Bruised ribs from getting hit by a first-inning Joe Kelly pitch have put Hanley Ramirez on the sidelines with Andre Ethier (not to mention Matt Kemp, lest we forget).
The breaks are trying to beat the boys. Let’s see how the boys respond.
Dodgers at Cardinals, 1:07 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Juan Uribe, 3B
Skip Schumaker, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Nick Punto, SS
Clayton Kershaw, P
Another note: Eric Collins and Steve Lyons will not return to the Dodger broadcast team in 2014, according to Bill Shaikin of the Times.
ASW1
Schumaker and Punto! Dodgers will kill them softly today!
scooplew
Former Cardinals to the rescue!
das411
that lineup sure would look different with Dee up in the leadoff or two spot, wouldn’t it?
/says the guy who has watched approximately zero games with him playing before the NLDS
Bob_Hendley
Well, that would explain your comment.
KT
I do yard work, take down the pool for the winter, get cleaned up all this to keep my mind off the game and it worked but as soon as I turn on the TV I find out Hanley is unavailable…there goes the calm vibes
scooplew
If we get three runs, I think we will win. If we get four or more, I feel very comfortable about a win. Fewer than three throws it up in the air.
Adam Luther
Kershaw might be pitching inside today.
ASW1
To Carlos Beltran
das411
over/under on the first hit off of Wacha – 20 batters in?
Bob_in_Vegas
2nd batter :)
das411
it worked, youse can thank me later!
Bob_in_Vegas
Do the same with runs!
Jack Dawkins
No Collins or Lyons pleases me. No Hanley gives me shivers.
WBBsAs
Amidst all the downers, I’m delighted to hear about Collins and Lyons. Steiner should be next.
4d3fect
Unfortunately, ALL those guys are paid to fill the “empty space” with sound, not necessarily to make any sense. Vin being a notable exception.
WBBsAs
Vin is the standard by which the Dodgers should seek broadcasters, even if he’s irreplaceable.
twaseverthus
Steiner should be the first to go once the season’s over. I’ll take the obnoxiousness of Lyons over the utter ineptitude of Steiner.
WBBsAs
All of them except Vin and Monday (whom I can tolerate) deserve to go.
4d3fect
Read Shaikin’s article. None too pleased with Donnie, to say the least.
WBBsAs
Deservedly so.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Shoot, shoulda been a double!
ASW1
What’s with these guys tripping over 1st base?
Bob_in_Vegas
They should be familiar with 1st . .. even 2nd. The others are unfamiliar territory.
ASW1
Last night Crawford did it too
KT
actually no trip…stubbled on his own two feet 3 steps after
das411
well alright then – sure would be nice if AGon actually prove he was worth that massive massive contract right about now
Jeffrey Thomas III
Hey we didn’t give it to him.
Bob_in_Vegas
I think he proved it during the year.
ASW1
Jon’s lineup is wrong up top – Gonzo in the 3 hole
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Puig — nice and easy!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Gonna need something from AGon and Puig today.
Bob_in_Vegas
MUCH more than that .. .
Bob_in_Vegas
0/7 . . . he wouldn’t be human if he’s not pressing . . . don’t take it to the field!
ASW1
1 for 10 w/RISP last night – so far today, 0 for 1
John_from_Aus
With the reduced quality lineup, we certainly have to make the most of our chances today
4d3fect
oh jeez.
Bob_in_Vegas
slipping away
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Kersh — that’s one!
John_from_Aus
Interesting, going after him on the first pitch both times
Bob_in_Vegas
Get the K, Kersh!
Linkmeister
Gonzo and Puig attempting to make Wacha look like Bob Gibson.
Bob_in_Vegas
The Dodgers as a team have shown that talent through the year . . . especially the 1st part.
Spence
Disappointed in Hanley. Unless his ribs are broken,he needs to be in there.
btimmer
Sore ribs only hurt players when they swing the bat, field, or throw. Other than that, it’s easy.
Spence
Nobody is 100% at this time of the year.
foul tip
No, but it’s obvious this wasn’t your basic run-of-the-mill ribplunking.
foul tip
As much as he wants to win, if he could be in there he would be.
At least even money the medical staff held him out to keep things from getting worse.
Bob_in_Vegas
No doubt — on both counts. Hanley has been hurt all season.
Bob_in_Vegas
Kid K!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Filthy.
