Nationals at Dodgers, 1:00PM PT, TV: MLBN
The Dodgers hand the ball to “rookie” RHP Kenta Maeda (16-11, 3.48 ERA) and ask him to hold the Nats at bay while they solve the lefthanded servings of Gio Gonzalez (11-11, 4.57 ERA). Maeda has never pitched in the postseason; he pitched for the Hiroshima Carp in the Japanese league, and it hasn’t made it above third place since 2000. He was the only Dodger starter who never missed a start the entire season, and the Dodgers were 19-13 when he took the mound. Gonzalez had a horrible year for him: he’d never had an ERA above 3.79 in his previous four years with the Nationals. The team went 14-18 in games he started.
Lineup when available.
#Dodgers NLDS Game 3 lineup:
Kendrick LF
Turner 3B
Seager SS
Puig RF
González 1B
Grandal C
Culberson 2B
Pederson CF
Maeda P— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 10, 2016
ALDS Game Three between the Indians and Red Sox starts at 3:00PM PT and can be seen on TBS. It features RHP Josh Tomlin for the Indians and RHP Clay Buchholz for the Sox. See the previous post for further details about the pitchers.
NLDS Game Three between the Cubs and Giants starts at 6:30PM PT and can be seen on FS1. It features the reigning Cy Young winner RHP Jake Arrieta (18-8, 3.10 ERA) against LHP Madison Bumgarner (15-9, 2.74 ERA). Bumgarner is 5-1 with a 0.79 ERA in 68 2/3 innings over his last nine postseason appearances dating back to 2012. Arrieta’s gone 7-6 with a 4.44 ERA in his last 16 starts, and his last time out he allowed seven runs on 10 hits at Pittsburgh.
NPUT
Giants win in 13th . . . can’t believe I stayed up to hear it . . .
Their 10th straight elimination game victory.
That streak ends today.
I was rooting for the Cubs, not so much against the Giants. That was just an added bonus.
Diving catch of Posey’s line drive turns into DP to send it to extras.
Cubs tied it!!!!!
Las Vegan Kris Bryant with 2-run HR!!!
Talk about history . . . the Giants’ 9th inning woes this year continue.
Let’s go, Cubs!
Wow — Giants have won 9 games in a row where they faced elimination. That’s already a record and — sad to say — they may add to that tonight.
I stopped watching just now.
That errant throw reminds me of their LCS game when the ball was touched by the fan, then there was an error by the shortstop, I believe.
I know fans are conscious of it (I know several Cubs fans), I wonder if the players are aware of the baggage. With the media asking everything, I’m sure they are.
Man, I wish we’d put them away during those final three games.
Yep.
They weren’t so meaningless after all.
And they were a foretaste of LA postseason play.
Unfortunately. To both.
Stupid stupid gnats.
Close play at 1st is reviewed and goes vs. Giants, even tho Cubs announcers (and, of course, just about everyone at AT & T) thought it would be overturned and give SF a runner. . . . Another sign the even-#ed magic is gone? (We hope . . . but stay tuned . . . )
I think the Cubbies may pull off the sweep. What do you think?
Sure hoping.
They had Bumgarner on the ropes and their announcers thought they should’ve scored more. If something happens tonight, they shouldn’t face Bumgarner manana, but he may come back for long relief if there’s a game 5.
Both have history in play, but for the Cubs, it’s working against them. If that doesn’t come into play, I think they’ll do well in hopefully* 9 more games.
*unless they face the Dodgers 🙂
Great answer. And now Chapman in for the six out save.
And just like that….
Bad day for closers.
Ha! Good point.
Cubs wasting chances as well.
Believe they said their PITCHERS have driven in 6 of their 9 runs in these three games. On one hand, they’ve got good hitting pitchers. On the other, their players paid for hitting apparently aren’t in the clutch (sound familiar?).
But bottom line: they have a chance to sweep tonight.
SF gets sac fly, now 3-2 Cubs in 5th.
