Braves vs Dodgers, 5:15 PM PDT, TV: Fox, FS1
When the Braves send RHP Ian Anderson to the mound this evening he’ll be the sixth-youngest pitcher ever to start a postseason elimination game. He’s made three starts in the playoffs, going 15 2/3 innings without allowing a run, including four innings against the Dodgers in Game Two of this series. The Dodgers failed to take advantage of the five walks he issued during that outing and lost the game. It seems unlikely he’ll be that generous again, but if he is they’ve got to score those runners.
The Dodgers have not yet announced who’s gonna start, but Gonsolin seems to be the likely choice. He could go deep into the game or, if he falters, he could be pulled quickly. The Dodgers have several fairly well-rested arms in the bullpen, although they may be well-rested because they’re not entirely trusted. Who knows?
Update: In a surprise to me, RHP Dustin May is going to start for the Dodgers. He went two innings in the Dodgers’ 7-3 win in Game Five, starting the game and giving up three hits and two runs.
Please, Roberts, do not be tempted to use Clayton Kershaw on short rest. He is no longer the 22-year-old wunderkind of ten years ago. He’s a guy with 2,300 innings of major league baseball under his belt. Asking him to do anything in today’s game would be setting him up to fail in the postseason again, and he deserves better from his bosses.
The catch didn’t steal a homer, but it would have scored a run and put Ozuna on 2nd or 3rd. It was Betts’ reaction after he caught it that really amused me, though:
Today in Dodgers’ history:
- 1977 In the Yankees’ 8-4 victory over the Dodgers in Game 6 of the Fall Classic, Reggie Jackson, who also homered in his last at-bat in the previous contest, hits three more home runs, each on the first pitch of the at-bat, giving the New York slugger three homers on three consecutive pitches, after drawing a base-on-balls in his first plate appearance. ‘Mr. October’s heroics in the Bronx ballpark assures the team of their twenty-first World Championship and first since 1962.
2013 The Cardinals advance to their second World Series in three seasons, routing the Dodgers, 9-0, in Game 6 of the NLCS. St. Louis, behind the timely hitting of Carlos Beltran and the strong pitching performance of rookie right-hander Michael Wacha, beats Clayton Kershaw (16-9, 1.83) for the fourth time this season, including a pair of victories in this round of the postseason.
Lineups when available.
Braves:
Game 7.#MixItUp | #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/CnuS1atC33
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 18, 2020
Dodgers:
Tonight's lineup vs. Braves:#NLCS | #LATogether pic.twitter.com/XfgvjrA2x1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 18, 2020
Ya hay alineación. https://twitter.com/jphoornstra/status/1318635693304807424?s=20
Ya hay alineación. https://twitter.com/jphoornstra/status/1318635693304807424?s=20
NPUT
Looking toward next season? https://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/1318633476170551296?s=20
Now THAT’S California car culture for you.
I can assure you, cars are big in Texas as well. Well, pickups.
Yeah, but this tweet refers to a 2021 policy in Ca.
Yes, of course. I was responding to the notion that car culture is particularly Californian in nature.
https://twitter.com/MLBcathedrals/status/1318631668085936131?s=20
SI’s Cliff Corcoran previews the Series.
Kiké should be given a mic after every game. He’s got a comment for everything.
We have tomorrow’s starter. https://twitter.com/BillShaikin/status/1318281839694376960?s=20
Is anyone surprised?
I am pleased.
There’s really no other option, given the recent bullpen usage of starters.
Ha! From Tom Verducci at SI:
Quique’s a free agent after this season, and I wouldn’t blame him if he
sought an everyday job commitment elsewhere. That said, he’d be badly
missed if he left the Dodgers.
Urias is
Jon W made a video of Mookie’s catches in Games 5, 6, 7
Kiké is irrepressible.
Woo-HOOO!!!!!
Mookie Monster! Eating those cookies!!!
I loved the team photo with all the kids!
Home run! Or at least HR distance…
Nope.
Right over top the pole.
Nope, off to the left.
I got tied with many phone calls and I am also running two nonpartisan political campaigns and assisting on a third and had to work on ads. That’s why I disappeared. But to each and every one of you, thanks for all your posts throughout this irregular season. Looking forward to communicating more during the World Series. Best to all of you.
What a game! So glad to have you guys here.
Corey!!! MVP!!!!!
