Dodgers at Astros, 5:10 PM PT, TV: Fox
Down two games to one, if the Dodgers’ backs are not against the wall (the train tracks?) they’re being pushed closer and closer to it. They ask LHP Alex Wood (16-3, 2.72 ERA) to stop the Astros’ offensive onslaught or hold it off until they can get their own bats in gear. They’ll have to do it against RHP Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62 ERA). Wood pitched 4 2/3 innings of Game Three of the NLCS against the Cubs, giving up three runs and taking the loss. Morton lost Game Three of the ALCS to the Yankees but came back to pitch five two-hit innings in Game Five and get the win.
Today in baseball history:
- 1981 The Dodgers, after dropping the first two games of the Fall Classic, defeat the Yankees, 9-2, capturing the World Championship in six games. The victory at the Bronx ballpark marks the third time this postseason that Los Angeles has come from behind to win a series, having been down 0-2 against the Astros in the five-game strike-necessitated NLDS, and 1-2 behind the Expos in the NLCS five-game series.
- 1981 Entering Game 6 of the World Series in the fifth inning, Yankee right-hander George Frazier, relieving starter Tommy John, gives up three go-ahead runs in the team’s 9-2 elimination loss to the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. The 27 year-old right-hander becomes the first pitcher to lose three games in a best of seven World Series, and the second hurler to lose that many in any Fall Classic, joining White Sox southpaw Lefty Williams, who also dropped a trio of games in the best-of-nine series played in 1919.
- 1995 In Game 6, Tom Glavine and Mark Wohlers combine on a one-hitter to defeat the Indians, 1-0, giving the Braves their third World Championship, the first since moving to Atlanta. David Justice’s leadoff homer in the sixth inning off Jim Poole proves to be the difference.
- 1998
“It is especially fitting that this legislation honors a courageous baseball player and individual, the late Curt Flood, whose enormous talents on the baseball diamond were matched by his courage off the field. It was 29 years ago this month that Curt Flood refused a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies. His bold stand set in motion the events that culminate in the bill I have signed into law.” – BILL CLINTON, U.S. president commenting on the Curt Flood Act.
President Clinton signs Curt Flood Act of 1998, revoking baseball’s antitrust exemption for labor matters, but not for matters involving relocation, expansion or the minor leagues. The passage of the legislation by the 105th Congress comes over seventy-five years after the Supreme Court ruled that the sport was not involved in interstate commerce or trade as customarily defined within the context of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
- 2009 In Game 1, Chase Utley, en route to a record-tying five World Series homers, becomes the first left-handed batter in 81 years to hit two round-trippers off a southpaw in a Fall Classic game. The Philadelphia second baseman, who also set a postseason record by reaching base in 26 straight games with his first-inning walk, goes deep twice off Yankee southpaw CC Sabathia in the Phillies’ 6-1 victory in New York, to match Babe Ruth’s performance in the fourth and final game of the 1928 series.
Lineup when available.
#ThisTeam // #WorldSeries Game 4:
Taylor CF
Seager SS
Turner 3B
Bellinger 1B
Puig RF
Forsythe 2B
Barnes C
Pederson DH
Hernández LF
(Wood P) pic.twitter.com/Si9w2zpnCz— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 28, 2017
NPUT
On comparative bullpennery… https://dodgersyat.com/2017/10/29/so-that-is-how-it-feels/
Gloat not lest ye be humbled in the next game.
I just reviewed last night’s ninth – my feed conked out briefly – and I was amazed that Seager threaded the shift to lead off the inning.
’twas great to see!
Given the exaggerated shifts these days, that grounder couldn’t have been placed in a better spot. He was due, having had several hard-hit balls turned into outs in the Series thus far.
Kershaw pitching in Texas in the World Series. Must bring out some childhood dreams for him.
Probably dreamt about playing for the ‘Boys.
Then I would have been rooting for him in a different sport since Dallas is my football team!
Playing handegg would have wasted his talent (and probably his cerebral cortex).
Checked Barry’s Tickets. Looks like a seat comparable to what I had for Game 1 is “only” about $1-200 more for Game 6.
If Kersh gets them the Series lead manana, I’m sure any leftover tickets will skyrocket.
I would want two tickets so have to think twice. Don’t have to worry about it though as I am not going to fly in from NH anyway.
I still have WS tickets for a game never played. That’s as close as I have come to being at a WS game.
We only have so many memories that are a big part of our psyche and the atmosphere of a WS game would be one of those. $2000 might not be all that much in comparison to what one gets or compared with what else one would buy.
So, you’re going to see the Dodgers clinch it?
