With the loss to the Washington Nationals fresh in the fans minds, let’s take a look at all the decisions the Front Office, Andrew Friedman, Dave Roberts and his staff made for Game 5:
LINEUP
Tonight’s Gm. 5 Dodger lineup vs. Nationals:
Pederson RF
Muncy 2B
Turner 3B
Bellinger CF
Beaty 1B
Seager SS
Hernández LF
Smith C
Buehler P#NLDS | #LABleedsBlue pic.twitter.com/4CtCv7idBS— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 9, 2019
The main moves were taking out AJ Pollock and replacing him with Kiké Hernandez in left field as well as rookie Gavin Lux, was replaced by Max Muncy at second, moving Matt Beaty from left field to first base.
The moves looked to be a great move with Kiké launching a home run in the 2nd inning as well as making an amazing catch in the field to rob Juan Soto.
KERSHAW THE RELIEVER
This was something that was talked about in the post game conference after the Game 4 loss in Washington. Despite having a hot Kenta Maeda warmed up as well and Clayton’s 1st inning ERA issues, Clayton was brought in to face Adam Eaton for the final out in the 7th as well as out for the 8th inning to face Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto and Howie Kendricks.
“I’ll take Clayton any day in that situation” – Dave Roberts
“Wanted to keep Kenta away from Soto. He’s been a righty killer. I feel great about running Clayton out there for two hitters.” – Dave Roberts
TAKING KENTA OUT
After Kershaw gave up the two solo home runs to Rendon and Soto, Kenta came in and struck out three straight batters. In the bottom of the 8th, Justin Turner got on base when he was hit by a pitch with Cody Bellinger and David Freese behind him to bring him home. With the game tied and Patrick Corbin Pitching, Roberts hand was forced to take out Kenta for a chance to get runs.
SENDING JOE KELLY OUT FOR ANOTHER INNING
In a season where Kelly was primarily used for just one inning, Roberts decided to keep Jansen in the bullpen and have Kelly come out for another inning to face Eaton, Rendon and Soto.
WALKING JUAN SOTO
Adam Eaton starts off by drawing the walk in the 10th, followed by a ground ruled double by Anthony Rendon. That left first base open with Juan Soto coming up and Howie Kendricks right behind him.
Kolarek was left in the bullpen despite his recent success against Soto, who proceeds to take first base with Howie Kendricks coming up.
“I just felt that Joe had a good chance to put Howie on the ground and potentially then get Kenley on Zimmerman. And so my thought was to try to get a ground ball right there.” – Dave Roberts
Kendricks then hits the grand slam that ended the Dodgers postseason.
SENDING AJ POLLOCK UP DOWN 4 RUNS
With Russell Martin sitting on the bench, Dave sends AJ Pollock to the plate who has struggled the entire series to try and lead a comeback.
"I had the worst 4 games of my life" – AJ Pollock
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 10, 2019
Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but with the stakes so high, everyone is trying to find answers to all the why questions they are asking.
