Thanks to a Max Walk Off – We Have a Series

Posted By on October 27, 2018

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!!!

 

 

This article has 199 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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!!!!!!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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!,

  8. 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

  9. 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!!

    1. Bobby

      I thought it had to be Muncy with Eovaldi pitching, because only Muncy hits that type of velocity well on this team, especially for a HR.

      But the way this team gives up and tries to hit everything out, almost lost this game, and most of these guys don’t hit good pitching out, so that is not a rare talent.

      Mookie, Benintendi, and Lindor, only hit 10 HRs in the minors in a season, but they are doing it all now, including hitting with more power then most on this team.

      Although the most HRs Benintendi has hit is twenty, but that is more then enough, with what else he brings to a team.

      Because Benintendi RBI numbers are very impressive for a player that only hit 16 HRs this year, and that is because he hits well when runners are in scoring position, unlike most everyone on this team, except a few hitters.

      AC your grand daughter will be talking about this game for a long time!

      I am glad you had a great family moment, and day yesterday.

      And with the Dodgers winning like they did, and Wood coming into the game and pitching well, that probably made the rest of your night too!

      I thought Manny was trying to do to much too yesterday, so I hope he comes back today, and has better at bats.

      Because it is so frustrating watching a player trying to do to much, and expanding the strike zone.

      How about Muncy and Puig being partners in crime, in the 13th inning, that was pretty entertaining.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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!

    1. I noticed the pop up too. The Dodgers are being pitched up it seems instead of down for ground balls except where a Sox need a DP. It is difficult to be discontented after a game like that but I got a bit frustrated with first pitch swings. Muncy had the right idea. He figured out what got him out and prepared for it in subsequent at bats.

  13. 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.

  14. 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…

    1. Maeda threw quite a few pitches but I agree: we are basically full strength. None of that means anything if we dont take advantage of their pitching situation.

      1. That was Kenley’s strategy the whole time: “if i give up a game tying hr, we could force their pen to throw another 10 innings for no reason tonight, which will screw them for Games 4 and 5!!”

        I love it when a plan comes together!

        1. I really cant fault kj. He fell behind and had to throw a strike. Tip your cap to a good swing.

  15. 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

    1. I would also nominate when Roberts brought in Dozier to pinch hit with 2 on / 2 out in the bottom of the 9th … instead of Freese.
      – –
      David Freese – 2018
      RISP .317
      2 Outs, RISP .314
      – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
      Brian Dozier – 2018
      RISP .239
      2 Outs, RISP .250

      1. I hope Roberts has both Freeze and Muncy in this game today, along with Cody.

        The pitcher we are facing has even splits against both lefties and righties, this year.

        1. I hope so too!
          –
          I’m also very much hoping for a fun but uneventful game where the Dodgers win by at least 6 runs!!!

    1. Boston globe had some good pieces too. Most common themes: did Cora sacrifice too much for just one game? & is what was once a foregone conclusion now in doubt? “All-in” was the most frequent metaphor.

      1. The favorite words Brisbee used, was about the timing of Barnes being in the game, just in time to catch Cody’s throw, from center.

        He called it, serendipitous as Hell.

        But the whole article was good.

  17. Pedro is becoming that reliable arm in the bullpen. I’m now actually wanting him in the game.

    1. I’m still afraid to say something like that out loud… but have been feeling the same way over the last two months.

      1. Me, too. Amazingly found myself sayin’ “Don’t overuse Kenley
        here , Dave. Bring in Pete for the 8th.” And laughed when I realized
        what I was sayin!

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. Tonight’s Lineup!!!
    Freese 1B
    Muncy 2B
    Turner 3B
    Machado SS
    Bellinger CF
    Puig RF
    Taylor LF
    Barnes C
    Hill P

    1. Isn’t this the same lineup we used in Game 5 vs Mil after that crazy long game 4 in the NLCS?

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

    1. Rich was really dealin’ tonight. Really dealin’ making Al’s suggestion above
      even more noteworthy.

  24. Did you know: Last night’s 7hr 20min game was longer than the entire 1939 World Series (4 games combined!)

    1. The nugget I gleaned from watching some coverage is that this game came at the beginning of a three-games-in-a-row stretch. Let’s make ’em pay.

  25. 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.)

