Game Recap
Last nights game was truly entertaining to watch! I know people don't like to see a low scoring pitching dual but those are the most exciting games to watch. It is funny because I was talking about just this thing with another blogger buddy last night. The average fan can't appreciate all the little things that are happening between the lines during a pitching dual, like the one last night. Enough lecturing and on to the game recap. Clayton Kershaw pitched a dominating performance last night that lead the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory.
Kershaw's stat line goes as follows: 7 innings/ 3 hits/ 1 run/ 11 k's/ 83 pitches. The thing that stands out the most to me about that stat line last night is the fact that Kershaw only threw 83 pitches. Some might question why Dave Roberts pulled Kershaw in the 7th inning but I think it was a smart move. First, when you bring in Morrow in the 8th you are preserving Kershaw for a possible Madison Bumgarner World Series performance. Since Kershaw didn't max out last night he is available to pitch on shorter rest and possibly relief appearances. Also, if Morrow struggled that inning the Dodgers would have called on Jansen in relief. Since it paid off the Dodgers can bring Kershaw out of the pin in game 3 if they wanted. The lineup hero's from last night were the same two names we are used to hearing by now in the playoffs. Chris Taylor did his job out of the lead off spot as he finished (1-3) with a homerun and a walk. The man has been a great leadoff hitter and keeps impressing everyone. Justin Turner was the man of the night, besides Kershaw, as he finished (1-4) with the game winning two run homerun. Also, Corey Seager returned to the lineup last night and didn't miss a beat as he finished (2-3). Looks like that extra rest did him some good.
There was little to get excited about if your an Astros fan. The offense struggled again last night as Alex Bregman delivered the only run of the night on a solo homerun. Dallas Keuchel struggled last night as he went 6.2 innings/ 6 hits/ 3 runs/ 3 k's. This would have been a good start if it wasn't the World Series. The good news for the Astros is the fact they are battled tested and this loss won't phase them. Tonight the Astros are throwing the hottest pitcher in the world Justin Verlander. It doesn't matter if Verlander pitches the way he has so far in the postseason if the Astros can't produce runs. It might be a shocker for the Astros but they might want to start playing some small ball to produce runs. The Dodgers are throwing veteran left hander Rich Hill tonight. Just on pitching match up alone I would usually give the Astros the advantage tonight, but I don't know if that is the case tonight. Kershaw dominated the Astros last night with his breaking ball and that is Rich Hill's bread and butter. Rich Hill has pitched very well this offseason with opposing batters hitting only .188 against him. I expect Rich Hill to use a steady diet of curve balls tonight. I have to lean on the Dodgers tonight as they still haven't lost a game at home this postseason and are scoring runs.
Well The 'Srtos got they wanted: A split in LA. Had they not gotten that, I think the Series would end in Houston. Still might, b/c I'm still picking the Dodgers all the way. But if the 'Stros Bats come alive like they did last night, then this series might go the full 7. I expect Houston to take 2/3 in their home park. But who knows, the Dodgers could sweep the next 3 games and win the WS. I just don't see that happening down there in Houston.
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