After getting shut out by Logan Webb in game 1, the Dodgers needed a win badly and got just that in a convincing 9-2 win over the Giants in game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday night to even the series at one game each. The Dodgers got an all-around solid team effort but especially from the bats. The sticks came to life with nine runs on eleven hits, four doubles, a home run (from Will Smith) and four walks. The Dodgers were 6 for 15 with runners in scoring position.
Starting pitcher Julio Urias delivered with his arm and his bat tossing five innings of one-run ball, striking out five and contributing with an RBI single in the top of the second. The Dodger defense made a couple of outstanding defensive plays and the bullpen tossed four innings of one-run ball.
The Dodgers struck first with two runs in the top of the second off of Kevin Gausman. In that inning Chris Taylor doubled, and after Bellinger struck out the Giants intentionally walked the ice-cold AJ Pollock to go after Urias. The move backfired terribly as Urias notched a base knock to right to score the first Dodger run. Mookie Betts immediately singled in Pollock to put the Dodgers ahead 2-0. The Giants responded by plating a run in the bottom half of the second on a Wilmer Flores walk, a Brandon Crawford single and a Donavan Solano Sacrifice fly. The score was 2-1 Dodgers and for a while a tense one-run game.
Until the Dodgers scored four in the top of the sixth to break the game open. A double from Trea Turner and a couple of walks loaded the bases. The Giants hooked Gausman and called in Dominic Leone who was greeted by a two-run double from Cody Bellinger. Pollock also drove in two with a double in that inning and when it was over the Dodgers had a commanding 6-1 lead. The Dodgers roughed up Gausman for four earned runs on four hits with three walks over 5.1 innings. Will Smith clubbed a solo home run in the top of the eighth and the Dodgers tacked on three more.
Trea Tuner made two fine defensive plays and Mookie Betts threw out Wilmer Flores at third in the bottom of the sixth. It was a risky play for the Giants that didn’t pay off. Never make the first or third out at third base. Taylor and Pollock both collected two hits, Pollock drove in two and Taylor scored three runs.
It was priceless seeing the Giants fans sad and concerned while Oracle Park went silent. The series will shift back to Dodger Stadium as both clubs travel back to Los Angeles for games three and four on Monday and Tuesday night. The Dodgers have Max Scherzer ready to start game three, while the Giants will probably give the ball to Alex Wood. Have the Dodgers stolen the momentum in this series? We’ll find out on Monday. Just Repeat.
A must win, to even up the series and bring Home Field Advantage to Dodger Stadium. Julio took the game on his shoulders and not only pitched a strong five innings with five KO’s, he also primed the offense with a 1-2, one RBI performance. An early hook by DR? Is he possibly saving Urias for a relief appearance, should Gonsolin falter in game 4? Will Gonsolin be the starter for Game 4? Will DR go with Price as an opener? Maybe DR wants to go with Urias in Game 5, if it comes down to that?
Great to CT3 back in the lineup. So, what does he do? Just 2-4 with a walk and three runs scored. That’s All! DR really never explained why CT3 sat in game one. I hope he realizes that Taylor is the Dodger MVP this year, and should not be sitting on the bench, idle in October.
Well, Belli got lucky, and took advantage of a first pitch cookie from
Rookie reliever Leone… a two RBI double, that almost left the park for a grand slam. He still was just 1-4 with 3 pathetic strikeouts. He says he feels fine, but I am not buying it. Belli is a drag on this offense, like a ship dragging his anchor on an oil pipeline. He is killing the Dodgers. Would really rather see Beaty or Lux in the lineup, than Belli-Flop.
The Gnats will finally get a taste of what HFA is like in Dodger Stadium…55,000 loud and loyal Dodgers Fans! Even though Smith hit a homer in game 2, I still would like to see Barnes behind the dish for Max Scherzer.
Go Blue! Don’t let us down!