  26. Dodger hitters need to get to Rodriguez early and often to make the Sox go to their pen early. I know most of us say this every playoff game but after last night’s game it’s especially true. Let’s go Dodgers!

  29. Agree is this a horrific slump or great pitching or both, cannot won this series unless the bats get going.

    2. Manny has had a little better at bats tonight, but he tries to pull to much.

      He needs to hit it to right, like he did against the Giants, in that last series.

      I like when Turner, Freeze and Machado bat one after another, better.

      Does this pitcher have some deception, because some of our guys, are missing pitches right down the middle of the plate, and I am not talking about those high fastballs.

  31. I’m not waiting for Machado to turn on one. I would just like him to go with the pitch. Instead he taking big long swings, which result in pop ups or weak fly balls.
    –
    And I can’t say much better for rest of these launch happy Dodgers.

  32. Who is the Boston pitcher tonight……. Sale? Hamels? Kershaw? Price? Bumgarner? Because it must be one of the best of the season since it is pitching a real jewel against Dodgers, any mediocre pitcher looks like a damn ace against us !!

  35. Dodgers offense is MIA again. So frustrating. Dick Mountain has to be prefect because the Dodgers offense is futile.

  36. How many times in this season did the Boston Offense go without scoring a run in 15 consecutive innings?

  42. Cody’s speed was a big part of that inning. Being insecure I still want more runs by the Dodgers. No time to relax.

  44. That is the second time in two games, our players speed caused the Red Sox to blow it defensively.

    It was Puig last night.

  46. Kinda shows how little value there is in being too stubborn with the lefty-righty lineups. It’d be cool to practice it generally but clearly bad to do so as glacially as our lineups have been this season. Thank you Puig!

    1. The sitting of Puig vs lefties was always stupid. He hit them prior to 2017. Let it work itself out.
      ~
      Just let Hill pitch to Holt. How Roberts can trust Alexander is beyond me. His addition has been a failure.

    1. he should never see another inning of work in the WS. Still wonder why he was put on the WS roster and Ferguson taken off

  48. Roberts should have never took Hill out, until Vasquez came up to the plate.

    Alexander is a waste, didn’t Roberts watch Alexander almost single handedly lose that game last night?

  49. They leave Hill in and he K’s Nunez, then they yank him so that Alexander can pitch to the LH batter Holt? Stupid!!! And of course, like last night, Alexander couldn’t find home plate so now there’s RISP for Madson who has let 4 inherited runners score?

    1. Absolutely stupid. You let Hill throw to Holt. Put Madson in for the righty then you still have Alexander for Moreland.

  51. So Roberts replaces a lefthander who has been dealing all night, and replaces him with a lefthander who has has problems throwing strikes. This game could get close very quick .

  54. Red Soc fans are calling Cora stupid for leaving the pitcher in. It’s never over until it is.

    1. Mark

      Alexander and Madson are two clowns.

      Madson has now allowed 11 inherited runs, to score in this World Series!

  58. we’re still winning, enough of claims to Roberts, so it has been all season and it’s not going to change now, let’s keep faith, do not worry about Boston, better than Boston worry about LA

  59. I saw no reason to remove Hill. As long as he was pitching well there was no reason to stress our bullpen. Dodgers need to score.

  60. What the hell is wrong with Roberts!

    This is on him, doesn’t he see what a joke these pitchers are?

    How can anyone watch these games, and think Alexander and Madson are better options then Hill?

    They are a couple of clowns!

    Alexander doesn’t even do anything but put a hitter on base, and brings a cloud to any game he comes into!

    And Madson has now allowed 11 inherited runners to score!

    And one run leads are hard for Kenley these days.

    I am so sick of these ridiculous saber metric BS!

  64. Bad AB by Pederson. He swung at high fastball out of the strike zone on a 2-1 pitch. Muncy needs to take this guy deep.

  66. Doesn’t this front office know that the hardest pitch for the Red Sox to hit, are curves by a lefties?

    I am furious because he never knows to let go.

    Hill had only allowed one hit!

    If we lose this game, it is on Roberts!!

    Puig gave us plenty of runs, unless you bring those clowns in a game!

    1. When Hill left this game, he had only allowed one hit!

      Because curves from lefties gives the Red Sox the most trouble!

      But Roberts calls in the clowns, instead of just letting Hill who was sharp and warmed up, finish the last two outs of that inning.

