The Dodgers somehow scored four runs in Monday’s game against the Brewers but it wasn’t enough as the game devolved into a bullpen game and they lost 7-4, and now head home down 2-0 in the NLCS.
Bill Shakin of the L.A. Times ponders if the Dodgers should start playing baseball the way the Brewers are, especially since runs are at a premium. The Dodgers did score some of their runs as gifts from the Brewers, but the timely hitting still remains elusive.
“I don’t think guys are going up there trying
to hit home runs,” Betts said. “Guys are going up there just trying to have good at-bats. Sometimes, you get ‘em. Sometimes you don’t. But we are playing against a really good team. We just have to put it behind us and just come out and play Dodger baseball.”
But, as Bill Plunkett of the OC Register points out, it didn’t work. He details the ways the Dodgers scored, and how they needed the Brewers’ help to do so.
Before the game, Plunkett also highlighted how Will Smith hasn’t had any production at the plate up until this afternoon.
“It’s been five games,” Smith said, dismissing the significance of his .053 batting average this October. “Obviously (I) want the results to be a little better. But at the end of the day, it’s five games at the plate. No panic from me. So I’ll be fine.”
Now, it’s been six games and Smith still only has one hit, and his postseason batting average is .043.
“I respect the Dodgers a great deal,” said Murphy. “That’s all there is to it. They’re arguably one of the best teams ever put together. They’re a great team.
“And I’m not going to think about anything but the next game. That’s it. Just one inning, one pitch at a time. Don’t look ahead. Don’t plan. Don’t complain, explain; just keep going.”
That’s what Brewers’ manager Pat Murphy told reporters after the game, as reported by AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. And as Cassavell notes in his article, the Dodgers threw their two top starters and have nothing to show for it.
Paul Casella also of MLB.com points out some keys for Game 3 back in L.A., including how to contain William Contreras, asking where the Dodgers offense will come from, and which bullpen will outlast the other.
The vaunted Dodger bullpen got outdueled by the Brewers bullpen, who has been phenomenal so far this postseason. They threw five perfect innings to finish out the game and seal the win.
The Dodgers have a lot of work to do to get themselves back in this series. Game 3 is at 5pm PT back in Los Angeles.