Doc so emotional – made me cry too.
I guess Buehler would go Game 3 and maybe 7?
Soooo glad Doc stayed with Urias.
Don’t think that there was any question about that.
Yes but he has baffled in the past…
That’s certainly the narrative. Managers make a lot of decisions and sometimes they don’t work out. He gets a lot of heat for sticking with Klayton over the years, but guess what, 80% of inherited runners have scored off of the subsequent relievers. (The NL average this year was 33%).
It’s a bit weird, after previous years dissapointments at home games, I’m kinda glad there are no WS games at Dodger Stadium. (I know it’s sad you all can’t be there, but I think it takes the pressure off the team a bit)
It will be the second year in a row where no team will win in their home park.
Now for the Devil Rays!
They are as good as – probably even better than – Atlanta
Their offense is only so-so, but their defense is otherworldly and they’ve got some productive hitters. The pitching can be dominant, but it was inconsistent v. the Asterisks.
I’m not sure that is true. But yeah, another nail biter series.
Hooray! Huzzah! Julio!
Thank you Joe Davis!!!
So glad he was there!
Yeeessssss
Dodgers win!!!!!!!!!
To the World Series!
URIAS
Please please please
Please please please!!
Let’s go Dodgers!!
One more!!!
Agh!!!!!!!
Phew.
Wherefore phew?
I’m nervous. Every out is phew.
Two more!
Thanks!
Fine future person!
Ump!
I’ll be honest with you all. If the Dodgers win this game tonight – I will want the Dodgers to win the whole thing.
I’ve wanted that all year.
IT’S URIAS
Commercial breaks are endless.
My heart is pounding. Pit a pat!
Here we go.
Breathe RBI. Breathe.
I just told my husband I was heading upstairs so I don’t have a heart attack! Will be watching here and on Gameday. GO BLUE!!!!
What a time for Corey to hit weak grounders.
Seager Victory lap?
Or walk to first?
Oh. Yeah. Probably.
That’s already been done
Let’s make who pitches for the Dodgers in the ninth moot.
And simultaneously maybe render Smoltz mute.
I’d take a Mookie victory lap around the bases here.
Yoy’re seeing double.
I can’t stand Melancon’s beady eyes.
Hopefully you won’t see him in the bottom of the 9th.
Urias is good for another inning. He threw five innings four days ago. Before that, he hadn’t pitched since October 8. Please, Doc, don’t prescribe another pitcher.
I’d have someone ready, though.
Everyone ready.
Kiké, CT3 and Mookie coming up. More runs, more runs!
Kiké, CT3 and Mookie coming up. More runs, more runs!
Urias!!!
Let’s gooo!
Max with the two handed tag.
One more, Julito!
Four more.
Hopefully comes back out for the 9th
Would you let him finish?
There is someone better in the pen?
Maybe because Jansen would be pitching three games in a row he only warms up
Yes.
Phew.
Two biggies.
Good mound visit.
Huge out. Keep it going, Urias.
There’s one!
Phew. Freeman out.
Belli popped his shoulder celebrating?
A half-dozen outs without allowing a run, just a half-dozen outs.
Fingers crossed mightily.
Foam?
Regrettably no.
Martin strikes out the side, but…
It was beginning to look like that was where the ball had to be pitched for Belli to launch one
Cody!!!! I pointed the finger at the radio!
Foam finger that is
Lol!
Smoltz could have been talking at the time
Truth.
I’m back baby!!!
Get more runs, there’s six outs to go!
Pressure reverts to the pitchers
It’s a Belli blast!
Well, there goes the rally.
Gone!!!
This ump owes the Dodgers about half a dozen pitches. I’ll take them in the 8th and/or 9th.
Ball!
Good lord, ump!
Need a two out rally killer
I’d settle for a walk even.
Boo!
You win!!
It’s Bellinger’s time?
Good pitching
Ok Will. Time to go RVing.
Ump! Max is going to think you have something against him.
Max, Will and Cody. Come on, you guys.
Ok. Runs in the bottom of the 7th. Please.
This is the inning in which we take a lead of at least two runs.
We own the 7th!
Nice job, Julio!
The way Doc has been talking about him, expect he will stay with Julio for awhile.
Only 10 pitches in that inning.
Don’t think there is a better pitcher available in the pen.
