The Dodgers were 12-1 when they scored at least four runs in Zack Greinke starts this year. The only loss was in Colorado in extra innings.
So they should try to score at least four runs.
Brace yourselves for launch … here we go.
Dodgers at Cardinals, 5:37 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Juan Uribe, 3B
Andre Ethier, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Zack Greinke, P
KT
Whole New Blue!!!! Whole New Series!!!! 8 Wins to Go…Let’s
go Dodgers!!!!
WBBsAs
Eight straight!
NoahUCLA
I’m nervous about Greinke tonight and I’m not exactly sure why. It may be his history against all of the Cardinals hitters, or just looking at the Cardinals lineup, but we’ll see. If he can get Holliday and Beltran out in that first inning I will feel better.
ASW1
Beltran is definitely the guy who scares me the most in their lineup.
Linkmeister
TBS pre-Series picks: Sheffield picks the Dodgers, Verducci and Pedro Martinez pick the Cardinals. Hmph.
4d3fect
Cerrano can’t hit the curve. Jobu indifferent.
Bob_in_Vegas
All right, MEllis — c’mon, HAnley — extra-base hit again!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Ouch, right in the ribs.
Bob_in_Vegas
Ouch! — at least as Vin interprets it.
KT
right in the ribs
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, AGon!
Bob_Hendley
OK, let’s get to him early and often.
KT
WP
ASW1
Nice!
Bob_in_Vegas
Gotta get this run(s)!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Ball four.
Bob_in_Vegas
Both Ks were bad swings, then. Nervous?
Bob_Hendley
Bad guesses, I would guess.
Jeffrey Thomas III
I guess that’s a good guess.
Resistor
Gonzo will remember that change up. Hopefully he sees it in the strike zone later in the game
ASW1
Damnit.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Let him off the hook by swinging at bad pitches.
Bob_in_Vegas
All three Ks bad . . . but Game 1 started this way, albeit without the scoring chance.
ASW1
Overeager
Linkmeister
Big missed opportunity. Rats.
WinnipegDave
3 strikes outs, 2 runners on and “only” 20 pitches by Kelly.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Zack — 1, 2, 3!
ASW1
With a guy like Kelly, Dodgers are really going to have to be patient at the plate and force him to throw strikes.
Resistor
Patience is the word. Risk taking a strike 3 looking but get a couple soft balls when he is behind in the count and we’ll call it even
KT
nice play mark
ASW1
Beautiful
Jeffrey Thomas III
Great inning for Greinke!
Bob_in_Vegas
Zack makes his statement!
Bob_in_Vegas
How about a run or two here?
KT
efficient inning Zack 8 pitches
ASW1
He looked excellent
Bob_Hendley
TBS Johnson says Beltran’s numbers were down in NLDS, yet the guy put up a .944 OPS as Johnson fixates on AVE. Granted Beltran has a 1.214 career in playoffs, so he is kinda right.
ASW1
Dodgers need to grind out the ABs – be patient.
Bob_in_Vegas
Hanley hurt? Horrible!
ASW1
Cracked his rib?
WinnipegDave
Hit on the elbow by Kelly.
Bob_Hendley
It was the ribs, I believe, which hurt when he stretched for the liner.
WinnipegDave
Sorry – my bad. I heard, but didn’t see his catch in the first inning.
Bob_in_Vegas
As Danny DeVito said several times in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Hope no.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Not sure the extent, let’s see if he comes out to field his position.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Andre!
Bob_in_Vegas
Dre!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Dre!
WinnipegDave
Oh Zack… patience.
Bob_in_Vegas
Okay, once through the lineup –= 2nd time around will be the charm.
C’mon, Zack!
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Zack!
WinnipegDave
Done!
ASW1
Got it!
WinnipegDave
Uribear to AGon.
Bob_in_Vegas
Since I’m just listening on the radio, I REALLY like it when the crowd is quiet.
KT
good stretch Gonzo
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s the glove we expect.
KT
last game was an anomaly
Bob_in_Vegas
Once more, Zack, get the K!
ASW1
I was just about to say “pinpoint control” by Greinke, but Darling beat me to it. – don’t know if that’s a good thing, though.
Bob_in_Vegas
I cringed a little when I heard it was hit to center — did Andre look okay on it?
KT
can of corn
Bob_Hendley
He looked a little strange, actually. But I think that the ball drifted on him.
WinnipegDave
Good start by Zack.
