That sure was one heck of a game. Both teams battles and clawed, and unfortunately, we didn't come out on top. But rest assured, we are not in for a slide. The Dodgers, once again, made defeating them difficult. They collectively earned eight walks to rattle the Cubs cages, and forced them to go to the bullpen -- even using their closer to get the final six outs with 48 pitches. Overall, nine runners were left on base, while three were in scoring position. Ultimately, that's the story of the evening. The Dodgers had their rallies, but they were unable to get that one last hit to either tie or win the game. They came close, but came up just shy. Per Bradford Doolittle at ESPN:
"We were one pitch away from tying the game or taking the lead," Bellinger said. "That's just how it goes down sometimes."I guess this is where I should repeat that old adage, "you can't win them all." Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Rick Monday made Dodger history by hitting a dramatic solo home run in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the NLCS to propel the Dodgers to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Expos. Go here to watch a highlight of it. He hit a 3-1 fastball against Steve Rogers. Fernando Valenzuela allowed just three hits and one run in 8 2/3 innings. The win sent the team to the World Series against the Yankees. In 1988 the Dodgers took advantage of several Oakland errors/pass balls to defeat the A's, 4-3, in Game 5 of the World Series. The Dodgers now lead the series 3-1.
- Happy Birthday, Tom McCreery, Walt Miller, Sam Nahem, Tim Belcher, Michael Young, James McDonald & Travis Schlichting!
- This is exciting. Per Dan Snierson at Entertainment Weekly; "Simpsons documentary about 'Homer at the Bat' episode to air Sunday." I am setting my DVR.
Fox will air the “comedic” documentary, titled Springfield of Dreams: The Legend of Homer Simpson, this Sunday, EW has learned. The hourlong special, which satirizes Ken Burns’ seminal documentary miniseries Baseball, will pay tribute to the episode while offering up interviews from eight of the baseball stars who appeared as ringers in the episode, as well as Yankees All-Star Aaron Judge, Nick Offerman, Russell Brand, George Will, Tim Gunn, and Dr. Oz, not to mention sportscasters Bob Costas, Joe Buck, Bob Uecker, and Charissa Thompson. In addition, the documentary includes “interviews” with Homer, Moe, Chief Wiggum, Apu, and Comic Book Guy.
- Video: Dave Roberts addresses the media about Alex Wood and the Dodgers' performance after falling to the Chicago Cubs in Game 4 of the NLCS, 3-2. (video link)
- Fortunately, this situation didn't change anything. Per ESPN, "Joe Maddon ejected for second time in NLCS; umpire admits call was wrong."
- You lucky Son-of-a.... Via an AP Report at ESPN; "Fan snares playoff home runs at Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field."
Did you see the fan who made the great catch on Justin Turner's game-ending home run at Dodger Stadium over the weekend? Guess what? He did it again.Keith Hupp came up with his second homer souvenir of the NL Championship Series, corralling the ball that Cubs star Javier Baez hit into the bleachers at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night.
- Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com; "Seager progressing, could return for World Series: Dodgers increasingly optimistic on shortstop's status."
"He played catch, did a couple more plyometric stuff, did some medicine-ball stuff, ran a little bit straight line and tomorrow, he's going to take some balls off the tee," Roberts said. "Obviously, nothing's 100 percent, but in texting with him each day, he's continued to be encouraged, and just watching with my eyes [on video], the way his body's moving, I think it's progressing in the right direction."
- Via Travis Sawchik at FanGraphs; "Chris Taylor Is a Product of His Environment."
But the Dodgers had also brought on Craig Wallenbrock as a consultant. Wallenbrock — like friend of FanGraphs, Doug Latta — is one of the private instructors who has been a forefather of the modern fly-ball revolution.J.P. Hoornstra of the Orange County Register reported earlier this season that Wallenbrock had worked with Taylor. And this is notable, because it indicates that at least one MLB team has now added an outsider to their payroll, to work with select players on hitting philosophy.
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