But Bumgarner is out — Let’s go, Cubs!
Bumgarner is out for pinch hitter in 5th, still 3-1 Cubs.
Hopefully the desired Giant bullpen shows up to pad the lead.
SF got one back — 3-1 Cubs after 3
Arrieta 3-run HR!!!!!
3-0 Cubs, 2nd inning
Bumgarner is doing a Maeda.
Ha!
Indians sweep Bosox.
— keeping Cleveland’s continuing championship chances close
But forget it, Browns.
correct
It could have been worse, we could have been leading when Kenley gave up the runs
https://twitter.com/McCulloughTimes/status/785650938358792192
They’re saying Kershaw may pitch tomorrow.
I presume you mean “pitch.” I would hope he doesn’t.
No matter what happens tomorrow, this has been an interesting season – and therefore a successful one. The Dodgers continue to have a bright future.
I had very low expectations, given all the injuries. I agree!
Boo-HOO.
Game 4 2:00PM tomorrow on FS1
Unless the Gnats get swept, right?
I think you’re right, but I haven’t found any confirmation yet.
Through most of the year and the playoffs (minus Kenley today), the bullpen has been the facet of the game most dependable for the Dodgers.
I never would’ve thought that after they were the weakest link last year.
Glad Vin did not have suffer through that inning.
What a disaster in that ninth inning. I can’t imagine what they can say after this except “our backs are to the wall, gotta win two in a row.”
So does Kershaw start tomorrow or do they continue to go with Urias?
I’m thinking Kershaw, but not feeling good about that — his health and short rest . . . and he still needs SOME run support.
Pretty sure it’s Klayton.
Not with a bang, but a whimper . . .
Silver lining? Increased likelihood of being able to use my game 5 tix.
You ARE trying to replace Dave as President of Optimist Club.
But I sure hope you do get to use them!
Have we got a 4+1 game in us?
Need that just to tie.
Walk + HBP = horror for LA two games in a row.
This may go down with other famous closer meltdowns in Dodger history: Niedenfuer, Broxton…
Except they were already losing when this meltdown occurred.
Not a save situation or clincher, so doubt it.
I’m gonna remember it.
Not if he saves the next two!
With you cheering them on at Nats Park!
Only if they get here!
What happened to the President-in-waiting’s optimism?
Well, I did buy the tix. What has Dave ever done!?
Finally stopped the bleeding.
Sure hope the Cubs song is sung tonight.
Me, too!
Would be nicer if “I Love LA” is played and sung, but . . .
So let me get this straight. Our best in season trade acquisition in terms of playoff performance is… Ruiz??!
“It’s a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack.”
Still emptying.
The worst time for arguably the worst outing of Jansen’s brilliant career.
Tell me about it.
True — but moot based on performance of Dodger bats.
I hate to think of the Gnats fans eating this up.
Still only one out. Sheesh.
Has the exodus increased, RBI?
Floods of fans leaving.
How do you write soo quickly? do you dictate? You are a much better multi-tasker. texter/writer than I, Gunga Din.
Shouldn’t have pulled Puig. Poor Kenley. To quote a loathsome person, this is a disaster.
Oh fer…
Drat!
Reddick should have caught that.
Puig would have.
Catchable but nevertheless too well-hit.
Shaking my head.
Bullpen was great until reaching the closer.
I don’t believe this. Must have brushed his button.
Kenley not looking like Kenley.
Jansen seem rattled, understandably. He gave up 4 HRs all season.
Some were more crushing than this.
Doesn’t bode well to go into free agency on such a note . . . but it didn’t hurt Zack.
Playoff ERA of 1.74 in 11 appearances coming in, so hard to imagine any team giving this much consideration.
Rats. Sinking ship. Buh by, they all say.
I at least wait for the final out, then SPRINT to my car (wishing I could leap steep stairwells in a single bound).
Remember way back in the day when you could park wherever you chose?
I would strategically find a spot to get me onto my freeway as soon as possible.