KT
great inning Zack 23 pitches
Bob_in_Vegas
Support Zack — Score Runs!
KT
CC!!
Bob_Hendley
CC rode that one!
WinnipegDave
Go Dodgers go! Let’s bring CC home!
WinnipegDave
Ellis moves him over.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon Hanley! . .. or WP!
4d3fect
Don’t make him bunt Donnie, please.
ASW1
Molina got lucky there
4d3fect
Yup
Bob_in_Vegas
Wanted the sac fly there .. .
Bob_in_Vegas
HAnley wasn’t overanxious . . .
WinnipegDave
Here comes Mr. Butter and Eggs Man – Vin’s description of AGon.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, AGon — not so good last two games . . .
Bob_Hendley
3 for 9 isn’t that bad.
Bob_in_Vegas
meant the two errors and his 1st AB today
Bob_in_Vegas
They sound much more patient
WinnipegDave
Guys are not over-swinging like they did in the first inning.
KT
second time through
KT
Nice eye Gonzo
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Puig! At least he’s faster than AGon if it’s on the ground
ASW1
So glad they are being patient
WinnipegDave
Bullpen phone must be ringing in the Cards bullpen.
ASW1
Ump felt sorry for Kelly there
Bob_in_Vegas
Dang!
WinnipegDave
Almost – drat!
Bob_in_Vegas
But at least only one out.
Bob_Hendley
Let’s go URIBEAR!
KT
URIBE!!
WinnipegDave
Woohoo!
Bob_in_Vegas
Uribe!!@!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Uribear!!!
Bob_Hendley
Urbis!
4d3fect
There ya go.
Bob_in_Vegas
The last 4 Dodger RBIs come from the ex-Giant . . .woohoo!!!!!
Bob_in_Vegas
Zack: ‘Thanks, guys — now support me in the field and let’s get this one.’
TAFKA_Gagne55
I love the Uribear. That was looking like another wasted inning.
WinnipegDave
It’s not the best ratio for the Dodgers – 5 LOB for 2 runs – but I like it better than the Cards ratio.
Linkmeister
Two runs and it coulda been more. but I’ll take it to start with.
Bob_in_Vegas
Baby steps . . . could easily have been nothing — again.
Bob_in_Vegas
ZacK!
WinnipegDave
Nice pitch!
WinnipegDave
Another K!
Bob_in_Vegas
ZacK!
WinnipegDave
Wouldn’t you know the pitcher would get the first hit.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Zack — get the K . . . or any other way to shut them down.
Bob_in_Vegas
Don’t let them answer . . .
Bob_in_Vegas
Concentrate, Zack . . . shut ’em down!
ASW1
Uh-oh
ASW1
That was a strike!
TAFKA_Gagne55
Greinke has lost his control.
Bob_in_Vegas
Where’s Honeycutt?
ASW1
Ugh
Bob_in_Vegas
Scrape and scrimp and Zack disappears . . . shoot!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Single to the pitcher and then this, ug.
KT
that was catchable
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s what Vin said . . . so, in theory, Andre was a detriment.
WinnipegDave
Hard to say that Shoe would have caught it either.
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s why it’s just a theory. So I choose to cheer Andre’s presence. Besides, Zack got into the trouble.
KT
don’t think skip gets to that ball
Linkmeister
Skip’s shorter than Andre, too.
TAFKA_Gagne55
That doesn’t really matter. The leap was completely unnecessary.
Bob_Hendley
Takes a pretty good CF to make that play.
KT
I think if dre had been playing more recently he would have caught it…to me rusty
WBBsAs
Perhaps
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s what Vin said.
Bob_Hendley
Perhaps.
WBBsAs
Tough play for someone who hasn’t played recently.
WinnipegDave
Alright. We have a game on our hands. Concerned about Hanley as much or more than Zack.
4d3fect
Paul Reiser voice: “Well, that could have gone better.”
Bob_in_Vegas
The good news is the Dodgers had scoring chances in 2 of 3 innings. Let’s hope that continues and the RISP average picks up.
Bob_in_Vegas
Is Zack in a hurry to get back out there? He hit an early pitch last time, too, didn’t he?
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Zack!
Bob_in_Vegas
Again — get the K, Zack!
KT
DP Time
KT
Ok let’s scratch this inning
WinnipegDave
Okay – let’s put our hitting shoes on – and keep them on for a while.
Resistor
Squeak out a run here, run there and if Zack can go 7 we got this. So easy.