John_from_Aus
I can just picture the strikeout, typical Kershaw curve, start out way high and drops in at the last moment
Jeffrey Thomas III
Add in Holiday looking foolish as has he swings through air.
foul tip
And the hitter, no matter how good, with no chance.
John_from_Aus
C’mon, 1 more
scooplew
Are you watching in Australia on MLB.TV?
John_from_Aus
no. just on gameday and getting the scene painted for me by Dodger thoughts
foul tip
Is TBS available there on satellite?
John_from_Aus
I’m not sure
Bob_in_Vegas
YES!!!!!
John_from_Aus
If that doesn’t give us confidence, nothing will!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Way to get out of it Clayton!
Bob_in_Vegas
This is Clayton Kershaw!
KT
YES!!
Jon Weisman
Way to battle back Kershaw.
Spence
X Rays for Hanley
ASW1
Cracked rib maybe
foul tip
From your lips… NOT.
Resistor
Listening to Vin provides a certain comfort even if things don’t look great at the outset. Kind of like a big blue pacifier.
Bob_in_Vegas
He’s been that for the 40+ years I’ve been listening.
Resistor
After TBS for the LDS, last night was my breaking point. Feels like home listening to Vin, after feeling like an outsider on TV these past several games
Bob_in_Vegas
Every time I hear Wacha’s name, I think of the Muppets. (But I know he’s coming off of two great games.)
John_from_Aus
some nice quick outs so far, which will help Clayton last longer
das411
this game looks like it might take about half of the overall real-time that last night did
Linkmeister
One hopes our side has at least one more run than the other guys when it’s over.
Bob_in_Vegas
One does hope!
Bob_in_Vegas
The Kid means business . . . now help yourself!
Jeffrey Thomas III
20 pitches through 2, the Kid is cruising.
Bob_in_Vegas
which only means a scoreless tie unless the offense decides they are part of this series
foul tip
At times Clayton gets what sort of looks like a fiendish grin or grimace right before a pitch. That has to make batters even more confident.
Sort of like “dude, you’re going down. And you’re going to like it.”
twaseverthus
Hanley left the ballpark? Good grief.
Resistor
Any guesses on who replaces Lyons and Collins? Will they be replaced or will Charlie and Monday just use both microphones? I keep thinking it will be someone who will be groomed to take over for Vin when he steps away.
David Farinella
With all due respect, I could give two toots and a snap about 2014.
Resistor
We can talk about Schu and Punto and no offense if you like.
David Farinella
And Puig’s lack of offense!
scooplew
We are all frustrated. He was just asking a question about the announcers.
David Farinella
I didn’t mean it as strongly as I typed it.
foul tip
Is your keyboard smoking? ;;])
scooplew
Understood. Thanks.
twaseverthus
I do: that’ll be the year that the Dodgers win the World Series with a lineup that includes Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Hanley Ramirez, and a pitching staff that features Chad Billingsley as its number 3 starter.
Bob_in_Vegas
Definitely something to look forward to . . . and still this season to treasure, with hopes to continue . . .
KG16
Magic Johnson and Bill Simmons?
Jeffrey Thomas III
Hahaha, good one.
Resistor
No idea why, but I really like Dave Flemming, who I hear quite a bit being in SF. He reminds me of an old timey guy trapped in the 2000’s. I know a lot of SF Dodger fans can’t stand him, perhaps I’m alone. It would not be the first time I was alone in my opinions
Jack Dawkins
Joe Morgan is available…..
4d3fect
Bite your tongue!
Jack Dawkins
Id have to remove it from my cheek first.
KT
need to edit charlie and Steiner are the same person
Resistor
Done. I think
John_from_Aus
This might be 0-0 in the 20th, with Kershaw and Wacha still going :)
ASW1
“Down go the birds” – Vin
das411
yknow there is a blogger for AirlineReporter.com who is taking the two longest flights in the world this weekend, LAX to Singapore now and then from there to Newark – almost makes you wonder if this whole series could be completed while that dude is airborne…
Bob_in_Vegas
Let’s go, Dodgers, let’s go!
John_from_Aus
we need to score here
Bob_in_Vegas
SOMEwhere!
Linkmeister
Grins. No, we need to score in St. Louis. Runs scored in Oz don’t do us any good.
Bob_in_Vegas
until next year!
Bob_in_Vegas
Deep breath, Puig!
