Dodgers survived Game 6 of the World Series by the skin of your teeth, tying double in the ninth inning ended in victory with a score of 3-1. So what can we do but question the managerial move in hindsight?
It's actually quite simple: you can't figure out how to win game seven unless you get to game seven. That was the problem Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced late Friday night. He couldn't think about what he would do in Game 7 if his team failed Game 6 and they were staring at a dead end.
The Dodgers took a 3–1 lead into the ninth inning. Rocky Sasakiconverted to a closer to the playoffs, had already pitched the eighth inning. He started the ninth by hitting Alejandro Kirk with a pitch and then giving up a double to Addison Barger. The tying run occurred at second base with no outs. Upper part Blue JaysA powerful order was just around the corner. By this point, Sasaki had made 33 assists. He threw 36 pitches on Oct. 9, but he last threw more than he did in May.
Tyler Glasnow was ready in the bullpen. The complication here, as some might think, is that Glasnow was the starting pitcher for Game 3, meaning he was inserted into the lineup for Game 7. Emmet Sheehan could be used in the ninth. Of course, Sheehan has a 9.95 ERA in five playoff appearances. Blake Treinen has a 6.75 ERA. When Glasnow plays, he's as good as any of the majors.
Rightly, with his team backed up against the proverbial wall, Roberts made his move. Glasnow miraculously avoided a double strike and double play in just three innings.
The Dodgers' Game 7 options aren't ideal, but who cares? Once again, you lost three games to two in a seven-game series. You can't think about Game 7 until you get there. If you don't win Friday, there's no Saturday. Roberts was asked about a possible Game 7 before Game 6 and had this to say:
“It’s more about just doing the best you can to get through it. [Game 6] and then pick up the pieces and see how best to attack a potential Game 7. So everything has to be on the table, and it most certainly will be.”
Yes. Very well said, Mr. Roberts.
Shohei Ohtani should be in the starting lineup for game seven anywayfor now, the Dodgers plan to use him on the mound at all. May be Blake Snell returns for a short rest and works one or two innings (or more). Glasnow may not have been gassed from his three full steps and Otani helps. I think we should expect all three to get jobs.
“I'm not sure about the pitching situation, but Glasgow will be available. Everybody will be available,” Roberts said after Game 6, before catching himself and noting that Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw six innings Friday night, won't be available.
Justin Wrobleski was good in Game 6 and could start again. Perhaps Sasaki will see more action, although I'm not sure they'll try to stretch him out of the inning after his heavy workload in Game 6. Perhaps Sheehan or Treinen will have a chance. Anthony Banda is ready to counter a block that has a lefty or two. Maybe Clayton Kershaw?
The Dodgers can put it all together, and they have a chance because Roberts won't be worried about using his potential Game 7 starter in Game 6. Like my old coach used to say, you can't dance unless you go to prom.
Now the Dodgers are here and they will put it all together if they have to. This is game 7.