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s what I thought/hoped after the top of the 3rd . . .
Resistor
We were going to give up some runs. Kind of feeling a dual and then a door being shut
WinnipegDave
Bloop and a blast? We just got the bloop…
Bob_in_Vegas
From your fingers . . .
Bob_in_Vegas
All right, Adrian! C’mon, Puig!
WinnipegDave
Drat.
Linkmeister
Yo, offense. Make an appearance, willya?
Bob_in_Vegas
Just like Zack’s last game . . . replace HAnley with Uribe.
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Zack!
Jeffrey Thomas III
His 7th!
Bob_in_Vegas
Uno mas K, Zack!
Bob_in_Vegas
Zack is back!
How about you, offense?
Bob_in_Vegas
Uribe!
Bob_in_Vegas
C;mon, AJ!
Jeffrey Thomas III
TBS wondering if they’ll pinch hit for Greinke…. Really? After 73 pitches having struck out 8?
WinnipegDave
Possibly a good inning – that sets the Dodgers up for the next inning.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Zack — help yourself!
KT
bought a limited edition Yasiel Bobble head #39 of 204
http://imgur.com/VC8mgvO
http://imgur.com/9OsyiVU
Linkmeister
Well, no pitcher’s lightning in a bottle there.
WinnipegDave
Next inning. Still anyone’s game. Feeling hopeful but nervous.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Zach has another inning or two in him, batting order back to the top, things looking good if the bats can wake up.
Linkmeister
So far a large if. Maybe the kid will get tired. What’s he had, about 90 pitches so far? Ah. 95.
WinnipegDave
95.
Bob_in_Vegas
This is why I was in favor of Kersh going Game 4 of the LDS — you may have a great pitcher going, but there’s no guarantee YOU are going to score anything. But the better your pitcher, the lesser amount of runs you need.
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K!
Bob_in_Vegas
All right, Zack!
Now C’MON, OFFENSE!
WinnipegDave
Greinke is rolling again. We need to score the 7th and/or 8th and turn it over to the back end of the bullpen.
Linkmeister
Fun “compare and contrast the two combatants” column from Thomas Boswell of the WaPo.
Bob_in_Vegas
I’m combatting nerves and being productive by cleaning my kitchen — including sorting through LOTS of paperwork — since the game began. Since I’m listening on the radio, it frees me up to move around.
Anyone else multitasking?
Linkmeister
Does gnawing one’s fingernails to the elbows count?
WinnipegDave
Or playing Miniclip kid computer games because I need a very simple distraction?
Bob_in_Vegas
If so, we’re all in that boat!
TAFKA_Gagne55
Playing games on my laptop while watching the game on TV. This game is too frustrating not to multi-task.
4d3fect
Doesn’t everyone?
4d3fect
specifically, finishing dinner, polishing off another load of laundry, probably not that much different than anyone else here. or elsewhere.
KT
Here’s the bat flip
http://imgur.com/OCUxegi
Bob_in_Vegas
It;s the pre-June 22 offense . . . but luckily the June 22 & on Zack.
Bob_in_Vegas
Keep the crowd quiet, Zack.
Bob_in_Vegas
Turn two!
4d3fect
Shoulda stuck with the curve.
Bob_in_Vegas
Yes! NOW turn two!
Linkmeister
Did.
4d3fect
Greinke quickly to 2B, very good execution.
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K or double play!
Bob_in_Vegas
PUIG!!!!!
Bob_Hendley
Puig!
WinnipegDave
YES!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Puig baby!
Bob_in_Vegas
Now! Score! A! Run!!!!!!
4d3fect
Puig: Run on me will ya?
Jack Dawkins
Puig costing us another game!
4d3fect
??
Jeffrey Thomas III
He’s being sarcastic.
4d3fect
Ah, missed the sarcasm font! Forgot about Plashcke–wasn’t he last seen trying to swim with his relatives in the La Brea Tar Pits?
Jack Dawkins
Plaschke has written that Puig’s wildness etc will cost us games in the postseason.
Jeffrey Thomas III
I like how KLAC came back to the broadcast with AGon’s walkout song.
Bob_in_Vegas
Keep the crowd quiet with LA runs — and force a bottom of the 9th!
OHLeyva1 .
16 Left on base so far! 6 by Puig….. c’mon dodgers!
btimmer
You’re looking at the wrong column. The individual LOB for hitters does not equal the team LOB, which is a stat that exists to balance the boxscore.