Jack Dawkins
This is Puig’s best at bat of these 2 games.
scooplew
He hasn’t one ball hard and fair. He looks overmatched.
Bob_in_Vegas
we know he can do it . . . seems it must be in his head . . . and burrowing deeper with each AB
Bob_in_Vegas
Someone put the Dodger offense on milk cartons . . . maybe they can be found before this series is over.
Linkmeister
A nasty little voice in the back of my head has started saying “Remember the Orioles in 1966.” I’m trying to bat it down.
btimmer
In 1966, the Dodgers had 35 men reach base TOTAL in four games. The Dodgers have already had 17 batters reach safely in two games.
David Farinella
Hello Google: How do I hit with runners in scoring position?
Bob_in_Vegas
Now it’s “How do I get on?”
David Farinella
Hello Google: What is third base?
Bob_in_Vegas
Clayton says it’s the farthest YOU are going to go!
John_from_Aus
At least Wacha is over 60 now on his pitch count, we just need to hang in there
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Clay!
Bob_in_Vegas
That’s the two I was thinking about!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Nice DP, Punto has been solid defensively.
scooplew
Absolutely. All season long.
Bob_in_Vegas
I’m glad he did, but swing on a 3-0 pitch?! When Kersh may be showing weakness? . . . . That really must’ve been his pitch.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Guantes “de Oro” Uribe as good as ever there.
Jeffrey Thomas III
No spanish speakers here? Translates to Gloves of Gold.
Jack Dawkins
Kershaw is in a masteful mode. Efficient and surgical dismantling of their offense.
Bob_in_Vegas
only fair since ours seems to have been dismantled since Monday night!
WinnipegDave
Just came in from taking my son and a bunch of neigbourhood kids to McDonald’s (only 1 is mine). I can’t believe how fast this game is going. 5th inning is coming up already! Kershaw is amazing…
ASW1
This Wacha kid not bad either – retired 12 Dodgers in a row now.
Bob_in_Vegas
AJ!
Jeffrey Thomas III
AJ!
ASW1
Oh boy, a runner in scoring position !!!!
WinnipegDave
Okay Shredder – sneak one through the infield.
David Farinella
and slide headfirst into first
WinnipegDave
Ha ha – good one!
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Nick!
Jeffrey Thomas III
How do you take that?
WinnipegDave
Yeah – it wasn’t even too close to being out of the strike zone. In Punto’s defense he did do an exaggerated crouch to make it look more like a ball.
Bob_in_Vegas
glad I can’t see — it’s frustrating enough just hearing it
Jack Dawkins
Wasnt borderline at all. You have to protect the plate on that one.
ASW1
So Punto swings at 2 out of the zone and then looks at strike 3?
ASW1
Oh, Hanley, where for art thou?
WinnipegDave
Without Hanley, without Puig hitting, without Either it could be a troubling series.
Bob_in_Vegas
It was even with Hanley and Andre in the lineup last night . . . but since he was hit in the 1st inning, Hanley was probably hurting the whole game.
Still, Uribe can remember this is the postseason . . . and there have been other heroes throughout the year.
scooplew
And a painfully short one.
Bob_Hendley
OK, now freeze him at second.
Bob_Hendley
or third.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Kid — gotta bear down again.
Bob_in_Vegas
Their RISP BA is insane!
Bob_Hendley
0-3 today, so far.
Bob_in_Vegas
Kersh knows he needs a shutout with these bats . . .
Bob_in_Vegas
Kid K!
John_from_Aus
runner on 3rd, not outs, can we dodge it again
Bob_in_Vegas
We’ve got the guy on the mound we need . . ..
WinnipegDave
Too bad that didn’t pop into AJ’s glove!
Bob_in_Vegas
So Donnie should understand what a squeeze is now.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Wish it had gone to right field…
Bob_in_Vegas
When I heard it was LF, I knew he would score.
Bob_in_Vegas
Assist on the score to AJ with the PB.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Very unAJ-like.
WinnipegDave
If not for that wild pitch/passed ball!
Linkmeister
Pinch-hit for Kershaw?
Bob_in_Vegas
No way! Who on the bench has more punch than he has?
Bob_in_Vegas
Besides Andre, but he’s hurting.
WinnipegDave
Instead of shadowing 1988 and the exploits of that Dodger team, if things don’t go well today we may need to turn to 1965 for inspiration.
scooplew
And Yom Kippur was last month.
scooplew
To John in Australia: The fly was in medium left field. Crawford’s throw was poor, but it would have taken a brilliant throw to get him. Crawford doesn’t have a strong arm. I think the throw was cut off.