No, just curious. I had expected them to really jack up the prices once the game was guaranteed to happen.
27 out of 34 runs the Dodgers have allowed this post-season have been scored via the HR. That seems extraordinarily high (79.4%) – but I actually thought it was going to be closer to 90%!
It also says a lot about how hard it is to sustain a rally against Dodger pitching.
That is an excellent thought.
Exhale tonight and then have it all build up again tomorrow.
Did you notice that Kershaw went out to the mound after the game ended to get his bearings 20 hours ahead of his start tomorrow night?
Great! (Except he seemed to be visualizing runners on first and second)
Don’t like that.
Loser mentality.
With a victory, we have less to post about than last night’s loss . . . by half!
That’s what happens when the sky isn’t falling.
The fact that we posted far more in last night’s loss than in tonight’s victory brings to mind what Tolstoy wrote in Anna Karenina: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This group was an unhappy family last night, a happy one tonight.
Certainly in my top 10 favourite books.
Not a bad writer.
Or more simply put–misery loves company.
I am waiting for you to jump on the Joc bandwagon.
Kersh taking the mound tonight” — love it’!
How about Joc as our DH?
Not likely to be in starting lineup tomorrow, though.
Culberson will probably play either as DH or 3B with Turner the DH should Turner’s knee still be sore. I think Cory will stay at SS.
Doc did keep Ethier out of the lineup against a righty and didn’t use him to pinch hit for Barnes with the bases loaded in the 9th. Joc might have a very small chance to start.
If I am understanding why Kike’ is in LF instead of DH and Joc the DH it is because the DH can’t be used to play defense. Doc wants to be able to sub Kike’ into the infield if the need arises so he has to play a position.
More likely Logan at third, like they did last night, no? Yes, we have to learn these complicated AL rules on the DH, so much strategy involved!
No, we have to delete the DH.
Five runs in the top of the ninth. Five.
Well, it was tense for a while, but worth the wait.
Tied! Phew!
Houston’s not the magical winning place. Finally!
Woo-HOO !!! !!!! !!
Looking for 2 more!!
We win!
Dodgers win!
Let’s not forget how great Wood was.
Exactly!
Definitely.
Joc’s HR even more important.
Lose our one hitter.
That doesn’t help Kenley’s psyche.
No big deal.
Agreed. Only care about the win.
Sure, as long as it doesn’t affect him next time.
Yes I guess I hope he puts it out of his mind.
Think of how Giles feels.
I don’t think he will see the pressure Closer situation again this Series.
3 appearances, 2 HRs.
And an extra batter.
Hung a slider. Forget the psyche, hope it helps him in pitch selection and execution
Based on velocity and launch angle that is a hit only 16% of the time, so not like it was a blast.
Reading today – had a lot to do with the configuration of Minute Maid. Not a run in almost any other park.
Like Kenley in now with a non-crucial situation coming off Wednesday.
One more strike.
Out = LA
Get the K, KJ!
K-enley!
One more for a tied Series!
JT taken out. Knee must hurt.
Might be but he was taken out earlier for a pinch runner
Isn’t that what I said?
I wasn’t sure when you noted when he was taken out. He limped a little running to first.
Was slow down the line in previous appearance as well.
Seager with the save.
Absolutely!
Youth is being served–Cory to Cody
Si — CC!
Corey!
Do you still bring in KJ?
Yes
Good!
Oh yes.
Needs the work.
Joc!!!!!!!
One too many high pitches to Joc
Wahoo!
Even before it was confirmed, I assumed !!!! Meant pretty good news
My demise has been premature, says Joc.
Shortly after Cody said it.
Yes I do like that!!
Couild you hear my YES!!!!!! across the border, Dave?
Yes! Oui! Si! Da!
I think I heard it hear down under
Yay John!!! Party down under today!
When I was at the game Tuesday, I said if I could talk the next day, I didn’t support the team enough. I[‘m trying my best in front of the TV.
Nice indeed
JOC!!!!
Joc!!!!
JOC-ULARITY!!!!!!!
Throw it away — to home or first.
We will take it!!
Knew it was in the park but also sacky enough!
Best swings Barnes has had all series.
New Series!!!!!
3 outs away from LA and Game 6.
Barnes does his job!
Barnes with the Sac Fly!!!!!!
YES, YES, YES!!!
Ooooooh!
My YES! turned to nooooooooo
Fairlly – rather than barely – foul.
True.
Oh sooooo clooooose!
I didn’t realize there’s only one out!
C’mon, Austin!!!!
Cody is youngest Dodger ever with an xbh in the WS. Now he has two.