OHLeyva1 .
good catch, thanks.
TAFKA_Gagne55
Tempting to bring Gordon in here
OHLeyva1 .
good call!
Bob_in_Vegas
You called it!
WinnipegDave
Lead off walk, do your stuff. Come around and score and then score some more!
WinnipegDave
Mattingly in conversation with Puig.
WinnipegDave
So – perhaps that was worth it. Or not.
Bob_in_Vegas
The right play, no execution — pre-June 22 results.
TAFKA_Gagne55
No secondary lead for Gordon :( That’s the kind of play he’s supposed to beat.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Well that was no good.
4d3fect
Golden opportunity.
*grumble grumble*
package206
I guess Adrian was tired so using Gordon was the call. IMO, a very bad move.
Linkmeister
Rolling dice that we could score.
package206
Not a very good roll of the dice, IMO.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Well IMO, I think it’s a good move. It’s just that the worst possible things happened after. Sucks that Adrian is done but oh well.
Bob_in_Vegas
I agree — good move, bad execution.
WinnipegDave
That’s my vote as well.
Bob_in_Vegas
Actually, Game 4 was like this . . . but perhaps more frustrating because it was the errors which hurt Kersh.
WinnipegDave
Is it just me or does it feel like this game is already in extra innings and has been for a while? #nextrunwins?
Bob_in_Vegas
ZacKKKKKKKKKK!
Get him the W, guys . . . PLEASE!
WinnipegDave
Zack certainly deserves a win, but at this point I really don’t care who gets it. As long as the Dodgers win, it’s just fine by me.
Linkmeister
Tense, are you? Me too.
ASW1
OK, hopefully the Dodgers can overcome all those early wasted opportunities.
Bob_in_Vegas
Score 2 before Zack and keep him in.
WinnipegDave
No worries Andre, your stroke will return.
Bob_in_Vegas
He started the game well!
Bob_in_Vegas
Great game, Zack . . . maybe you can still get the win . . .
ASW1
Extra innings would be nice.
Adam Luther
l like Wilson here to face the heart of the order.
Bob_in_Vegas
Yes — he or KJ to force extras.
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Brian!
Bob_in_Vegas
Don’t walk him . . .
Bob_in_Vegas
2 more . . . win in extras!
Bob_in_Vegas
I hope to find out shortly if we keep Vinny in extras . . .
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Brian!
Linkmeister
Go Beard!
4d3fect
Fear the Beard! (never thought WE’D be saying this)
WBBsAs
I do fear him, because he’s not reliable.
4d3fect
heh, double agent.
4d3fect
Colletti as the spymaster.
4d3fect
Yes, I have been re-reading Le Carre novels lately.
Why do you ask?
Bob_in_Vegas
Una mas . . .
WinnipegDave
Watching this on MLB.tv. I must say that I am a fan of the outline of the St. Louis Arch across the outfield grass.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Wilson!
Jason Ungar
Been walking in circles since 5:37 basically. I am getting to old for this… Lieutenant Murtaugh
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Brian!
Resistor
Get out of the inning and it’s a brilliant strategy. We score, they got toast coming up in the 10th. Who’s with me?
Bob_Hendley
Blue?
Jeffrey Thomas III
Squeezed.
Resistor
Looked good from here.
Bob_Hendley
By Dre!
4d3fect
BW’s getting seriously squeezed strikezonewise.
ASW1
Heck of a game by Greinke – just ONE pitch where he gave in against Beltran and caught too much of the plate – a shame the Dodgers let Kelly off the hook early in the game with all the chances they had.
BUT – we can still win this thing!!!
KT
3 outs
Bob_in_Vegas
Get Wilson the win!!!!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Phew. No damage. Free baseball.
Bob_in_Vegas
not stress-free!
Linkmeister
Come ON Dodgers!
WinnipegDave
CC needs to pretend this is the first inning again – not the 10th.
Bob_in_Vegas
MEllis!!!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Ellis!!!!!
Bob_Hendley
Mellis!
KT
MELLIS!!!
Linkmeister
Woah!
ASW1
Wooooooo-Hoooooooooo !
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Hanley — THE man we want at the plate!
Bob_Hendley
Does he get a pitch?
4d3fect
Got kinda quiet all of a sudden
Bob_in_Vegas
IBB?
WinnipegDave
Woot!
Bob_in_Vegas
Sac fly or WP! . . . or even a hit!
ASW1
Young coming up in AGon’s spot
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Young!