Linkmeister
Throw was toward the mound, not the plate. Crawford tried, but his arm isn’t like Puig’s or Beltran’s or Kemp’s. It’s not in Juan Pierre’s class, but it’s not real good.
Bob_in_Vegas
Kersh! “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.”
WinnipegDave
Just that easy.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Nice!
Bob_in_Vegas
A break! A good one!
WinnipegDave
Let’s go Dodgers!
das411
AN ERROR THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG FINALLY
btimmer
Should be single + e4
Jeffrey Thomas III
Looks like Kershaw was safe anyways.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Mark!
WinnipegDave
Do they walk AGon to get to Puig?
Adam Luther
Yes.
Bob_in_Vegas
Yep! Pressure on Puig!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Ok now Puig really needs to step up!
Bob_in_Vegas
Or step into it and take one for the team.
Adam Luther
Not a bad idea. Otherwise just hit the ball out of the infield.
WinnipegDave
Okay Puig, time for something good.
scooplew
Most significant moment of the series.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Help us out ump..
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Puig!
scooplew
C’mon Puig!
ASW1
C’mon Puig!
WinnipegDave
Should be 3-1 right now.
WinnipegDave
The count, that is.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Should be 1-1 now, the score that is.
WinnipegDave
Yes.
Jack Dawkins
I have no nails left to bite.
David Farinella
Oh, Christ.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Puig — hanging tough!
Jeffrey Thomas III
Chased ball 5.
Bob_in_Vegas
Hated to hear the crowd roar . . .
scooplew
Terrible, terrible, terrible.
Adam Luther
Monday-“ball out of strike zone and a half hearted swing and only one strike thrown in the series of pitches.”
scooplew
Perfect description.
WBBsAs
So far today, I am not blaming Don.
Bob_in_Vegas
Juan had an 0-2 count Monday . . .
Adam Luther
Ugh.
Bob_in_Vegas
I’m shaking my head and not seeing much hope . . .
Jeffrey Thomas III
Wasted. Again.
scooplew
This is just killing me, and I am wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too old for this.
RBI
I’m with you.
scooplew
I’m afraid we’re done. Done, done, done.
Linkmeister
Best chance all game and blow it.
David Farinella
HULK SMASH
ASW1
Now 1 for 15 w/RISP for the series
Bob_in_Vegas
I’m guessing Puig has terrible head games going on right now . . . and the rest of the “batters” getting there. This is 1st half all over again — ‘how are we going to lose today?’
DS1981
So you’re one of those fans who actually think they know what is in players heads?
Bob_in_Vegas
Nope — guessing, like I wrote.
DS1981
Ok, why would you guess that?
ASW1
It’s rather obvious – and I’d guess the same.
DS1981
So each time a player goes hitless in 6-8 at bats he’s a headcase?
Linkmeister
No, but he wouldn’t be human if he didn’t start thinking about it pretty hard.
scooplew
We’re all frustrated. No need to pick an argument.
Spence
Wacha’s a stud. Puig though is really struggling these two games. 5ks in 9 at bats
Adam Luther
Watched the highlights vs. the Pirates and regarding Wacha, I said “uh-oh”.
scooplew
Someone should introduce him to the strike zone. Seriously, he should spend a lot of the off-season in the cage with a batting instructor watching every pitch and swing.
WinnipegDave
Big moment and Molina hops away from home plate in excitement – just as he did after the double play last night. Or, in his world, showboats to show up the other team. The Best Fans in Baseball (B-FIBs) didn’t seem to notice.
btimmer
That was Wacha’s last batter too. He’s being hit for.
Adam Luther
100 count?
btimmer
Changed their mind. Wong was up for a while.
David Farinella
My son has literally started doing yoga right in front of me … He’s 5. …. I think he’s telling me to calm down.
Bob_in_Vegas
This is what I was afraid of. Ace and Ace Jr. go and do their job, but LA has scored in only one inning — and that was 16 innings ago!
Linkmeister
If you can’t even get a fly ball to the outfield with bases loaded and none out, you barely deserve to be in the playoffs.
Resistor
Left or center field. Right no good unless to the fence
Jeffrey Thomas III
There was one out, but I agree even a fly ball from Puig ties the game. Heck if the ump made the correct calls he would have walked one in.
