Last night’s dramatic, extra innings, come from behind, new hero every night win, that completed the sweep of the hated Giants, contained everything this impossibly magical season has given to the Dodgers and their amazed fans.
Kyle Farmer, fresh from the big leagues, became the first man in Dodgers franchise history to win a game with a pinch hit in his major league debut. However, long before he could do that, the rest of his teammates put in the work to make his walk off heroics possible. Magic is involved this season. Of that, I’m convinced. But breaks and good luck come to those who prepare and pave the road for them to happen.
Before we forget the previous ten innings of holding off the Giants in a low scoring game, lets remember Kyle Farmer rose to the occasion by standing on the accomplishments of the Dodgers defense that came before his unforgettable at bat.
First was the best outing of the season by starting pitcher, Hyun-Jin Ryu. In spring training he had to battle past Scott Kazmir to get a spot in the starting rotation. Ryu made the team when Kazmir went down to injury, and his starts have been at both ends of the spectrum this year. The good news is, it looks as though Ryu is steadily improving. Last night he battled Giants ace Madison Bumgarner pitch for pitch, shutting out the Giants for seven spectacular innings.
Ryu went seven innings and struck out seven. He benefited from an extra-wide strike zone, but he also had the command needed to put his pitches where he wanted them, and he had Giants batters chasing balls in the dirt all night.
While Ryu was brilliant, the defense behind him was nothing short of spectacular. The Dodgers infield tied a franchise record, six double plays behind him.
The Dodgers infield turned DPs in the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 11th innings to keep the Giants at bay, and the hopes of the Dodgers Nation alive.
The pitcher delivered and the infield delivered, but the game was saved by one incredible play that went from the outfield to to the catcher at home plate.
All night the Giants threatened to spoil the Dodgers sweep party, and all night the big blue defense shut them down. Sure, there’s magic in the air at Chavez Ravine, but there’s also a lot of hard work being done to lay the foundation for heroes to stand upon.
Oscar Martinez
I was born in the shadow of Dodger Stadium and immediately drenched in Dodger Blue. Chavez Ravine is my baseball cathedral, Vin Scully was the golden voice of summer all my life, and Tommy Lasorda remains the greatest Dodgers manager ever. My favorite things are coffee, beer, and the Dodgers beating the Giants. I also blog about my baseball card hobby at All Trade Bait, All the Time.
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I thought Puig’s at bat in the 9th inning was outstanding! He should a level of maturity and patience that is worthy of high praise.
And….que the sarcasm….kudos to Bochy for putting the winning run on base!
Puig was absolutely brilliant in his final two at bats of the night. Both times he wouldn’t chase junk, he slowed the game down in his head, and he took what the pitchers gave, resulting in two base hits that each put Utley into scoring position.
He also had a stolen base and was rattling the pitcher from second. Did you see him bouncing and dancing off second base – just like Jackie Robinson.