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| (photo by Steve Rovak/USA Today Sports) |
This is a painful post, there's no other way to say it. The NLCS game one 3-2 loss to St. Louis in 13 innings is about has difficult to take as any heartbreaking loss I've ever experienced watching this team. In the interest of time, provided below are bullet points about tonight's game.
Where to start?
Mattingly
I guess he didn't want his best hitter to swing the bat. How he could bunt Crawford to second, setting up the open base in the 12th inning. The intentional walk to Ramirez was about as predictable as the sun rising in the East wash day. The twittersphere went ballistic when it happened. The only thing more predictable than Matheny ordering the intentional walk there was the probability that Michael Young would ground into a double play following the walk.
Removing Adrian Gonzalez for a pinch hitter that he wasn't going to run wasn't too bright either. The loss of AGon from the lineup came back to bite Mattingly twice later when Michael Young batted in crucial situations, both resulting in double plays.
Mark Ellis and the attempt to score on the fly ball in the 10th
I was okay with the chance simply because Beltran had to make a perfect play. He executed. Yes, Molina didn't apply the tag, but who ever calls that? That out at the plate was painful, but a risk worth taking. Sometimes things don't work out.
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| (photo by AL Tuielmans/USA Today Sports) |
What a pitcher! What a big game pitcher! He's an ace, plain and simple. He had pinpoint control and was just lights out. He deserved a win, but the offense let him down. Do the Dodgers possibly pitch him on short rest in game 4? They need to consider it. Poor Ricky Nolasco may never pitch in a game this post-season.
Ethier
He clearly isn't anywhere near 100%. The Beltran 2-run double in the third was a real tough play, but a healthy Ethier probably makes it. It'll be interesting to see how he recovers and if he can possibly play tomorrow, a day game after a night game that went 13 innings.
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| (Photo by Rob Grabowski/USA Today Sports) |
Belisario and Howell
I admit it. I thought it was crazy to bring him in to start an inning when I thought they should go with Jansen early, but he proved himself and had nasty stuff to retire the side in order. Kudos also to JP Howell for getting through the tandem of Beltran, Holliday, Adams and Molina in his inning of work. Very clutch.
Puig
A tough night for the rookie right fielder who failed with the bat but shined on the defensive end. That running catch and double play assist to first base was highlight reel stuff. Puig will be ok and he'll get his knocks this series. He always seems to come back string after a poor offensive game.
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Holy Cow! Game two starts in 12 hours and thrity minutes. Best to get some sleep fellas. Kershaw will need a run or two.
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