Hello,
On Friday night the Braves beat the Dodgers 4-3 which ties the best of 5 series at 1 game each.
The Braves didn't have one big hit, but were able to piece hits together to score enough runs to get the win. The Braves scored 1 run in the 2nd inning and another run in the 4th inning. The biggest hit by the Braves was Jason Heyward's single up the middle which drove in BJ Upton and Chris Johnson. That gave the Braves a 4-1 lead and I thought the game was in the bag for the Braves. I didn't think either team would score again. Heyward's 7th inning single took on a much greater significance only a half inning later.
I was watching the BYU-USU game at the time and flipping back to the Dodgers game during breaks in the action. I turned back just in time to see Hanley Ramirez's 8th inning winding, corkscrew 2 run homer. That cut the Braves lead to 4-3 and was to be the last runs scored in the game. Craig Kimbrel came into the game and pitched a 4 out save, although there were some moments of excitement. From the previews it was clear Dee Gordon was safe on his steal attempt. Although seeing the play live I thought that Gordon was out too. Apparently that's a play that video review can't be used on.
Hanley Ramirez had a great game and should be considered the Dodgers most valuable player this season. I don't even know if that competition is that close. Yasiel Puig had a hot start, but has been returning less and less dividends of late, although he's still an extremely valuable player for LA. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier were injury prone and had less offensive success than one would expect from either. Kemp isn't even playing in the playoffs and Ethier is limping around. Scott Van Slyke had to serve as a pinch runner for Ethier Friday night.
I predict the Dodgers will make the NLCS, but all their injuries will probably keep them from winning the World Series.
Anyway Ramirez was 3 for 4, he had 3 RBIs, a home run and a double. Without him it seems likely that the Dodgers would have been shut out.
Zack Greinke had a decent game for the Dodgers, although maybe not quite up to his contract. He continued his trend of short outings, only pitching 6 innings. He gave up 4 hits and 2 runs, which isn't terrible. However it wasn't enough on this night, someone with the skill set of Greinke should probably win most games when his team scores at least 3 runs.
With the series tied at 1 game each, the series moves to LA for games 3 and 4. Game 3 will be Sunday evening in LA.
Yesterday was a very extremely busy day with all 4 NLDS series having games, the Red Sox thumped the Rays 12-2 to take a 1-0 lead in their ALDS. Game 2 will be in Boston Saturday afternoon. In the other ALDS Detroit beat the A's 3-2 in their series first game. Game 2 of that series is Saturday night. At the very least the A's need to win Game 2, they don't want to go to Detroit down 2-0, especially in such a short series.
Meanwhile in the other NLDS the Pirates erupted for 7 runs in their victory over the Cardinals. That series is now tied at 1, with the next two games in Pittsburgh. Gerrit Cole pitched a clutch 6 innings for the Pirates and was instrumental in getting this series back to Pittsburgh tied. If Pittsburgh wants to win this series, they need to win both games at home. Those games are scheduled for Sunday and Monday afternoon. It would be very difficult for Pittsburgh to beat the playoff hardened Cardinals in St. Louis in a game 5.
Since I have limited time I will focus more on other teams as teams start to be eliminated. Although I'm not focusing on you as much Pirates, Red Sox and A's I'm still cheering for and watching you as much as I can. I also love the Braves but am cheering for the Dodgers in their series. The Dodgers will always be my favorite MLB team. I hate when my teams play each other, especially in the playoffs.
themusicaddict
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