Bob_in_Vegas
Shoot!!!!!
ASW1
Had to try it
Jeffrey Thomas III
That was nowhere near deep enough.
Bob_in_Vegas
Didn’;t see it, but HAD to try
4d3fect
h/t to Cards, good play there.
Jack Dawkins
I disagree on had to try….he was out by almost 10 feet.
Bob_in_Vegas
with no outs, you wait . . . but with the Dodger bats left in LA, you have to manufacture something . . . . But still, I didn’t see it
Jack Dawkins
The ball arrived before he even got into the home plate cutout.
ASW1
Molina not even close to making a tag there – just blocked MEllis with his shoulder
Jack Dawkins
Yeah, pretty obvious, and ellis did touch the plate after collision. TBS announcers even agree. Think ump just cared if he held onto the ball since he was out by so much.
Bob_Hendley
Easy to hold the ball if you protect it from the runner.
KT
never tagged
Bob_in_Vegas
Belli makes me even more nervous.
Bob_Hendley
Makes my belli hurt.
4d3fect
Likewise, I’m sure.
Bob_Hendley
Ump had to see that there wasn’t a tag.
KT
he’d been strung up if he called him safe
ASW1
Still – you have to get the call right – I’m looking forward to there being instant replay on plays like that.
Bob_Hendley
They are the most knowledgeable fans in baseball. They would have appreciated it, no?
ASW1
That’s one for replay next season – MEllis was never tagged out, should have been safe.
Bob_in_Vegas
Did Mark try to touch the plate?
KT
oh he touched the plate
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Belli!
Bob_in_Vegas
Good job, Belli — c’mon Puig, Uribear, and Andre!
Spence
Would have been nice to sub in Gordon as pinch runner last inning instead of taking Gonzo out in the 8th. Dont understand that at all. Please Donnie use Kenley in the 11th regardless if its a tie game or not.
WBBsAs
Don is not the most strategically savvy manager.
Bob_in_Vegas
I disagree, at least on that one.
We all know how slow AGon is. He’s on then and there — Don can’t count on MEllis hitting a triple two innings later. He was trying to make something happen. If the batters actually get a hit and Dee scores, especially going more than station to station, it’s a great call.
Bob_Hendley
Agree,
Spence
Dee didnt even try to steal that inning he was on base. Pinch running him was a complete waste, especially taking out a good hitter like Gonzo.
WBBsAs
Don puts a fast runner on, and then manages as if that runner were AGon.
4d3fect
I’m not much of an analyst myself, but isn’t Matheny relatively green managerially speaking as well?
WBBsAs
Matheny did a dumb bunt with Yadier on first, but that’s nowhere close to Don’s repeated ineptitude.
Bob_in_Vegas
However this ends, it’s gonna be a short turnaround before the next game. I hope the Dodgers hit better when they’re tired.
Bob_in_Vegas
Puig had that great throw in the field, but from what I’m hearing, he’s flailing at the plate.
Anyone recall seeing him like this before?
Bob_Hendley
It happens. He had an OPS of 1.029 in the NLDS.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, AJ — avenge your “brother”!
ASW1
Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Nick!
Jack Dawkins
Punto has a good low strikezone for this guy.
Bob_Hendley
Puntito.
Bob_in_Vegas
Basehit, Nick!
Bob_in_Vegas
Dang!
Good news is the Dodgers get on base.
Bad news is they stay there.
ASW1
Too damned many wasted chances
Resistor
Anyone worried? We got this. Seriously, right where we want them.
Bob_in_Vegas
Yes, I am.
But I admire your optimism!
David Farinella
Exhausted.
Spence
Dodgers are going to lose without Kenley Jansen pitching
Jack Dawkins
Showed the play at the plate again…never did tag him.
Bob_in_Vegas
I agree with the earlier post — KJ in here now against the top of the order.
C’mon, JP!
14hodges
So stressed. I’m on East Coast time; my eyes are burning.
Guest
Good game. Tough inning coming up..
Spence
Wow puig dont do that again.
Bob_in_Vegas
At least the ball didn’t get past him.
Spence
Donnie, its the Cardinals best hitters up this inning. Put your best reliever in please!
Bob_in_Vegas
DP time.
David Farinella
If I was stress drinking anymore I’d be passed out with puke all over myself…. Sheesh. Nothing’s easy.
Bob_in_Vegas
I don’t drink but I may puke! . . . actually, not that bad.
