Nationals 5, Dodgers 2: Lobaton unlikely hero with three-run homer

Baker’s club is in less dire circumstances than Los Angeles, and the Nationals’ options are less agonizing.

The Nationals bolted past the Dodgers with four runs in both the third and ninth innings to grab a 2-1 series lead. And, as Roberts said, the Dodgers still have to win two games.

“I’m glad he didn’t get a hit to beat us”, said Indians manager Terry Francona, who was Ortiz’s manager in Boston when they won the 2004 and ’07 World Series. “We really, really, really needed those runs”.

In the bottom of the fifth, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to use Carlos Ruiz to pinch hit for reliever Pedro Baez, who had replaced Maeda to start the fourth. Ten minutes after the final out, when most of Cleveland’s players had moved the party into the visitors’ clubhouse, chants of “We’re not leaving!” and “Thank you, Papi!” finally drew the beloved slugger back onto the field. Los Angeles used all seven of its relievers in the game.

The Dodgers left the bases loaded in the second inning and again in the third. But they scored just nine runs in four games. “It’s luck or whatever it is”.

“We just needed the big hit, that’s all you can say about it”, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager said. “We had some momentum, but couldn’t keep it”. The Nats tied the series with yesterday’s 5-2 victory, but celebration turns to preparation as they get ready for today’s game. He gave up eight hits with a walk, but struck out seven, while giving up a run. Werth brought in Trea Turner all the way from first on a double to the right field corner, one that gave the speedy Turner a chance against Yasiel Puig’s notorious throwing arm.

Washington Nationals’ Daniel Murphy hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in Game 2 of baseball’s National League Division Series at Nationals Park, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Washington.

“I was at third base when the throw was being made”, Donaldson said. “I’ve been taught to stay within myself ever since I was young”. The Dodgers are 15-5 in their last 20 Tuesday games and are 44-16 in their last 60 home games while the over is 5-2-1 in their last 8 overall. Werth had three hits – including the homer – and a walk and is now 5-for-13 with four runs scored in the series. “I always try to have some good at-bats”. Facing lefty starter Gio Gonzalez in Game 3, they got three runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings. He returned in time to make three starts in late September, one of 53 pitches, one of 61 pitches and one of 90 pitches in four innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sept. 29. Usually the better bullpen has been the difference, along with some delivering the big home run.

Starting pitchers: Gio Gonzalez will be on the mound for the Nationals. “I went after them but I wish I had that one pitch back”. He has also reached base three times, with all three coming on a hit-by-pitch.

Much has been said and written about the Dodgers bullpen, which led the major leagues during the regular season with 590 2/3 innings, 633 strikeouts and an earned-run average of 3.35. The Dodgers won both games. Guilty. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense against left-handed pitching? After Reddick’s single with one out in the fifth inning, their next hit didn’t come until Justin Turner singled in the ninth. I never thought it was possible and I still feel the same way.

Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth for the second straight game. Neither team has announced their starting pitcher yet.

Added Seager: “You did what you were looking for in getting the starter out early”. “And we were wondering like “Man, we’ve got to score some more here” because this game is close and they have so much firepower over there, especially in a one-run game“.

Anthony Rendon: Two-run homer.