After a monumental disaster in game 4, the Dodgers needed vintage Clayton Kershaw the most in game 5 of the 2020 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Somewhat effective Kershaw showed up and pitched the Dodgers into a good position to win. Kershaw allowed two earned runs on five hits over 5.2 solid frames. He walked two and struck out six and got credited for the win. I know a lot of people wanted a more decisive start from him, but I was fine with what he gave the Dodgers. It wasn’t legacy defining, but it was respectable. That’s all we can ask for from him.
The Dodgers jumped on opposing starter Tyler Glasnow early for 3 runs, two in the first and one in the second. Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger both hit big home runs and the Dodgers got a huge break when Manuel Margot tried to steal home (yes you read that correctly) in the fourth inning. It all lead to a 4-2 Dodgers win as the boys in blue are now just one more win from a World Series championship.
The Dodgers did exactly what they needed to do, come out with an early lead. In the top of the first, Mookie Betts doubled, and Corey Seager singled to right to score Betts and give the Dodgers 1 -0 lead. Later in the inning after a stolen base, a wild pitch and a Muncy walk, Cody Bellinger’s single plated Seager to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.
In the next inning Joctober showed up again with Joc Pederson smashing a solo home run to put the Dodgers up 3-0. Kershaw ran into trouble in the bottom of the third, giving up a single to Kevin Kiermaier, an RBI triple to Yandy Diaz and a run scoring single to Randy Arozarena to cut the Dodger lead to 3-2. Kershaw got out of the inning by striking out Brandon Lowe.
World Series Game 5
Dodgers 4 6 1
Rays 2 7 0
WP-Kershaw-2-0
LP-Glasnow-0-2
SV-Treinen-1
HR-Pederson-1-Muncy-1
The fourth inning proved problematic for the Dodgers. Manuel Margot walked and stole second and advanced to third base on Chris Taylor’s missed catch error with the ball clanking off his glove and bouncing into center field. Then Hunter Renfroe walked. Kershaw recovered to get Joey Wendle to pop out and Willy Adames to strike out. With first and third and two outs, Margot inexplicably tries to steal home…. And well……OUT.
That was just what the Dodgers needed as Max Muncy crushed a solo home run that landed in the Tampa Bay bullpen in the top of the fifth. The majestic blast put the Dodgers up 4-2. Kershaw looked sharp in the bottom of the fifth striking out two. In the bottom of the sixth, Kershaw got the first two outs and then was removed for Dustin May, who struck out Margot on a foul tip.
Still 4-2 in the seventh as May gets a 1-2-3 frame. In the bottom of the eighth, the Rays put two on as Kiermaier singled and one out later Victor Gonzalez walked Mike Brosseau.But he got Arozarena to fly out and Lowe to line out to Cody.
The Dodgers wouldn’t score again but the bullpen toed the line. Blake Treinen gave up a lead-off single to Margot sending everyone into panic, but he calmed down. He struck out Austin Meadows. Wendle flied out and Adames whiffed to end the game. The Dodgers are one win from the title!
Will the Dodgers finally do this and make our wildest dreams come true? Will the black cloud be lifted? We’ll have to wait two more days to find out with game 6 on Tuesday night. We don’t know who is starting for the Dodgers but we assume it’s likely Tony Gonsolin. My nerves are shot folks, but there is a ton of emotions going through me right now. We are on the precipice of everything we could ever want. One more win! Go Blue.
Another nail biter, with the Dodgers prevailing in game 5. The Dodgers jumped on Glasnow early again, before he could settle in, scoring a quick 3 runs. Mookie opened the game with a double and scored in the first. Kershaw gave a gutsy 5.2, then turned the game over to the kids May and Gonzalez. Treinen closed the door with a scoreless ninth for the save. Great to have a veteran ex-closer available.
Offensive hero’s were Muncy and Pederson, each with a HR, Seager And Belli with one RBI a piece. Unsung hero was the Dodger receiver, Austin Barnes. Barnes, once again, called a great game for Kershaw, and then guided the two rookies to 2.1 scoreless innings In relief. Big moment was when Gonzalez threw a wild pitch, followed by a walk. Barnes went out and calmed down Victor before he faced Arozarena and Lowe with two on and one out. Gonzalez escaped the inning unscathed. Barnes also made a great tag at the plate on Margot, who tried to steal home. A real head’s up play by Muncy (Who alerted Kershaw), Kershaw (Who in the middle of his set, stepped off and quickly threw home), and Barnes (Who made a great tag).
Dodgers in 6, I hope. Gonzolin to the bump in game 6…. will DR put Barnes be behind the plate? Lefty Snell will start for the Rays?… will DR sit Mr. Joc-tober? DR said Jansen will be the man, in the high leverage, closer situation…. uh oh.
Yikes! Another nail biter, for sure!
Go Blue!
Added notes:
Austin Barnes caught the Dodgers’ three wins.
Will Smith caught the Dodgers’ two losses.
Might be wise to start the veteran signal caller, Barnes, behind the dish throughout the remainder of the series. Maybe the Dodgers will get better results from Gonsolin this time.
Dodger hitters know what Snell has now. They must score early, and give Gonsolin some run support. Very hard to pitch when your team cannot hit or score runs.
Saving Buehler for possible game 7, should the Dodgers fall in game 6.
Correlation does not imply causation
I should know that already.
How stupid of me…