I park north of Sunset.
I’ve never parked outside the stadium. I’ll have to pick your brain before I go next time.
Werth doesn’t like his former team and is punishing it.
Man…that went a long way
Game over.
Seemingly.
And there it is. The killer.
Top of their lineup. Bottom of ours.
Stands are emptying. This, I do not understand at all.
Hope for extra innings for many reasons, not the least being a lessening of the traffic.
Half holiday today. Traffic not bad.
Forgot — one of the schools where I work has it off, the other one didn’t.
Going down a couple years ago for the playoff was nice on Columbus Day.
Even nicer because they won.
Is Kirk Gibson available?
For them, maybe.
Ha!
(sob)
He’s 57 and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
This is not how I envisioned this game going.
It’s really hard to watch, even here.
Vin is a very smart man.
So pathetic.
Kelley making us look like chumps.
We look hopeless up there. Not sure I’d bring Toles in here. Prove me wrong, Andrew!
Ugh, Corey. Not a good at bat.
We need to find a way now. Dodger hitters looked helpless against their closer yesterday.
Actually, Turner got a solid hit off him.
Let’s DO THIS!
Way to go, Joe!
Come on, bats — no bottom of the 9th!
Kenley warming up already. Probably for third out.
We’ve had our chances, that’s for sure.
Same pitch. Gotta fight that off at least.
Howie with more wood and nothing to show for it.
Kelley! Righty!
Different verse, same as the first.
They are out pitching and out hitting us so far, just enough.
Good job, Utley!
Now chase him around, bats!
Finally able to check in. My mom in the hospital late yesterday with pneumonia and still hosting my dad and uncle for Thanksgiving today.
Go Dodgers…
At the best to her and your family, Dave.
Thanks Bob and Bob.
WinnipegDave: Keeping your mom in my thoughts…
Thanks Scoop. I appreciate this community.
Prayers for your mom.
Wishing her a speedy recovery!
All lefties from the Nats today?
The last of them and we still have Reddick and Dre lurking
Kelley is in.
Oh wait, they still have that Rzy…ski guy.
Let’s go, Dodgers, let’s go!
Nationals have the same issue as the Dodgers.
Get the K, Joe!
So many long at bats with 3-2 counts
Urias is going to have to pitch a shutout tomorrow the way we are going through our pen.
Has pitch count issues, so hard for him to go more than 5-6 no matter how well he is doing.
Need to save Stripling for tomorrow.
Story of the year.
Blanton time.
Neither side hitting the cover off the ball today. Nats had the one big inning. Quite a few walks.
Dodgers with more 0-RISP (more for them).
Silver Lining: they DO have 3 runs in spite of the lack of hitting in the clutch.
Announcers saying that sun to shade issue has benefited the pitchers over the past few innings and that the batters are lucky to see the ball.
Better right now.
Runs do not happen on their own.
They’ve reverted to the pre-All Star Break offense . . . since clinching, really.
And there it is again. Inside corner. Strike three called.
Our hitters need to adjust.
Yes. At least fight it off.
Time for a Grand hit . . .
AGon finally gets a hit!
Finally!
need to get even before they brign Melancen in.
Just getting a chance to check in. Wild game.
HUUUUUUGE K!
Get the K!
Just shut ’em down!
Please!
Yes!
Not Murphy. Anyone but Dodger killer Murphy.
Using an awful lot of pitchers here.
Fields! Horrible pitch!
These inside corner strike versus ball calls are driving me nuts. Completely inconsistent, and usually against us.
Crowd really not reliable for calling balls and strikes.
I’m using my binocs.
Wow!
Aren’t binocs similar to Tic Tacs?
Tic-tacky reference…
I really want balls and strikes called electronically
Dusty also using up his catchers.
unfortunately off to classes, so will have to wait around and hour and a half before I can check back in
Keep us in your pocket! We need every Link-fan out there…
At some point, we will get these close ones.
This time he looked safe.
Close, but clearly out.