      Alexander always walks hitters, and Madson had already given up double digits of inherited runners in this series.

      Why is our best reliever Baez the last choice sitting in the bullpen?

  71. Dave Roberts completely failed today. We need our offense to bail him out with a run or more. He’s failed.

  72. I would not give Roberts an extension. The pulling of Hill for a lefty was the the damn dumbest thing I’ve seen all year.

      1. The decision making in the 7th was as bad as I’ve ever seen. You pull a lefty throwing a 1 hitter who’s about to face a lefty for a lefty who struggles to throw strikes. The damn dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. He made Donnie Dumb Fuck look smart.

  73. I don’t know Dave Roberts, but from all appearances he appears to be very hard headed. He continually repeats bad mistakes – it’s not giving his players a second chance, it is arrogant.
    Why was Alexander even on the roster, take that option away from DR.

  74. I have not been on fire Roberts bandwagon. I’m starting to re-think that. There was just no reason to remove Hill, especially since the Dodgers do not have a lights out bullpen.
    –
    Good to see Machado go to right field. Cody needs to think about left field.

      1. But Mark, even if true he brought in the worst possible reliever who does what he always does

  75. Everyone wouldn’t those two pitchers be the last two pitchers that you would want in this game?

    At the least, he could have brought Baez in, to get the last out, not the pitcher that has allowed the most inherited runners to score in a World Series!

    And Alexander almost single handedly lost last night’s game with his nonsense!

  76. Grandal let 2 fastballs down the middle go by, and then swung at a high fastball up and away.

    1. Brooklyn

      Was that surprising, Grandal striking out with runners in scoring position?

      Now he is on defense, in a game that is tied.

  77. Now we have Floro in. So we could have let Baez throw the 8 th instead of trying to squeeze more than necessary out of a guy who threw two innings last night.

    1. The whole ‘pen worked last night. Baez threw 2 innings too – and Floro went 1 2/3.
      –
      Crap – Sox in the lead.
      –
      If the Sox win tonight the Dodgers are done.

  78. Now Roberts takes Kenley out, doesn’t he understand it is his constant moves, that is the problem?

    1. So you were bringing him in for two but now the game is tied you don’t use him. We lose with Floro not Baez. I’m walking Devers anyways.

  80. This is all a domino effect of Roberts taking Hill out too soon.

    His entire bullpen worked hard last night. Give them as much time off as possible, especially because we never know which Kershaw will show up tomorrow, so we may need half the bullpen tomorrow night. Hill was pitching a game that would’ve saved the bullpen a ton. But Roberts seemed to get his itchy fingers moving and just had to do something.

    He’s failed

  82. Apparently our bullpen is not built for the playoffs. Sooner or later dumpster diving for relief pitching will be exposed.

    2. They failed for sure, but surely the great manager communicated to them he knew they were gassed,

  85. Barring a Dodgers comeback Dave Roberts appears to have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

    2. Everybody has a special gift… for Dave it seems to be giving away world series games that were in the bag.

  86. I have never not once suggested that Doc should be fired but I am in that camp now. Some will day well he didn’t allow the HR but as a manager you have to put your players in the best position to be successful. Hill should have never been removed, especially when you consider he was going to pitch to a LH hitter and he swapped Hill out for a LHRP (Alexander), and while I’m at it why was Alexander on the WS roster anyway?

    KJ cannot six out saves and just like last year victimized by the HR. Bottom line Doc over managed and should have left Hill in to pitch to Holt.

  87. I’m done, I can’t keep seeing this lot of stupidities, not anymore ……. Good night

  88. I have said before on this board that even if the Dodgers win the WS Roberts should be fired. Nothing he has done tonight has changed my mind. Roberts apologists need to wake up.

    1. I was one of them, but not a blind one. I’m off his bandwagon now. If he gets canned before game 5 I will not complain.

    2. Dave Roberts comes to the ballpark to do two things… chew bubble gum and take Rich Hill out of ball games before he should be taken out. Apparently he was all out of bubble gum.

  90. Roberts is good at one thing: multiple walks to the mound – often though for no apparent reason, or at least to try and rectify His previous trip(s) to the mound.