4d3fect
IF?
Jack Dawkins
Howell v Beltran is not somethign I would encourage.
Bob_Hendley
Don’t like Holliday match up any better.
das411
well JP has enough PVL levels to get through this…doesn’t he…??
4d3fect
Ugh, I get queasy when I see those three letters together.
Spence
Leaving him in to face Holliday? Really Don?
David Farinella
I’m getting the feeling you don’t like Howell in?
Spence
Howell would be fine if KJ was already used.
14hodges
Almost…
KG16
It’s so nice to learn that DT is back… Since it’s been so long, am I correct in assuming we decided “Puig” is pronounced “squeee!”?
David Farinella
I think it’s pronounced: sharp inhale, head-shaking exhale.
4d3fect
welcome back btw. I seem to recall your handle from Toaster days
Bob_Hendley
Plays water polo as I recall.
KG16
Toaster, Times, and ESPN… Though on some of them might have been KGxvi. Glad to very back and to see that Jon is posting again. And yes, as Hendley mentioned, I was a polo player.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, JP — one more!
Jack Dawkins
got away with one to halliday. fortuante it was right at Hanley.
David Farinella
Nice pitch.
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, JP!
Resistor
Could Hanram have dropped the line drive legally and turned two?
Jack Dawkins
Legally, yes. But it was stung pretty hard. So How do you block it so you can pick it up quickly and still do a DP?
Resistor
Not an easy task, but just a thought.
Bob_in_Vegas
Whew!
David Farinella
Double whew.
ASW1
Time to score some runs!
Bob_in_Vegas
Even one!
Spence
Lance Lynn relieving? Well guess the Cardinals are preparing for another 5-6 more innings
14hodges
Come on! Big inning!
David Farinella
So, who’s sleeping at the stadium tonight?
Spence
C’mon CC be patient
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Carl!
Spence
i’ll take it. dont bunt
Bob_in_Vegas
CC!
14hodges
Yes!
ASW1
Way to start it off, Carl !
KT
Nice CC
Bob_in_Vegas
Oh for that triple right now . . .
KT
Come on MEllis
Spence
Let him hit Donnie
Jack Dawkins
Off the hands and limps into center. A beautiful hit at this hour.
ASW1
No bunt!
Spence
i like it. No bunting there ya go. keep it off. If Ellis cant get a hit, then CC can just steal
ASW1
Hit and run it again!
David Farinella
MEllis is joking, right?
Spence
Donnie giving up outs. Now they just walk Hanley
Resistor
MSTI says Young will be the hero. He was joking, but I hope it’s a real thing that will happen.
Spence
well forget that. Puig doesnt even get a chance
Resistor
I have never liked Young. I am really, really looking for a reason to start to like him.
Spence
Nothing like taking the bat out of your best hitters hands
David Farinella
Who’s left? SVS?
Spence
Puig going to have to win if Young cant
KG16
Base hit gets Crawford in. Better than a DP or fly out, especially in extra frames… Still, would have referred runners on the corners for Hanley
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Young! We’re getting old here . . .
Andrew Shimmin
I’d bunt Young, here, too. To mess with Matheny’s mind.
Spence
lol DP unreal. Young didnt even run down the line
David Farinella
One Loud Rule 1 violation here…
Resistor
Michael Young – 2AB, 4 outs
ASW1
Dodgers pathetic w/RISP tonight
Spence
Oh yay Withrow
SaMoDodger
How many outs would SVS have to make in 2AB to have a worse night than Young?
5?
David Farinella
Agree. Why’s he on the roster?
DeucesAreWild
Dónde está Kenley?
SaMoDodger
Playing by the book dictates you don’t bring in your closer on the road unless you have the lead. Or you’ve run out of pitchers. not necessarily the best strategy, but safe.
Bob_Hendley
We’ll see Sr. Edinson before we see Geronimo is my guess.
14hodges
I’m glad that AJ can laugh right now.
ASW1
He knows it’s a 7 game series.
14hodges
I wasn’t being sarcastic. I was sincere.
14hodges
Just to clarify, I wasn’t being sarcastic. I was saying that sincerely. I feel for him; catching this many is rough.
WinnipegDave
Thinking about Vin like a starting pitcher: Nice to know he can go deep into extras because we have been resting him throughout the year – just so he would be ready for nights like tonight!
David Farinella
He still sounds strong!