Let’s go Urias. Stay strong. Stay sharp.
Well heroics? Or heartbreak? Stay tuned.
Needed that to drop.
What a game.
Atlanta also going through their pitching.
I wish Hernandez had pinch hit for Muncy earlier
He was always gonna hit for Joc.
I was certain Corey would bring Taylor in.
I was as well.
He of the ribbies.
At least a Sac fly.
Calling old Playoff JT.
What a crazy game.
And a very good one. 7th game worthy.
Bad hitting, bad baserunning.
Going on contact
And the infield was playing in.
High hop off the mound might have helped the fielder
Seager needed to elevate the ball.
I think it did. It meant he didn’t have to bring his hands up to get set to throw.
Dang.
Dang.
How can I eat with a foam finger on?
I don’t know but you can’t take it off now
I thought you were going to say you were nibbling on the foam finger.
What’s the calorie count for a foam finger?
Talking about being locked in and really determined, Kike’ hasn’t smiled yet
Seager will get a righty, no?
I’d be fine if he didn’t.
Guess not, but like the match up in any event.
Brewster really gets emotional.
Funny I never noticed that. Jk.
Let’s keep on going Dodgers.
CT3. Double.
Rally killer.
Lol.
Yahoo!
¡Quique!
Hernandez is an October player too
Joc takes his helmet.
Quigué!!!!!!!
Let’s gooooo!
Yes!!!!!
I really hope the Dodgers have not hit their last HR of the season. I could use a few more.
How about that!?
How about that indeed!!!
Let’s go Kiké. Start it off.
Are we feelinhg it this inning?
Yes! Mos def!
I feel it every inning! Until I don’t.
Rally hat on. Foam finger on.
Good inning, Brusdar.
Big K there too!
Good going Brewster!
Big K there.
Braves have three hits, six walks.
Urias warming up. Now we need a DP.
Are Dodgers hoping to save Urias for Game 1 WS?
Good question.
Probably for the top of the order.
Thanks!
I think Kershaw will pitch game 1
Time is getting short, Dodgers.
Momentum killer. AJ needs to find his earlier mojo.
You mean regular season AJ?
Yes.
Smoltz thinks a walk is better than a dinger.
Let’s hope Dodgers get both!
Kinda saying a walk is a rally maker and a home run is a rally killer
Basically if you give up a solo dinger it’s only one run, but a walk creates the possibility of a rally!?
It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone play with the pure joy that Mookie displays.
The overall sense I get is that the Dodgers are more confident. That bizarre DP, which I have watched, had to be devastating for Atlanta.
But then they got out of bases loaded situation so that was big for the Braves.
Yes, but that was with two outs. The Braves had second and third with no one out.
Couldn’t ask for a better inning from Blake, but I didn’t watch. Reads like there were some well hit balls. Like RBI, I am bouncing back between Gameday and the TV.
We keep getting momentum plays. Let’s start using them big time.
Ok. Ok. Time to score again.
D keeping Blake in.
D keeping Dodgers in it!
As Dlack goes, so go the Dodgers at this point.
He should change his name to Dlack.
2 out. Says Mookie.
Entertaining
Wow!
Radio guys going nuts.
Mookie!!!!
Opportunity keeps knocking
Yeah. 8 men LOB so far.
Keep getting guys on Dodgers. It will work out eventually.
Although 8 left on through 4 is kinda crazy.
Need more RBI.
Many more RBI.
True, but she is walking around outside
Almost home!
Good
Home. Foamy finger about to be applied.
Just in time for a Belli blast?
Alas, apparently not.
Remember when I was LOB and had to change it? Hahaha.
I remember!!
Oh man. Disappointing.
Violation!
Shame on you!
Walking outside ! So it’s okay, right?
I heard it
Big letters in Muncy’s helmet–BREATHE
Yes! Lol
BBuncy maybe against this pitcher who seems wild
But with that high heater he loves.
I would take it!
Max needs to max out!
Maximum Muncy is needed for sure.
I’m afraid he did Max out
Three swings the charm
Don’t help him out JT.
Atom ball from Seager. Hit right at ’em.
He scorched it.
Come on! A little help here.
Not fair
Phoo!
Ack!
2 on , 1 out. Come ON, guys, here’s a big chance!
One more big hit this series Corey!
Would love to have Seager send someone camping this inning. (By hitting the camping sign beyond the CF fence.)