On the night he gets the award, Kenley gets to show why he received it.
Barnes is due.
Hay that’s true!
Good Hay!
Intentional.
Figgered.
Logan, WAW (with another walk)
More patient, but terrible results from Series away Puig.
Oh for two more runs here.
Top of the order comes alive with single, walk and double.
Yes!! Just put my son to bed. He feels a cold coming on so no late night for him tonight.
Dodgers need to put this to bed as well.
Yes!
Good one!
Hopefully he awakens to news of hot Dodgers and tied Series.
The awakening of Belli!!
He,s back,
Pour it on!
And gets to second.
Wow, wow, wow
Yeah!!!!!
CODY!~!!!!!
Belli!
Good restraint, Cody!
Oh, for Kenley to come in with a lead!
And there you go.
Please,sir, can I have some more?
Mattingly would have Bellinger bunt.
RISP
Good eye and patience, JT!
My MLBTV crashed. What happened?
Corey single into the shift, JT just walked.
BB
Corey starts it off!
Yes!
Let’s get some runs.
C’mon, big bats!
Now is the time.
This is The Team!
One little dinger can put them in a good spot.
Get the K, Tony!
A line out will do.
Guessing that Kenley faces the top of the order, whenever that arrives this inning or next.
Tony getting it done.
Both Tonys certainly have.
Tony W.
If they didn’t know about his changeup, they do now.
Those old ‘Stros jerseys were just the ugliest things ever.
Morrow for another or Kenley for 6 outs?
Would sure help having a lead.
Watson for the lefty maybe.
Or Cingrani.
Morrow’s only thrown 14 pitches.
And Kershaw goes tomorrow.
REALLY surprised Belli was cleanup.
Sure hope that double opens things up for him . . . and he comes up big again tonight!
He hit it well, and in just the right place.
Okay, excited about “Star wars”!
Yes.
Love how CT makes sure Puig stays away!
Yeah, on a ball to straight away CF!
Even in almost dead center field.
Morrow said to get 5 or 6 million next year from somebody. Hope it is the Dodgers.
He’s certainly rebuilt his value.
Agree!
Hot corner has been hot tonight.
Think Altuve did the Blue a favor on that pitch.
Barnes has forgotten how to hit, but love him behind the plate.
He looks like a different hitter but then so does Bellinger.
But Barnes hasn’t hit since the NLDS. Not the case with Belli.
I like Barnes but, given his recent struggles, I’m surprised Grandal’s not gotten more of a chance.
In a battle of the bullpens I like our chances. However, 2 for 18 with RISP (according to Buck on the tube) is disheartening.
But 1 for the last 1!
That’s why you’re the PResident of the Optimists Club in perpetuity.
Thanks Bob! Sometimes it’s easier than other.
Overdues doing it this inning.
Future people finally bearing down!
Logan!
*Logie Bear!
From a surprising source.
Logan’;s run!!!!!!
I guess that LoFo will walk.
Happy to be wrong!!
We have to wake up our bats! Maybe Puig should lick everyone’s bats.
That seems like a million years ago.
Just got back from the hospital.
Go, Blue!
How are your friends?
One was released.
The other — more serious — one is doing much better than originally feared. He had a neck injury besides broken ribs, but he is moving his extremities. so that’s great. He wil have a surgery tomorrow.
Thanks for asking.
Bob: I went to several Dodgers Fantasy Camps. Can I ask you the name of your friend who perished? I wish for a full and speedy recovery for the others.
Thanks, Scoop.
It;’s Rich/Richard Trujillo.
I went only to the February camps in Vero Beach. I checked those rosters, and his name did not come up. They also held fall camps. What a tragedy for your friends and their families.
Indeed. As the pastor said tonight, they went out for a ride in a beautiful morning. Then . . .
I wish them both the best.
Thanks, Link!
Need to do some damage here.
A hit! A hit! By Jove, a hit!
Boom it’s a miracle!
Must be nice to be the charmed team.
So far. That will change.
Who would have thought it would have been so hard for us to score one run? It seems like a mountain. Dodgers now hitting .152 in this World Series, .130 so far in Houston.
Shades of 1966
It’s not been quite that bad.
.152 cumulative BA for the Dodgers in the WS.
Given Wood’s first half and this game, He is an Ace.
I agree.
Every stinking game they give up a HR. Every. Stinking. Game.
The “Oh crap” gave it away. It’s been “oh crap” ever since the 8th inning in Game 2.
Wood never would have faced him except for the no-no business.
Apparently not with that quick yank.
Hill understands.
Oh crap.
Doc may be faced again with yanking a guy in an interesting game.
