June 18-20–
Game 1 was a frustrating win. I have a lot to get off my chest on this game (sorry). Good thing we won, even if they slept through 7 innings, yet again getting only 3 hits for a win.
Dodgers continue to doddle on offense. instead of the heralded stream of good AB’s, we got a stream of pathetic ones — one after the other. our top 5 were 0-fers, save 2 walks by CT3. So the Dodgers plodded through 7 more shutout innings — embarrassment.
and a child shall lead them (or at least wake them up): newbie doobie Souza breaks the goose egg streak and the 0-0 tie. momentum gathers as a second rookie Burns them by lashing a double. that awakens the sleeping Dodgers: Mookie breaks out with a 400 ft sac fly. Bums get a 3rd run when the Snakes’ pitcher balks after stepping on his rattle.
Bauer had a nice comeback outing, although he was facing the most anemic team. He got his usual lack of support, with his mates sleeping. Bauer to his demonic credit, looked like he was toying with the Serpientes, using the occasion to again experiment with his pitches. His usual masterful slider was a puzzle to him, and he struggled to locate his 4-seamer. Late in the game, he discovered a command of his 2-seamer that was unhittable, and gave rise to 1 sword stash. Trevor was able to stay in the game through the 7th, which made him eligible for the win.
so now we’re up 3-0 in the 8th. Can the bullpen hold? You never know with these guys. But Jimmy Nelson is sharp and holds the 8th. Who will close? Why Kenley of course — to face the middle of the lineup (4-6). Good start, 0-2, but his 0-2 should be a chase pitch: slider in the dirt. instead he wastes a very high 4-seamer. got away with a hanging slider for out 2. finishes the save with a nice 4-seam/2-seamer combo.
postgame: touching interview of Souza being ever so humble and grateful.
More rants —
1. “find the fence”: nice sliding catch in RF by Souza in the 7th saw him crash into the wall when he did not have to: he should have used the “find the fence” technique. seems no big leaguers know that technique. (I coach it.)
2. Pujols: while a great addition, Doc should not bat Pujols 4th, since that spot comes up often with runners on and less than 2 outs. Pujols is a DP case history — with all the grounders he hits while running snail speed. Uncle Albert seems surprised by every curveball, even though that is all they throw him. Go up there and look for it, big guy, and go boom.
Game 2- All Walker Buehler all the time. At least until the 8th inning, where Buehler entered with a no hitter. It was sad but a bit expected that the no-no was broken up by the first batter, on a pitch left just above the belt. But Roberts owes Buehler an apology for lifting him with 2 men on and bringing in his worst pitcher (a BP grade) who would surely surrender the 2 runners that got charged to Buehler. Buehler should have been given the dignity to leave with 0 ER’s not 2. I would have let him finish the 8th, or bring in Treinen or Gonzalez to finish it.
The offense was solid tonight, 1-8 (except AJ). Rant: when Matt Beaty crushed a 425 ft shot, he should have earned a home run. Ridiculous insult that the D’backs’ park placed the yellow line so high up in that distant part of the outfield. But even a triple’s OK.
Game 3- OMG. A yawner was turned into a nail biter after Roberts yet again goes to the garbage part of the pen and leaves Uceta in far too long (after too much damage). A 9-1 lead turns to a 9-8 win, after Gonzalez and Kenley restore order.
Gonsolin had a decent rebound but only went 3+ innings. Huge 3-run homer by Prince Albert powered the offense to a big early lead. AJ got 3 big hits. Some good AB’s by rookie Burns. Who knew we would need all 9 runs! But we did hold onto the sweep.
Happy Father’s Day, and solstice.