Doesn’t justify the trade, but they got him just for this situation.
I’m glad for him. Some fans were booing him, and it wasn’t his fault.
Not in itself, but neither it was a foolish transaction.
game on!
That’s a big chip
Ruiz!
Chooch!
Who is the emergency catcher, again?
Jansen???
Howie I think.
Hahaha. I’ll take it!
Kenley 🙂
Sorry Jack, your comment only just popped up on my computer
Helluva play at first.
Time to chip away.
Just said the same thing to my husband.
Struck out six times. Struck three times.
Enough with the walks!!!!
here we go again with the walks
Both Puig and AGon just getting under those pitches.
Make that all three.
Quick work by Baez!?
Yes. Order restored.
Does ANYONE go around except the guy who didn’t?
Time to hope it turns into a pier 6 brawl, as Vin would say.
Bullpen game. WOWSER.
It makes sense. Maeda ineffective, and getting squeezed.
Well, all that happened.
Now replay shows Espinosa was NOT hit by pitch, say radio guys.
Oh, that’s so ridiculous.
The radio guys just summarized Maeda’s final line with “hit by pitch, one (maybe).”
He was over the plate! Drysdale wouldn’t have like that.
Seriously? And now they call a balk?
Oh no.
Torture.
Boy, you said it!
Meanwhile…ugh
Triple ugh.
Still mad about the previous inning, and now this. Ugh ugh ugh.
If it hits his hand as he is swinging..it is a swing, not a HBP
He has to go around, though.
They called it a strike somehow.
Only if it hit the bat, which it did not appear to.
But he wasn’t swinging, he was flinching/checking.
3rd base ump said no swing.
ESPN Radio guys say the replay clearly showed Joc was hit. They’re astonished that NY let the call stand.
Seemed that way from replay.
Joc was showing them his red knuckles, and they wouldn’t look.
Why out?
They say it hit the bat and catcher caught it.
Not loving the umps so far.
Joc very certain he got hit.
A much more satisfactory inning for Maeda.
With six Ks in six official at bats, Bob Costas says that Espinosa is probably happy that he has been hit twice so far.
It’s absurd that Dodgers and Nats are playing early game today. Cubbies and Gnats had all day yesterday to rest.
AGon forgetting how to deliver…
You’re a bit ahead of me and, therefore, disappointing me.
I shall refrain then. Unless it’s good news?
That looked inside on Puig.
It was. He jammed himself.
Didn’t go around from up here.
Looked that way on replay. Maeda wasn’t getting those.
Missed it by that much (Maxwell Smart voice). Another dinger.
Howie with another well hit out.
Can you guys see what the problem is from there?
Not spotting and they aren’t fishing.
There’s one fish!
Two fishes!
Some very close pitches, and half-plus-swings, not called.
Looked like two definitely went around from up here, but I don’t always trust the angle.
You’re at the park? Where, precisely?
4RS top of the section on the aisle behind home plate on the first base side.
Too. Many. Pitches.
Wow! They got Murphy out!
Only to give up the walk…
Blanton having a good year has consequences.
Hate those bloopie hits!
That was a Gnatball.
I managed to install a work-around, and I can watch at home today!
Love this line up today. We are here. Stadium rocking!
I’m liking Puig being at 4
Tenemos alineación: https://twitter.com/alannarizzo/status/785546967480832001
I will now make a “Well, duh” statement: If we can’t beat a lefty like Gonzalez, we don’t deserve to advance to the NLCS. The only right-handed batters whom I think are capable of having big games for us today are Turner and Puig.
Every team has it’s strengths and weaknesses (well, except the Cubbies). Why harp on this weakness to say we don’t “deserve” to advance. If we lose today to Gio, but then win two games against their righties, surely we deserve to advance.
You are right, of course. I was being too pessimistic, I guess. And worried.
I certainly understand the feeling. The Dodgers need to help us out by beating their demons (and this guy)!
Also, would not minimize how good Gio can be (eekk!)