How could we not score one there?
Taylor hit it on the ground. Simple as that.
And Seager flew out.
How do I not score thee, let me count the ways.
Not sure I can take much more of this. I think I will catch up on some work I need to do.
Bregman played that ball really well.
Unfortunate.
Future people not helping out.
Nice try Barnes.
CT hard to double up, so an additional way to score is just a ground ball.
But not hit there.
Well that’s helpful.
Quique with the uncharacteristic patience
Last AB that cost him a Kc.
Sticky let’s get this going.
Joc has taken Scherzer and Verlander deep in the playoffs
Got it to the outfield this time.
Does America get a free burger for the first HBP of the WS?
Does Canada get a free mooseburger?
Bison.
I can get a bisonburger here. My Swedish cousins served me roast moose there, though.
Time to shine. That is time for another hit.
Ouch.
Duele.
Maybe the ‘Stros should do a “Stand Up to Racial Stereotyping” instead.
I was totally thinking about that too and how awkward that would have been for them.
(Strokes non-existent beard)
(Comments on pitching performance)
Quotes Arte Johnson on Laugh-In: “Very interesting.”
Wood amazing. His stuff not good Wood, but keeping these guys off balance.
I can’t see this right now. Is Morton just pitching lights out or is it that we are so bad at the plate?
The former for sure, the latter maybe.
A bit of both, with help from Laz Díaz.
50 pitches through 5.
Wood at 66 through 4-2/3, which ain’t bad.
Should Doc sit Cody? Or at least move him down in the order?
Doesn’t have that luxury, which he might have done in regular season.
Don’t want to lose his defense.
Right.
Should Chuck Dressen have sat Gil Hodges in 1952?
Or whoever Ted Williams’ manager was in 1949? He went 5-25 in his only World Series.
5/25 seems luxurious at this point.
Williams’ only WS was in 1946 (not 1949). He had one RBI while going five-for-25, five walks and five Ks. His manager was Joe Cronin. BoSox lost in 7 to the Cards.
Why did he miss ’49, I wonder? Ah because the Sox weren’t in the 49 world series the Yankees were.
’49 WS was Dodgers-Yankees. Red Sox had a one-game lead with two to play, both vs. the Yankees, and lost them both. Ouch.
Boston played in WS in 1948 I think.
Nope. Cleveland.
Right.
Beat Boston in playoff game.
Hats off to Houston scouts.
Nice gift so far from Alex.
I’d like to hear the Foxxers talk about why Juice Bar Field is no longer Dirty Gusher Park.
Logan again!
So smooth.
Chase is smooth, just limited.
He and Wood.
Stop squeezing Wood, ump!!!!
Laz Díaz is notorious for that.
Is he doing it for both? No eyes.
Super squeezy of Woods. Slightly generous to Morton.
I’d say he’s helping out Morton more.
Let’s go JT.
Trying not to live and die with every pitch.
Don’t you already live and die in LA?
I live in the Live Free or Die state
Had thought you lived n the Nutmeg state (love the story behind that name).
Grenada?
I have accepted a few wooden nickels but never a wooden nutmeg.
K- Wood.
That was a beautiful strike. If you like your strikes low and off the plate that is.
It was better than earlier pitches that got called strikes.
I was helping my son with some math homework. Only saw that last one.
Hard to do math if ya don’t see all the ones.
Ha! Nice.
Morton has velocity and command of fb, and breaking stuff is breaking so far.
Somebody who, not so long ago, seemed as if he’d never amount to anything.
Are we surprised?
If AJ Hinch was embarrassed by Gurriel’s action – he could have sat him for a game or three.
If team had suspended him, it would not be subject to appeal.
But really – wouldn’t the best response be a team response – and not wait to be forced by MLB to suspend him. That would seem to have more meaning to me. And yes, it would not be appealed.
Players are not paid for WS games other than the shares players get.. So by suspending him for the first 5 games next year, he looses 5/162 of his salary. He already said he will not appeal.
So money – which he has healthy amount of – is the punishment – rather than significance of game play in the playoffs? It happened in the WS – it should be dealt with in the WS.
The Commissioner talked with all stakeholders and then said he didn’t want to punish 24 other Astros players. Because it happened in the WS, Gurielle’s behavior was under the spotlight. He learned and he is embarrassed.
According to ESPN 5 days pay for Gurriel is $335,000, so it has to hurt some.
If my math is correct, the $10,519,000 that makes up the rest of his salary should soften the blow.
It would me.
Logan flashes the leather and the arm.
Fox talking about Gurriel
Don’t expect anybody on Fox to call him out on it. Buck getting mealy-mouthed.