Linkmeister
Ellis popped out with them loaded, didn’t he?
Jeffrey Thomas III
No, just second and third at that point. They walked Adrian to load them.
Linkmeister
Ah. I was pulling clothes out of the drier.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Though a sac fly from Ellis would have worked too.
Adam Luther
Which is why I would have had him bunt.
Jack Dawkins
Kershaw only at 65 pitches. dodgers can do this.
Adam Luther
I might have had Ellis bunt and force St.L to make the play.
Bob_in_Vegas
Kid K! How soon does he come up again?
NoahUCLA
Ethier and Ramirez this inning?
Adam Luther
Why not.
David Farinella
Is Hanley back from the hospital?
David Farinella
The headline at dodgers.com covering last night’s game: Dodgers squander opportunity …
Can you say “cut and paste?”
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, AJ — redemption time!
Adam Luther
No PH here.
WinnipegDave
One inning too late for the long fly ball out.
Bob_in_Vegas
Love how Vinny says “Koufax” for Kersh!
Bob_in_Vegas
Nick! C’mon, Kersh!
Adam Luther
Nice for the lefty.
Spence
even after 111 pitches he’s at an easy 96 mph
Bob_in_Vegas
That crowd goes QUICKLY from 60 to 0!
NoahUCLA
Now Kershaw is out. That sucks.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Did they say that? I just see STL pitching change.
NoahUCLA
He’s due up with 2 outs and a man on, how can you keep him in?
WinnipegDave
But with 2 outs and the runner only on first, it is a limited scoring chance. Rather have Kershaw still batting and pitching.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Kershaw only made 72 pitches and the bull pen is taxed from last night. Not to mention he has more hits than Young this post season. Don’t like it at all.
Bob_in_Vegas
Wacha is riding some string of games . . . (let’s hope this is their last series this year, tho!)
David Farinella
Who’s coming in to bat? Double play Young?
Bob_Hendley
Well, we did manage to get five hits off off the guy, who only gave up only two in total in his previous two games.
Spence
This is a spot where you should pinch run Dee Gordon and try to steal
scooplew
Agreed.
Spence
Nobody cares if Punto’s removed from the game in that 8th spot.
Jack Dawkins
Id leave Kershaw in.
WinnipegDave
Absolutely agreed.
Jack Dawkins
The only benefit i see to taking him out at 70 pitches is he is now our Game 4 starter.
Spence
I cant see him starting a game on 2 days rest. Did you mean Game 5?
Jack Dawkins
Yes….cant count with the nerves.
NoahUCLA
But then Greinke needs to start on 3 days res in game 4, which so far they say they won’t do.
Adam Luther
Game 5?
Bob_Hendley
Gotta take a shot at a run at this point.
Spence
Wow Siegrist has some amazing numbers
twaseverthus
WTF. Mattingly fired.
SaMoDodger
No no no no no!
SaMoDodger
Removing kersh is bad enough, but hitting young here is criminal.
RBI
Why Mattingly? Why why why pull Kershaw?
Spence
Maybe he has confidence that the bullpen can hold the Cardinals to 1 run. At this point you need runs more than outs.
Adam Luther
Need a run.
Linkmeister
Young does have 2,400 hits in his career, guys.
Bob_in_Vegas
uno mas, por favor — here!
SaMoDodger
And four outs in his last two abs. Those hits were a while ago.
twaseverthus
So do a lot of guys who can no longer hit.
Linkmeister
He hit .317 for us after we got him.
twaseverthus
The rest of his .314/.321/.392 slash line explains why I initially found that so hard to believe.
Robert
kershaw is at 72 pitches. he can EASILY give you 2 or even 3 more innings. this is beyond comprehension.
let alone with michael young against siegrist who is tough to hit for ANYBODY.
It is such a remote possilbioity you score with 2 outs and a guy on first to pull your ace after 72 pitches. DUMB
Linkmeister
If Young’s chances against him are slim, then how much worse would Kershaw’s be?
Robert
The chances of scoring with Young in that situation are incredibly LOWER with 2 outs than it is for our Pen to hold the Cards to 0 runs over the next 2-3 innings (innings that Kershaw could have pitched).
Thus..you take your chances with the top of the lineup next inning and have Kershaw mow them down and ENSURE it stays at a one run game.
I reckon STL will score 1 or 2 in the next inning or two and that will be that.
