Hello,
In Game 3 of one of the NLDS, the Dodgers beat the Braves 13-6. LA's offense that I was so worried about coming into the playoffs has been explosive. Through 3 playoff games, the Dodgers have scored 22 runs. That's an average of over 7 runs per game and a very good reason they lead the series 2-1. (Of course no one can stay close to the high scoring Red Sox, through two playoff games they've scored 19 runs. That's an average of 9.5 runs per game, there are no signs this Red Sox offense will slow down any time soon.)
In his first MLB playoff game Hyun-Jin Ryu really struggled. In only 3 innings he allowed 6 hits, 4 runs and has a 12.00 ERA after his playoff debut. All season Ryu has allowed a lot of hits, but usually has been able to limit the number of runs. Ultimately with the Dodgers offense exploding for so many runs, Ryu wasn't stuck with a loss. It seems Ryu didn't have his A game on Sunday. He also struggled in the field. The official scorer must have felt sorry for him as they didn't charge Ryu with any errors. On the positive side Ryu had a sacrifice fly, a play that Yasiel Puig scored on. That was LA's first run of the game. Ryu attributes his poor play to nerves. Let's hope that's the case and he'll play a lot better in this next start. Fortunately he had his bad game on a day when the Dodgers could afford it.
The oft maligned Chris Capuano pitched the 4th, 5th and 6th innings for LA. After his 3 inning stint his ERA is still a perfect 0.00. The pitcher who had an up and down regular season was stellar Sunday. In his 3 innings he gave up 3 walks, but he also had 3 strikeouts. Capuano earned the win in relief.
J.P. Howell and Ronald Belisario also had effective outings, both have 0.00 ERAs in this playoffs. However Paco Rodriguez struggled again, he was mainly lights out in the regular season. However in the postseason he has been much less than lights out. Rodriguez has a 27.00 ERA in his two playoffs appearances. In Game 3 he started the 9th inning but only lasted 2/3rds of an inning and wasn't able to close out the Braves. Kenley Jansen came in and got the final out in the Dodgers victory.
In a game where the Dodgers scored 13 runs, there obviously was a lot of offensive highlights. LA had 14 hits in this game. Carl Crawford was 2 for 5, he hit a homer and drove in 3 runs. He's hitting .286 in this playoffs. He also made a nice catch falling over a railing of the stands. As a Dodger fan I'm not sure I want the fragile Crawford to be making that play. Obviously getting the out is huge, but I'm more concerned about his long term health. The Dodgers already have too many key players out for the season and I certainly don't want to see any more.
Juan Uribe, and his unconventional batting stance, was 2 for 5 with a homer and drove in 2 runs. He's hitting .333 this playoffs. Puig isn't having any struggles either, he's started out the playoffs like he did the regular season- incredibly hot. On Sunday he was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and he's hitting .462. Last but certainly not least is Mr. Consistent, Adrian Gonzalez, he was 2 for 5 in Game 3. Gonzalez is hitting .357 this playoffs so far.
The Dodgers now lead this NLDS series 2-1. Game 4 is Monday and will be played in LA, the Dodgers are considering sending ace Clayton Kershaw to the mound today. Originally it was Ricky Nolasco that was scheduled to start and he could still start.
Meanwhile in the other NLDS the hard charging Pirates won Game 3 of their series with the Cardinals 5-3. With a home victory the Pirates can win their NLDS as well. Russell Martin continues his timely hitting for the Pirates this postseason. Although he's only hitting .222, he drove in 2 runs on Sunday. He has a total of 4 RBIs in the series first 3 games. Mark Melancon blew the save, but earned the win. Jason Grilli then came in and got his first save this postseason.
Pirates-Cardinals Game 4 will be about 3:07 EST on Monday.
The bad thing about having multiple teams is they might meet in the playoffs. When you like both teams, who do you cheer for? I'll always cheer for the Dodgers over anyone, but I also like my other 4 teams that have made the playoffs. As of Monday afternoon it looks like the Dodgers could play the Pirates in the NLCS. Then the explosive Red Sox looks like they are well on their way to the ALCS and the A's could join them. If that happens 4 of my teams will be in the LCS, which doesn't give me a great rooting chance.
Having multiple teams in the playoffs you'd think would be something to celebrate, but it actually takes away enjoyment from the playoffs. If the LCS is Boston-Detroit then I'd have an easy to choose rooting interest, I'd be cheering for the Red Sox all the way. I could completely get behind the Red Sox and not have any divided loyalties throughout that series.
I guess I won't complain as it looks like there's a great chance that one of my teams will win the World Series this year, that would be the first time that would happen since 2007.
themusicaddict
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