??
Their attitude is always to minimize such incidents.
I thought you would refer to them as Faux news
In fairness, their sports coverage is less overtly bogus.
Glad he wasn’t suspended.
First base umpire would have better angle.
You should be able to ask the other umpires.
So, reviews allowed for hit batters but not balls off the foot of a hitter?
Foul balls not reviewable by NYC. The umps on the field can do so, however.
Weird. Not reviewable.
Clearly hit his foot.
Good hustle by Puig. He could have stayed at home and wound up looking bad.
Was thinking the same.
He needed Nippy Jones’s shoe polish.
Like the ground balls, though velocity is down.
Moderate pitch count.
One of the concerns was that Wood would be too strong with all the rest he has had so pitching smart maybe.
Wood Good
Not sure enough evidence to overturn.
I think the review was as much about messing with Wood as it was that they might get a runner on.
Hinch is wasting a challenge early, though, on a borderline call.
CT starts if off right!
Until…
That was a strange steal attempt – delayed?
Ill-timed, at least.
One in the same?
Ball hit the dirt, but McCann picked it cleanly and made a good throw.
Too subtle?
In the intros, Buck and Smoltz said nary a word about Gurriel. Rosenthal, however, just brought it up.
Radio pre-game on ESPN spent a good 10-15 minutes on it, including part of the Commissioner’s press conference.
How about this Dodgers? Win today, tomorrow, and Tuesday. And send us into winter happy, hearty, and hale.
An excellent plan!
I don’t think I have been this tense for many games over the six decades that I have been a Dodgers fan. I may have to turn on the TV after the game has been on a while.
Oh Scoop I hear you. The tension mounts.
Let’s go Dodgers!
I tuned in just in time to mute The Star-Spangled Banner.
Kenley NL Reliever of the Year. That’s our guy!https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/?partnerId=ed-12042589-1027688103
I have much faith in Alex Wood. I have been pulling for him all year.
It will be interesting to see if Fox mentions the Gurriel incident tonight and, if so, how. They said nothing whatsoever during last night’s game, even though it quickly made an impact on Twitter and other media.
As we expected, Gurriel gets a slap on the wrist… http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21197888/houston-astros-first-baseman-yuli-gurriel-suspended-world-series-games-following-gesture-comments-los-angeles-dodgers-pitcher-yu-darvish
I know which teammate I’d rather have on my team.
Real life again puts things in perspective: Four men I know and am friendly with were riding bikes this morning and were hit by a car. One was pronounced dead at the scene, two of them hospitalized, apparently one seriously.
The man who died was a Dodger fan — he even attended their fantasy camp several years ago.
Oh Bob. That is such sad news. Prayers for the family of all the bikers, especially the one who was killed.
I am a seasonal bike rider (not winter) and twice this week have had cars nearly hit me. Anyway, that is such sad and tragic news. My condolences.
Thanks, Dave.
These last two days haven’t been good to people each of us know.
Sorry to hear. I just came from a ride to Treasure Island, most of it on bicycle path, but traffic on the island itself was much heavier than usual. That said, it never moves very fast, though there’s a tricky freeway on-ramp to negotiate.
Bob, how very sad. Sending love.
Thanks, RBI.
Oh man. That’s dreadful. I am so sorry for all the families involved, and their friends as well.
Bob: So sorry to hear this. Tragic news.
Solidarity
Then this is the gameplan!
1981, 1965, and 1955?
One thing that I have noticed but laughed off because the Dodgers have cruised through the post-season up to the (8th inning of) Game 2 of the World Series:
Dodger pitching has given up at least one home run in every game. They have given up 20 HR’s in 11 games.
To be fair, they have hit 19 in the same amount of games. They went homeless in 2 of their 11 games (won one against AZ and lost yesterday to Houston.)
What has held true so far is Dodgers have won all the games were they have had more hits, and lost all the games where they haven’t.
I don’t think they’ve gone homeless. Even in Houston, they have hotel accommodations.
On this date, may the Dodgers channel the ’81 team as well as the exploits of younger Chase.
Biggest question of the day:
Who will show for the Dodgers, the boys of summer . . . or the blahs of September?
I’ve let go today. Yesterday was pretty rough on my nervous system, so I am entering this game expecting little while hoping for much, and above all grateful to be a fan of one of the final two teams standing.
Hear, hear!
Couldn’t say it better.
Will you be able to follow the game while you’re watching the kids?
I’m sure that changes your reactions, when you have to be a role model!
(I mean “your” universally!)
Yes. My son and I are with the two grand babies and that really helps in the distraction department.