  91. I’m frustrated, but I don’t think Roberts should be fired. He’s made mistakes certainly (highlighted by the fact we’re in the WS), but I think the good out weighs the bad with him.
    .
    However, please don’t invite Grandal back. I was very happy when we acquired him, but he has worn out his welcome.

    1. How? He’s a babysitter. Dusty Baker could do what he does. Tonight’s managing job makes Donnie Dumb Fuck look brilliant.

      1. It’s one series. Some of the responsibility has to fall on the players for not executing. He’s not perfect, but who would you say is going to be better?

        1. The players were up 4-0. He pulled a lefty with a one hitter facing a lefty. Nothing about that makes sense. Brutal job by Roberts. I have never once all year said fire Roberts. Now I’m saying barring a miracle comeback I’m not giving him an extension. His job tonight was done in a horrific fashion.

  93. Stick a fork in them.

    After this epic meltdown, it will be hard to bring a guy back who has lost two World Series.

    Change is in the air.

  94. Bobby,

    The domino effect continues. I wonder how Roberts is going to explain the removal Hill.

    1. Who cares. We’ve heard this.bullshit before from Roberts. He’s officially lost the entire fan base.

      1. I finally jumped ship on Roberts in game 5 of the world series last year. But… since I can’t fire him myself… I was really hoping we could pull one out this year in spite of his in game decision making.

      2. Hawkeye

        I am so pissed!

        He didn’t have to make more then two moves, after that seventh inning, after Hill got the last two outs.

        Baez in the eighth, and Kenley in the ninth.

        Baez didn’t even pitch in this game.

      1. Val

        There is not a soul including Buck and Stoltz, that don’t think Roberts lost this game.

        There is not a single reason for doing what he did!

        And he didn’t stop when he was ahead.

        1. He never does… it’s like a snowball effect in his brain. He chokes under pressure in these big games… time and time again.

    2. Mark

      Why would he even think about Alexander or Madson, after what they have done?

      Baez has been our best reliever, and he has not made it in this game!

  98. Should Kershaw win tomorrow, then we have to trust Ryu in a hostile environment. Not too promising.

  99. Who in their right mind, would think Alexander and Madson are better options then Hill?

    Is that what the numbers said?

    My numbers tell me, that Madson had already allowed 9 inherited runners to score, before tonight.

    All Roberts had to do, is allow Hill to finish the in inning.

    Bring Baez into the 8th, and Kenley for the ninth!

    And he got mad because Kenley allowed that HR, so he took him out, for even worse options, and look at the score now!

    Even the announcers know it was really Roberts moves, not the Red Sox!

  103. While in my opinion, Roberts is not and has never been a good game manager, he won’t be fired.
    1 – He’s under contract for 1 more season
    2 – He works cheap
    3 – The Braintrust is already working on some kind of extension
    4 – He is the exemplar of the kind of manager being hired today;
    a – He had no previous experience
    b – He’s young and relates well to players
    c – He’s a good communicator
    d – He’s SABR-savvy
    e – He’s a positive thinker
    f – He’s willing to take direction from the Braintrust
    5 – He’s willing to take direction from the Braintrust
    6 – He’s willing to take direction from the Braintrust.
    –
    I’m not a particular fan of Roberts – his moves have lost a lot of games. But he’s not going anywhere

    1. He’s a walking ad for so many good regular season managers,
      where game-costing mistakes can be erased by keeping guys
      generally happy and focused thru the marathon, but are just
      a wee overwhelmed by the different realities of short series.
      I always said Donnie was OK to good – just find something
      useful for him to do during games. Dave seems to be his first cousin…

      Whitey Herzog was one of my all-time faves as a gamester, but
      even he often over-managed in the post-season. Goes with
      the territory.

  104. I wonder if FAZ are scratching their collective heads after this one. Mark, you said change is in the air. Could that include FAZ re-thinking whether or not to re-sign Roberts after this debacle? Barring, of course, the Dodgers pulling off a miracle, and winning the next 3 games.

  105. Per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com, “Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a conversation with Rich Hill before the seventh inning, and Hill told him, “Keep an eye on me.” It motivated Roberts’ decision to take him out after two batters. Roberts said he has “never heard that before” from Hill, but applauded his competitiveness.”

      1. The 64-gazillion dollar question. I was uneasy from Game 1
        (20-20 foresight, I swear, Chief:-) with the choice of Madson.