Spence
Well its only 10pm west coast time. He’s used to doing games at this hour
WinnipegDave
It’s not the hour, put the pitch – urr – word count that I’m thinking about. And the amount of stressful words that can strain the voice!
Bob_in_Vegas
Nice — Vin . . . and your assessment.
DeucesAreWild
Nice inning by Withrow. Almost as nice as his Village People ‘stache.
Spence
Good job Withrow. I trust him to get thru the weaker Cardinal hitters but once it gets back to Carpenter/Beltran/Holiday then KJ needs to be in there. Puig is so due next inning. He’s going to do something.
WinnipegDave
I was thinking the same about Puig. Thinking back to his first walk off against Cincinnati in extra innings.
David Farinella
Withrow has got to go two innings, yeah?
Resistor
If it were my call, I would have Jansen warming and bring him back for another
DeucesAreWild
I hope not. If we can grab a lead we’ll have Kenley in next inning.
Jack Dawkins
Startgin to feel like Dodgers have to hit it over wall to score tonight.
Bob_in_Vegas
Just like Game 4 of LDS . . CC + CC + Uribear
The rest of the game was just as frustrating (except there wasn’t a play at the plate).
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the W for Chris!
Earlier this year I said 13 is my lucky number but 2013 wasn’t the Dodgers’ year.
Obviously I was wrong about that.
Hopefully the 13th is their inning now!
Spence
Puig is 0-5 with 2ks. He’s got to do something here. Uribe’s already has his hits for the game
14hodges
I wonder what Honeycutt is saying.
Spence
Man Puig hasnt hit the ball well at all tonight
David Farinella
Who pitches first, Schumaker or Jensen?
14hodges
Come on, Uribear!
Bob_in_Vegas
LAst 4 Dodger RBIs are from Uribe — add 1 more!
Spence
Lance Lynn looks really fresh out there. Easy 96mph
DeucesAreWild
I like Andre’s chances here.
Andrew Shimmin
That stunk. I blame Bob_in_Vegas.
Bob_in_Vegas
Are you one of my brothers?
Andrew Shimmin
Your new lucky number is 33. It is so decreed.
Spence
Well that was way too easy of inning. I dont think the Cardinals will pinch hit for Lynn, so I trust Withrow to get Kozma, Lynn, Carpenter. But if one of those guys gets on base ahead of Carpenter, I’m brining in KJ right then and there.
David Farinella
I gotta ask… Did RBI take off the blue toe nail polish?
4d3fect
Mistakes were made. People will be blamed.
RBI
Ha! So will toes.
RBI
No! Still on! Plus it’s my birthday for two more hours!
Bob_in_Vegas
Happy Birthday. The Dodgers have to win for that reason alone! (League blew it on my birthday!)
WinnipegDave
Well, please hurry up, make your wish for a victory and blow out the candles. :)
RBI
My wish is bigger than one game :).
David Farinella
Well, happy birthday!
ASW1
Yes, Happy Birthday Tinker!
RBI
I’ve aged a decade tonight .
RBI
Killing us not to have Agon still in the game.
underdog
It’s killing me, Smalls!
underdog
Neither team really deserves to lose this game. Neither team really deserves to win, either. How about give each ½ win and call it a night?
But I may need a sedative soon, or an anti-depressant. Or something.
Bob_in_Vegas
I like the 1/2 win.
Even more interesting if the weather is really threatening tomorrow’s game.
4d3fect
That’s crazy soccer talk there Udog.
underdog
I think I am getting pretty loopy (from all those soccer headers, plus this game) ;)
Bob_Hendley
a purring cat.
underdog
I’ve got that!
underdog
But yeah a lot of “if only”s in this game. I guess for both teams but especially our guys. SIgh. Blown chances, a blown decision or two, how things could’ve played out.
DeucesAreWild
I’m getting tired of these Cardinal pitchers with girls names. Kelly? Lynn? Come on Dodgers! Beat these guys!
Spence
These guys might get 4 or 5 hours of sleep before having to be right back at the ballpark.
14hodges
I’m going to get less than that before my kids are awake and I have to be ON.
David Farinella
WORD!
Spence
This game feels like a huge momentum game even though its just 1 game since its gone this long.
Bob_in_Vegas
I would think the end result will play on the teams tomorrow, especially if the Dodgers fall short, missing sooooo many opportunities.
They say they shrug it off, but it would only be human to linger . . .
DeucesAreWild
Huge if Withrow can get out of this. SVS pinch hits for him and we put Kenley in. Hopefully with a lead.