WinnipegDave
That could help.
Bob_in_Vegas
C’mon, Young!
John_from_Aus
Please
WinnipegDave
One more!
Bob_in_Vegas
One more WP/PB . . . please!
Spence
Now pinch run Dee at 2nd base. A hit means a tie game
Adam Luther
Saving him for when A-Gon gets on with a hit or IW’d.
David Farinella
Hey, it wasn’t a double play.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Fly ball won’t do Young. Thanks for nothing.
WinnipegDave
Just no breaks right now. Even the breaks aren’t giving us a break.
Linkmeister
Okay, bullpen, hold ’em.
Spence
Losing both Kershaw/Greinke starts would be devastating.
Bob_in_Vegas
I believe Vin said it was “unforgivable” of the offense in the 6th, particularly the two Ks . . . even he’s frustrated?
Robert
Proof in the pudding. A crimninal decision to replace your ace…the best pitcher on the planet in a one run game with a guy on first, 2 outs, and a STUD coming out of their pen. Even pitch hitting, the chances of scoring are MUCH MUCH less than the chances of our pen holding them to 0 runs for the next two innings.
scooplew
There is the deep fly ball that Young couldn’t deliver last night.
SaMoDodger
Mattingly is begging to be fired. Maybe michael young will let him sleep on his couch. Young has been his undoing.
WinnipegDave
I’m very frustrated as well – but I really don’t think Mattingly is begging to be fired. He is not the one not getting key hits, etc.
Adam Luther
Exactly.
SaMoDodger
His decisions have been very questionable, in both cases removing one of your premier players for the rest of the game in exchange for a the unlikely event that one of your scrubs makes something out of a baserunner on first. High risk situations with big downsides.
twaseverthus
Didn’t think Donnie could outdo himself, but he just did.
Adam Luther
Good decision by Mattingly there – need to generate a run.
Bob_Hendley
Agreed.
Robert
Disagree. The chances of scoring there are so remote as it is. ENSURE it stays a one run game for the next 2 innings. If it goes to 2 or 3 run lead..it is OVER.
Bob_Hendley
Well, we were one more WP away from a run.
Spence
Its like the regular season. When Puig/Hanley were not on fire, this team was not good. And Puig hasnt had a hit this series and Hanley is hurt. So its not a good team right now.
WinnipegDave
Absolutely. The defense has been solid, the pitching wonderful. The lineup of hitters has left a lot to be desired.
SaMoDodger
true, the hitters deserve the blame here.
Linkmeister
And the Cards’ pitcher deserves some credit. This is, what, his 3rd consecutive great game?
Adam Luther
Yes.
Linkmeister
From Yahoo: “Wacha, who came within one out of hurling a no-hitter in the regular season finale against the Washington Nationals, did not allow a hit to the Pirates until the eighth inning of a tension-packed pitchers’ duel at PNC Park.”
Bob_Hendley
We got five hits off the guy with this line up.
CraigRandall1
Woo-hoo
WinnipegDave
Sure, but he didn’t pitch any better than Kershaw did.
NoahUCLA
Puig and AJ among others need to be fired in this game, not Mattingly. Also, our health is killing us as we worried about.
WinnipegDave
I know that Vin just said this, but I am frustrated that the Dodgers pass ball led to a run, while the Dodgers had a runner advance two bases on consecutive wild pitches and it didn’t matter one little bit.
Linkmeister
“Timing is everything.”
Bob_in_Vegas
and execution after the event
NoahUCLA
Well. Beli worked out fine so far. Can we get a run? please!! Anyone, anywhere!!
SaMoDodger
Seems like clayton has been victimized by unearned runs a lot lately.
Linkmeister
“Lately?” Seems to me (without looking it up) that it’s been all season long. He sure didn’t get much run support.
WinnipegDave
With looking it up, 7 unearned runs this season (55 runs, 48 earned).
WinnipegDave
That is just for the regular season.
SaMoDodger
Just 7 unearned runs all year, but three in the last two starts.
Spence
Matheny has his bullpen figured out. Choate for Crawford, then his righties.
Adam Luther
If your are playing percentages here you PH Ethier.
Spence
Ellis in that 2 spot really hurts the offense
Bob_Hendley
3 for 9 in the two games.
Spence
C’mon Agon. Need a homer.
Bob_Hendley
…
NoahUCLA
This guy is scary good.