  106. FAZ should be scratching their heads for not trading for players that had better bat to ball skills during the deadline. It was obvious the team had several players that can’t put a good at bat together consistently at that point. Yet they pick up Dozier who always has low a batting average but hits home runs. Next year there needs to be serious roster changes and Robert’s may have got himself fired tonight.

  107. Of course Robert’s give us a bunch of bull shit rhetoric and pre scripted nonsense. Never once has he stepped to the podium and been contrite or taken responsibility. And yes he will get a fucking extension and we get this clown for years more. Company man who always listens like Rick stated.

  108. “Keep an eye on me,” if that is true never heard a pitcher say that ever, and Hill. And even if Hill confirms it I still won’t believe it, someone as competitive as Hill would never say shit like that. Taking a bullet for Robert’s and his extension.

  109. In press conference Dave was asked to comment about a tweet from Pres. Trump critical of him removing Hill. Dave said Trump was not privy to the conversation he had. I assume with Hill. So there must be something behind the decision beyond just a reckless decision.
    But bringing in Alexander is a reckless decision on its own.

  110. If the bullpen did it’s job tonight, we win. I might not agree with Roberts’ decisions, but if one of several pitchers had stepped up, we win. Hard loss to take. I am fatigued by this team. They toy with you and then let you down (like so many Dodgers teams in the last decade). I appreciate their fight, but I am annoyed by their very real flaws.

    Really does now have the feel of a curse.

    I will be very happy if the team pulls off a miracle and wins the next three, and I know (at least intellectually) that it is possible. I don’t think I can watch the next game(s) live anymore — I get too angry. I’ll watch highlights — and if they make it to game seven, and have a chance for the series I will definitely watch that.

    1. Why did Roberts bring Alexander in this game, after he almost single handedly, lost last night’s game?

      And why did he bring in Madson, who has already allowed 9 runs to score he inherited alone in this World Series, before tonight?

      Baez has been our best reliever, yet he turns to these clowns.

    2. You are right Roberts is not the biggest idiot. The guys who make excuses for him are even stupider!

    3. Bison: I am not a fan of hedge-funders, to put it mildly.
      Already distanced some by the Fox and Jamie and Frank
      travesties, the new megalomaniacs afforded me extra
      emotional distance from the team. I don’t suffer anymore,
      or get the least bit angry. But I remember too well when I did:-).

      Think your idea of a break unless and until game 7 is a sound one…

      The Sox have that magic faerie dust sprinkled on them this year, it seems.
      Y’see it once or twice every ten years.

  111. There are guys with good bat to ball skills, Toles, Verdugo, but FO doesn’t value that skill.
    If we are so better and more talented how come they keep embarrassing us.

  112. I tend to agree with Rick – this manager isn’t going anywhere. Friedman and Zadi are also not changing the way they approach putting a team together, nor changing their basic baseball philosophy. My only hope is they mitigate their thinking somewhat so that they look at more than just statistics.

    The big unknown in my mind that might change things is ownership pressure, but not holding my breath on that one.

  113. Robert’s arrogance and bull shit answers is what makes it so difficult to get behind him, just admit I am new to this and there are growing pains. Baez was really down in a must win game after throwing two innings yesterday and 26 pitches? Are you kidding ? But Jansen after throwing 32 pitches was alright to pitch two innings, give me a fuckinf break. Also His statement that Alexander has been getting it done for us all year? Does he think we are stupid, he obviously does, Alexander was left off the NLCS roster, you leave a nails reliever off? Bull shit and more bull shit,
    Smartest guy in the room apparently yesterday, today and tomorrow. I am sorry angry about the game but more angry about being patronized.

    1. Adam

      It is just BS!

      Madson had already allowed 9 runners he inherited in this World Series to score, before tonight.

      And Alexander almost single handedly lost that game last night!

      He always walks hitters, and gives them free bases.

      Last night he did that, then he threw a wild pitch, and then he threw a ball over Kike’s head, on a grounder he fielded, and that is how that run scored.

      Every time this guy comes into a game, he brings a catastrophe to a game or an inning.

