reminds of the game last year against Arizona. No pitching no hitting. Btw the umpire is bad. Gonna be a struggle!!
Doc interviewed and he said I think I’m gonna go with Banda for two innings. Yeah, that’s what you should’ve done to begin the game. I said that in my first post above.
I listed all the guys in the bullpen that are good against LHB in a post above and I didn’t list Banda because that one is obvious. You don’t have to save Banda for later in the game.
This isn’t on Doc Eric. Knack didn’t have it. Now we’ll see if the offense can fight back.
Oh my God, does anybody care about clear stats? I like you Badger though.
Thanks Eric.
I recall something I learned about 50 years ago: “there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics”.
Makes no difference against Lindor, he is a switch hitter, so the first two hitters Banda faces in this inning are right-handed.> Brasier did ok considering. Banda then faces a lefty, then Alonso who kills LHP.
Yeah your a genius and Doc is an idiot, but he is the guy getting paid millions to manage. I doubt he knows less than you do. Stats don’t mean shit once your in the game.
I didn’t say most of what you said. And that last sentence is idiotic.
I would love to have a job that paid me millions and anything i did any decision I made was never my fault. If its all on the players why have a manager?
👍
That’s easy. Somebody has to make out the lineup card.
Priceless
What was the point of this post? Obviously the Dodgers have more and better analytics than we do.
No analytics is going to say Knack is not prone to giving up home runs.
No analytic person is going to rely on one metric
Smith=automatic out
Why is Honeywell still out there?
I guess that is why
cassidy u need to speak up.
He is indeed right now. Dude looks lost at the plate
Smith should have been hit for when he came up with the bases loaded
We can’t make anything easy! Using Knack and not following the San Diego bullpen game script is up for discussion.
Kike magic verses Mets magic and the winner is……
Our Mr October is 0 for 3 with 5 LOB. Not his day. Not Knak’s either. And Ohtani is 0 for 3 with 2 Ks. Maybe his magic can produce 5 runs with nobody on. We’re back to gotta score 8. Or will it be 9?
Well all I can say. Roberts saved all his bullpen guys in a bullpen game.
It was weird wasn’t it? What changed from the last plan that worked brilliantly? The toaster they answer to crapped itself.
Our Mr. August is playing like it isn’t August too
Wow, it definitely isn’t August. Better hit the batting cage for another 5 hours, Mr. August
EXACTLY my point all along.👊👍
And before it even happened because stats were clear about it.
Yup, you were on it before it happened.
👊👍
Even I knew Knack was in-over-his-head in the playoffs, and should never pitch in high-leverage situations with the game in doubt. That’s an easy call.
We’re not winning any games with Mookie and Ohtani this bad
True, but that still doesn’t change the truth of what I wrote. Knack’s awfulness put the Dodgers down a huge 6 runs early on and sucked the life out of the team. Much harder to hit effectively when you’re down bigly on the scoreboard.
👊👍
And Doc making stupid bullpen decisions.
I gave Doc credit when credit was due after that bullpen game against the Padres. Not because it was a win. It was because he used the seven good relievers and stayed away from any weaknesses.
Give it a rest, we all know you are a frippen genius. After Knack, the pen pitched pretty good.
Michael you are clearly in the minority on this. Why Knack at all? You have the blueprint from 3 games ago. I mean, what the H was that?
EXACTLY 👊👍
Say what you want about the pitching today, this game was lost by the top of the order. 0-19 with 9 Ks. All five hits were by the bottom four. 3 by Edman. Killer was Kike hitting into a double play with 1 out and the bases loaded. Ohtani 2 Ks, Betts, 3, Teo, 2, Freeman, 2. 1-9 with RISP and they left 10 men on base. Ten asked what Honeywell was doing still being in the game. He pitched 3 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit and a walk and striking out two. Knack put them in a hole they never climbed out of, but that is on the big 5.
No. This game was lost because it was 6-0 after two.
Knack is young and doesn’t miss bats.
and the Mets are good
No clutch hitting was the biggest problem. You load the bases twice with less that 2 outs and only score 2? Sorry, I totally disagree. After Knack, the pen pitched pretty good until Henriquez gave up that seventh run. 13 base runners 9 Ks by the first 5 guys in the lineup, Pages had the other two. Could have made this game a lot closer long before Diaz ever got into the game. Mets weakness is their middle relief.
I agree with Bluto here, the game was lost in the second inning because the Dodgers decided to do “load management” again. What was the reason that Buehler couldn’t have started this game?
Like many disasters, it is a combination of things. Knack and the top of the order crapped themselves.
True
Your reasoning is the predominate reason why the Dodgers lost.
Michael’s reasoning is the secondary reason why they lost.
Team effort is why they lost. The pitching gave up 7 earned and the hitting was awful. The Dodgers had opportunities to score and just didn’t.
This team has to hit. They don’t hit they don’t win.
The Dodgers scored only 2 runs with 4 hits to win a 2-0 game against SD. The Dodgers have to at least win SOME low-scoring games in the playoffs to win a championship. They don’t win those type of games when Knack is allowed to pitch “bulk innings” in high-leverage, game-in-doubt situations.
And Knack is prone to giving up home runs. Like the grand slam he gave up. Home runs can kill you in the playoffs. You stay away from that shit when you can and Doc could have.
I agree with this. The plan was dumb.
Hey Bear what does Roberts have against Lux even as a pinch hitter hits righties better than Pages
Agree. Shohei, Mookie, FF and Will Smith absolutely horrendous.
Top of the order failed miserably. And Knack blew it. Fastball right down the middle got creamed by Vientos.