It’s even better. An RV is the prize, not just a trip.
Might lead to a trip to the WS for the Dodgers…
I’d better get my app in then
If only CT3 had done that his first time up.
That was a competitive at bat against a lefty by Joc
Ok CT3. Get on base my friend.
Yes!
Ump, Ump, Ump
Grrrrrr
Maybe the ump is trying to help the Dodgers by getting them to 2 outs more quickly…
I wonder if there has ever been a DP like that before.
Close to the double play at home plate the Dodgers ran into
Let’s come on back again Dodgers. Please let that base running be the thing that stops the Braves from wining.
Is Ozzie Albies their baserunning coach?
Right out of the Dodger playbook
D saves the day again.
Ump!
Horrible!
Holy cow!
Gonsolin says “I got my guys”
Lol!
HUGE PLAY!
Dodgers in reverse
DP!
First time this season that Treinen has pitched three straight days. Not the time to break the mold. Just like starting a pitcher twice in three days. Will Roberts’s odd postseason managing cost us again?
There were other words that I could have used besides “odd.”
Times like this I ask myself why I do this to myself.
Don’t listen to yourself!
Hang in with us. This is fun.
I want to be ahead. That kind of fun. I’m spoiled.
Man, this is difficult to watch.
Not great.
Of course he threw it right down the middle. He is not getting any strike calls on the edges.
Grrrr.
Shoot.
Miér-coles.
Little ground ball please.
Got squeezed.
Thoroughly.
Two balls called strikes. Two.
I wish
According to GameDay.
(You meant strikes being called balls.)
Two strikes called balls
Don’t let your guard down, Goose.
Little ground ball time.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0531a3bb479e10118fa967834c4263826bcca044626ab12b037be13c6156cd0d.jpg
Good inning.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f97874b2d7fd860a3465d2e32385911900a8d44dd7666f132da07d39cc52449e.jpg
Wonderful!!
Muncy really slid hard into d’Arnaud.
Blocking the plate without the ball.
Max didn’t touch the plate until after the play was over.
And a beautiful peachy sunset happening.
Bullpen action. Couldn’t be better.
Rather tee off on this guy.
Let’s GO Dodgers!!
Willie Boy!
Yes!!!
One of those screamers has to go our way, right?
Yes.
There you go!
How’s that?
Ok. Everything helps.
That walk helped a lot!
Walk = rally.
Man – I was hoping for a lot Anderson pitches in the third.
Overall, I like Chris Taylor, and I am glad we have him. But he strikes out too much.
He has made major contributions to the team but when he is cold, he is very cold and typically he is cold in the playoffs
Except when he wins the MVP award in the NLCS.
There are always exceptions to the rule
That’s a pretty good exception. 🙂
Now you are tempting me to research stats.
Paging Bob!
He’s had a couple of great ones. Overall OPS around .785. So, a little below average
You are a treasure.
Yep, good and bad like most players. Better than I thought. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tayloch03.shtml
He had to swing at that pitch and it was filthy. Strike either way.
47 pitches at least.
And hit hard. Some for actual hits. Top of the order needs to finish him off.
Had to know the change up was coming
Kryptonite pitch.
Curses, foiled again!
Sugar.
Look over at the on deck circle Anderson. There is a threat waiting for you.
Peck away all through the game, starting now
CT3. Let’s get a sweet single.
Or more.
A single scores 2.
Anderson doesn’t look as invincible so far.
Went the other way like a good hitter
Joctober please.
They are absolutely stinging the ball.
They’re hitting the ball solidly, but little to show for it.
Getting some good wood, at least.
A bullet and a blast. Neither landed.
Just like last time.
Vs Anderson.
Anderson change up is killer
Pretty close, Will.
Regardless of batting average, he has high exit velocity on outs as well as foul balls.
This was a disaster waiting to happen. We were luck Atlanta scored only one in the first inning. I expect that this is the first time that Dodgers have ever — regular or postseason — started the same pitcher twice in three days and to do it in the most crucial game of the year?
You did say it would be 9-7. So get ready for the wild ride!
I suspect he didn’t come to that decision alone…
Once again a wildly uneven strike zone for the two teams.
As I say the ump balances things out by calling balls strikes against Dodger hitters and vice versa for Braves hitters. It all works out that way.