Spence
dodgers look like they want to go back to LA
Adam Luther
…and will need to sweep to force a game 6 unless…
Spence
I think they can win Lance Lynn vs hopefully Greinke (if he gets Game 4). Wainright vs Ryu looks like a mismatch tho.
Robert
22 innings and 2 runs will not get it down. Our pitching has been phenomenal.
Going up against a team with as good of pitching as the Cards WITHOUT Hanley AND without Kemp is doomed from the beginning…
Robert
And with Puig completely disappearing these last 2 games…no chance..even with Greinke and Kershaw.
Bob_in_Vegas
not with a bang but a whimper . . .
WinnipegDave
I realize it doesn’t look good for today or the series, but if we can recover some of our swagger at home and beat their ace, we are right back in it.
NoahUCLA
Or recover it in the 9th?
Linkmeister
“Bloop and a blast!”
twaseverthus
Kinda mandatory.
DS1981
But the very reason why it doesn’t look good for the series aside from being down 2-0, is that Hanley and Ethier still are hurt. This team’s “swagger” is it’s two co aces and Hanley. And none of them will be available for the next to games.
WinnipegDave
Swagger can be anyone. Ryu dueling Wainwright to a draw. The Ellis’s coming up with a timely hit. Either going yard. That my friend is swagger.
DS1981
That’s not swagger, that’s average players getting lucky.
WinnipegDave
Nope – still swagger. Especially when average players do it – that adds to the swagger.
WinnipegDave
Nice catch Shoe!
NoahUCLA
At least the pen is not making Mattingly look bad.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Yeah it’s just the hitters.
4d3fect
Wait, he needs EXTRA help to look bad?
Robert
Well Puig Uribe and Shu due up.
Puig – shorten your swing and swing at strikes.
SaMoDodger
Hit dre for schu?
Robert
No doubt…
SaMoDodger
Collins will not be missed. Except by deaf people.
WinnipegDave
Find a way to get on Puig. Find a way.
Adam Luther
Right here.
Bob_in_Vegas
Right now!
Spence
Normally i’d be bummed out, but Collins/Lyons not being back next year still makes today a win in my book.
Adam Luther
4K’s
Spence
Puig is just lost at the plate.
DS1981
no more so than any other hitter on this team. At least he has the talent to find whatever is “lost”, the others don’t.
Jeffrey Thomas III
Puig has been taking that strike a lot lately. He thinks they’re off the plate but they aren’t.
Bob_in_Vegas
hopefully some serious work with him by Monday night
WinnipegDave
We have not seen the last of Yasiel Puig.
Spence
These relievers the Cardinals have are just sick.
WinnipegDave
Very true.
ASW1
I’m just hoping this won’t be a sweep at this point
Adam Luther
I would prefer that the Cards not do their celebrating on L.A. soil.
ASW1
Absolutely
4d3fect
Rather no Cards celebration at all.
NoahUCLA
I think last night just killed us.
4d3fect
Well, momentum doesn’t favor us, for sure, but there’s a few more games to play yet.
And some plunking to be done.
Spence
101 mph dang
ASW1
And the best fans in baseball erupt……
Spence
Those last 2 innings were pathetic. Go home to LA and regroup
Jeffrey Thomas III
They got two hits, and still won. It’s getting a bit depressing.
Adam Luther
12 team K’s, Puig with a 1/3 of them.
Linkmeister
Shades of 1966.
DS1981
Shades of the last 25 years is more like it.
WinnipegDave
And so on Monday, we open the shades and let the sun shine in.
Adam Luther
Just win two of three at home and force a game 6.
WinnipegDave
Very doable. Doesn’t mean it will happen, but it’s not out of the question.
14hodges
Somebody needs to talk with Puig and help him with his mental state. His body language is so sad. I hope some of the older guys can put an arm around him. We need him to rebound.
Spence
i think he needs to respect the umps more because they arent going to do him any favors if he reacts negatively at the plate.
Adam Luther
A rookie.
RBI
One. One run. Not even earned.
WinnipegDave
I still vividly recall Mike Schmidt hitting a first inning home run against Reuss in 1983. Dodgers lost 1-0. That run was earned at least.
ASW1
Before this series began, I would have never believed the Dodgers bats could all of a sudden become so pathetic w/RISP.
Adam Luther
Dodger bullpen came through today in a hostile environment – a bright spot.
Jon Weisman
NPUT