Bob_in_Vegas
From your fingers . . .
Spence
This for sure! If Donnie goes with Volquez or Marmol in a tie game…uh dont want to think about it.
Spence
Man, i’d put KJ in now. Carpenter/Beltran/ with a guy on 1st already. Honeycutt’s coming out but its not to take him out.
underdog
That was a nice pitch, too. Just a lucky bloop. Stupid baseball.
KG16
One of those a week and you’re in Yankee Stadium
Bob_in_Vegas
DP time!
Adam Luther
If we ever needed one this would be it.
das411
hey guys guys guys – doesn’t a game this long kind of make you wish there was more than one october??
Jack Dawkins
St Louis has 2 non starters left in bullpen I think.
DeucesAreWild
AGon should be allowed to come back after five innings.
KT
DP Time
Spence
Carpenter is really patient. C’mon Withrow you gotta throw him strikes.
David Farinella
I think Donnie just gave the signal to bunt.
Spence
Withrow might be on fumes right now. This has to be his last batter.
WinnipegDave
Does Fedex catch Kershaw tomorrow?
14hodges
I doubt it. I don’t think Molina will take the day off either.
Spence
Have to bring KJ in now
Adam Luther
Yes.
WinnipegDave
Tough spot for KJ – very little room for error.
David Farinella
Yep…. and potential to be psychologically damaging (without being overly doubting.)
DeucesAreWild
Might as well get Ethier out. We’re pulling Hanley in the 18th.
underdog
Welp. This way if the Cards win it’ll take beating the Dodgers best reliever, which is all you can ask for. (Well, that, and Dodgers winning.)
14hodges
So is SVS going to play CF?
Spence
Has to be Puig
Bob_in_Vegas
I hope Puig doesn’t try to make up for 0/6 at the plate with something dumb in the field.
Spence
Donnie just double switched someone out of the game, but I dont think it was Michael Young. I think it was an OF’er
14hodges
SVS. Is someone going to slide over or is he going to play center?
underdog
He’s in for Crawford I thought, I still saw Ethier out there no?
ASW1
SVS in for Ethier in CF
Spence
At least KJ is in. Alright KJ high leverage time. Do your job. Wow SVS is playing CF? They arent going to let Puig play it lol
14hodges
KJ! YOU CAN DO THIS!
Spence
SVS in CF.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, KJ!
ASW1
I have a feeling this isn’t going to end well.
Bob_in_Vegas
I’ve had that feeling since the bottom of the 3rd.
Spence
I think KJ’s pitching around Beltran to get to Holliday
Spence
Game over boo
Bob_in_Vegas
Waste not, want not.
Adam Luther
Beltran beats us.
underdog
And they did. :(
That won hurt.
4d3fect
Welp. time to hit the showers.
ASW1
Well, that game blew.
Spence
I like bringing KJ in, but maybe it was 1 batter too late. Tough to tell him to be perfect. This is a crusher game. Kershaw need to come up big in 12 hours
KG16
I still genuinely dislike St. Louis, that is all
Adam Luther
Tired Cards with Kershaw pitching, let’s get game #2.
Bob_in_Vegas
Unfortunately, it’s also tired Dodgers trying to produce more runs than they did today.
David Farinella
That dude is good…. Grrr.
ASW1
Hate to say it, but Dodgers deserved to lose that one – way too many runners LOB.
David Farinella
From Jonah Keri’s twitter feed: To be fair, Jansen was distracted by the 6 Russian novels he read before coming into the game. (He’s a Grantland writer.)
14hodges
HA!
Spence
Beltran is just a stud. At his age, he’s still doing it.
RBI
Heart breaker.
RBI
Such a tough loss. But tomorrow is another day!
ASW1
Kenley starts off the series with an L – hope he doesn’t let it into his head.
David Farinella
Good night, all.
Spence
Kershaw in game 2 is about as must of game as there’s been all year. You dont want to go down 2-0 when the pitching matchups turn in the Cardinals favor for games 3 and 4.
ASW1
Dodgers forgot they were supposed to score four runs ^
Linkmeister
Bah. You can’t win if you can’t get guys in from 2nd base.
das411
10 hours left til Kershaw time though!
Bob_in_Vegas
Zack “shouldn’tve” given up those runs: two outs, a hit to the pitcher, walking the next batter, then the double.
BUT — the Dodger pitchers should not have to be perfect . . . the batters should support them.
Jon Weisman
NPUT