I guess that is true. I’m definitely looking through Blue-biased eyes.
No – I mean that for Braves hitters strikes by Dodger pitchers are called balls. Lol. I’m a homer for sure.
This has all the markings of Game 5?
The Dodgers are more than good enough to win this game
Truth.
sigh
That’s not helpful. But I like a good comeback story.
Coming back from 1-3 should be enough.
Need to do it the hard way tonight.
Argh!
Here is the pitcher I thought should have started
And I would have been wrong
Muncy can’t be BBuncy if the pitcher throws strikes.
Strike three was a ball.
Batters perceived to look for the walk don’t get the close calls.
It wasn’t that close, and he swung at it.
Actually, I look away and missed it.
Fortunately the ump is making up for it by calling some of Gonsolin’s pitches that are strikes balls.
Missed chance. Can’t do that too often.
Smoltz’ heartbeat must be high as well. He keeps talking.
I thought that was down the line when he hit it.
I wish it was.
I’m a bit surprised by the decision to start May, but I suspect that Gonsolin and/or Urías could be in there pretty early. CT3 is back in the lineup. https://twitter.com/SportsNetLA/status/1317921790539149312?s=20
I share WBBsAs’ surprise re May, who didn’t show much on Friday. Perhaps Roberts is hoping to sneak one good inning out of him, but the first-inning May-Freeman matchup today worries me.. I share the feeling that Gonsolin and/or Urias could follow quickly.
File this under a problem the Dodgers want to have – but if they win this game, their pitching is messed up for the first few games of the WS. Of course the alternative would be worse.
I have not let my mind wander too far into the WS. But I am wearing a Dodgers shirt and hat for the third straight day. (It’s a different shirt each day — Jackie Robinson one today).
I have been wearing the same one. Plus hat.
Will the WS feature days off, or no?
Yep. Thursday would be an off day. Then a week Monday.
That was a catchable ball for Markakis, who retreated on it.
He may be aware of his own limitations.
It didn’t look difficult.
Nice work Mookie Monster.
That should be ball four ump
Okay, now show Anderson he’s not the second coming of (name-your-pitching-great).
As I recall, he had walk problem in his previous start, which led to an early exit.
Five walks.
Okay. We are alright. Let May go another inning.
Nice work.
Let’s get the third out right now.
Nice overhead camera work.
I have lots of confidence in May’s future, but not necessarily tonight.
Not happy with his immediate past.
More. Like. It.
That groundball worked out.
He’s seen three. Should be enough.
Why did Scoop have to predict a crazy 9-7 game?
This is not optimum.
Prime.
Oh man. This is no way to start this game.
Okay May, you had your 3 hitters
Got the groundball, but hard and through a gap.
May perhaps trying to channel Buehler. Load them up and then shut them down.
Except don’t load them up
Right.
Hmmm.
We need some good future people here.
Smoltz think Freeman should get Acunha over!?
Smoltz rooting hard for the Braves.
I can’t listen to him. Radio better. And anyway I’m already outside walking.
But Joe Davis!
Nothing close to the zone.
Slow. It. Down. Dustin.
Strikes, please!
100 at the belt buckle.
Pitchers give up runs. We need to introduce Anderson to that reality. In a big way!
https://youtu.be/T5VeTPO_AJU
Guide the Dodgers to the WS Joe Davis.
Fortunately, Joe Buck had a handegg commitment.
Perhaps the only time you appreciate handegg! Lol.
Could we just go with total runs in this series to decide who wins?
In other news – I am feeling a tad nervous as the game begins.
https://images.app.goo.gl/RUkuHMey8ZHVkryD9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CwFlycpiJw
Mel Brooks for the win.
Always.
Good to see CT3 is back in.
Encouragement!
https://twitter.com/Adrian_ElTitan/status/1317949491329159169
Copied from prior post’s comments. The pitch counts don’t explain why May is the choice: he threw 55 pitches on Friday (2 days ago), while Gonsolin threw 88 on Tuesday (five days ago).
I gotta believe May’s not in for long. For one thing, the risk to his arm’s long-term health is too high.
https://twitter.com/jonweisman/status/1317618671573819393
Before the last start, May had appeared in 5 postseason games averaging around 22 pitches, so not a lot of workload. I suspect that they are aiming for two innings out of him, 3-4 from Goose and 2-3 from Julio.