Well, it was quite a letdown from the epic Wild Card walk-off, but to give some unsolicited inspiration for Dodger fans — Boston crushed Tampa Bay in their domed backyard after being blanked the night before. Not buying it? Okay, you got me.
Let’s face it. While San Francisco starter Logan Webb had Tim Lincecom/Madison Bumgarner playoff numbers, Walker Buehler channeled Max Scherzer’s un-commanding performance on Wednesday.
In his first postseason outing, Webb was superb — tossing 7 2/3 shutout innings of four hit ball, fanning 10 without a free pass. He blew away the Los Angeles line-up on a bevy of off-speed brilliance.
The Dodgers had some baserunners to do some damage, but unfortunately, their heroics didn’t leave the building – they never entered.
No Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger lost his patience at the plate, twice swinging on strike three, and what appears to loom the largest, Matt Beaty – 0-6 in the post season while filling in for the injured Max Muncy. Boy, they’re really going to miss his bat.
You know whose bat they’re also missing? Former teammate, Kike’ Hernandez. The Kieran Culkin doppelganger devoured Rays pitching going 5-6 with a solo home run, three doubles, a base hit that plated a pair and three runs scored.
Saturday the reigning champs look to Julio Urias to even the series against their northern nemesis. The 25-year-old lefty has some magic up the sleeve of his Dodger jersey – posting a 20-3 record, more than any pitcher in the majors this season.
So for now, sit back, relax and enjoy the bumpy ride.