  114. If the Dodgers end up losing two winnable world series in back to back years… then the ownership should and will take a lot of heat… by both the media and the fans.
    If this was New York, Boston, or Philly… there’s no way Dave keeps his job if we lose… absolutely no way in hell.
    –
    I can definitely see a scenario though where the ownership and front office take enough heat and they fire Dave to appease the season ticket holders.
    –
    The problem is… if you fire Roberts then the FO will just end up hiring another “player friendly” manager with absolutely no previous managing experience that will tow the party line… just like Dave. But maybe… just maybe… the new manager would be a better in game manager.
    –
    Despite what might get scripted ahead of time by the FO (And I believe a lot is already scripted) By my estimation, Dave and the rest of the coaching staff have been responsible for the terrible in game decisions that have led to 4… possibly 5 world series losses. (Games 2 & 5 in 2017 and Games 1 & 4 in 2018… maybe, possibly Game 2 as well)
    –
    Over the last two years… Dave has said several times that he likes to put his players in the best position to succeed. It’s funny, in all these winnable world series games that we have found a way to lose… I’ve seen the exact opposite.

    1. Val

      I think Roberts has that front office BS in his mind, about not allowing your pitcher to face the line up three times through the order.

      I have no idea why he would bring either of the pitchers he first brought in!

      Alexander has never been trust worthy since he has been with this team, and he almost single handedly lost last night’s game, with his crap.

      And of course all of the runners that Madson had already allowed to score that he inherited in this World Series, before tonight.

      These guys would be last on my list.

      And with the caveat, that the Red Sox have more trouble with curves from lefties, then any pitch in baseball.

      Hill was never in trouble for a minute!

      1. Maybe Dave should have watched more Dodger games this year like we did… he was apparently too busy looking at his charts. If he actually watched the games that I watched… especially the first three games of this series then there’s absolutely no way you bring in Madson into that spot and Alexander would have come down with a mysterious ailment that would have allowed Caleb Ferguson back on the roster.
        –
        Alexander has had that look in his eyes for most of the year… he has crumbled under the pressures of July and August baseball… not sure why they thought it was a good idea to bring him back for the world series after he had been left of the nlcs roster.

        1. Val

          When I saw Hills spot coming up in the line up, I was hoping Barnes would make an out, because I didn’t think it was worth getting Hill out of that game, so Dozier could have an at bat.

          And I thought Hill would be fine to pitch the 7th with a four run lead.

          I never imagined Roberts would bring those other two pitchers in.

          No common sense, and your right, he acts like he didn’t see these prior games.

          And he didn’t see Hill dominating this line up until the end.

          1. Yeah… it’s crazy to say, but you and I and probably 70% of the people on this blog were hoping that Austin strikes out right there, just so Hill doesn’t get taken out of the game.

    2. I buy the basic premise off winnable games. And sometimes the better team
      loses the champ round. But Houston last year, and the Sox this, were, to
      these old eyes, clearly better, and appropriately favored.

      1. I think you can definitely say that the Red Sox are the better team this year… but so were the A’s in 1988

      2. Dud

        The Red Sox are the better team this year, but I don’t agree about last year.

        But this game was an easy win, if Roberts doesn’t pull Hill for no reason.

        Hill is not a hard thrower, and he had walked a hitter, in two or three of the innngs he pitched, but he was never close to being in trouble.

        In fact he was the exact krptonite for the Red Sox, because they are vulnerable to curves, from a leftie.

        No moves were needed until the eighth, or he could have brought Baez in, for the last out in the seventh, and have him pitch the eighth.

        The Red Sox had only hit Baez hard once.

  115. Do we know if Baez was available?
    `
    Going to Madson was a real head-scratcher, but the whole pen was problematic.
    `
    This goes back to AC’s lament at the trading deadline.

    1. In the post game presser… Dave said that both Baez and Urias were unavailable tonight… although before the game the team had only mentioned that Urias would be unavailable.
      –
      If it’s true that Baez was unavailable to pitch to even one batter tonight… then that makes the decision to take out Hill early and to not extend Jansen a little longer… even that much more egregious.
      –
      I just saw that someone posted on twitter… “Can Dave be made unavailable for tomorrow’s game”?
      I think that’s a great question. He coached a little too hard these last 4 games… I think he could use the rest.

  116. I just read in the Orange County Register that Hill said he would have embraced the moment to stay in that game.

    Then he said we been doing this all year, and it has worked, that is his company line.

    Roberts said that Alexander has been there all year too, so that is the company line!

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