Relievers Roki Sasaki, Clayton Kershaw help as Dodgers reduce magic number to 1

Introduction to the Game

The Dodgers are one step closer to claiming the National League West division championship after a thrilling 5-4 extra-innings win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to improvise with their roster. Starting pitchers Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw made unexpected appearances out of the bullpen, helping to secure the win.

The Game-Changing Performance of Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki, activated from the injured list earlier in the day, made his first appearance in the majors since suffering a shoulder injury in early May. He flashed promising signs with a scoreless frame in the bottom of the seventh, protecting a 3-1 lead. Sasaki’s fastball averaged 98-99 mph, and he induced a couple of key swing-and-misses. He paired his fastball with a splitter that was commanded much better than in his initial MLB stint.

Clayton Kershaw’s Relief Appearance

Clayton Kershaw, who volunteered to pitch in relief, made his first relief appearance since the 2019 NL Division Series. He came in with the score tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth and got the game to extras. Kershaw retired all three batters he faced with the help of a diving catch from Tommy Edman in center. His performance was crucial in calming the waters after the bullpen had squandered a three-run lead for the second consecutive night.

The Dodgers’ Road to the Playoffs

The Dodgers’ traditional bullpen remains a mess, and the need for alternatives like Sasaki, Kershaw, and Emmet Sheehan has become immense. The team will have to replicate performances like Wednesday’s to succeed in the postseason. The game was a trial run for how this year’s team will need to win games in October. Despite recent relief problems, the team can still piece together ways to mount a World Series defense.

The Importance of Team Resilience

The game highlighted the importance of team resilience and the ability to improvise with the roster. The Dodgers’ offense delivered timely hits when needed, and the team grinded out a win. Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s resilience, saying, "I know the word resilience gets thrown out a lot, but it was a resilient win and a resilient group." The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity will be crucial in the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Dodgers’ win over the Diamondbacks was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to improvise with their roster. The performances of Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw out of the bullpen were game-changers. As the team heads into the playoffs, they will need to replicate this kind of performance to succeed. With their traditional bullpen struggling, the Dodgers will have to rely on alternatives like Sasaki, Kershaw, and Sheehan to get the job done.

FAQs

1. Who were the key players in the Dodgers’ win over the Diamondbacks?
   The key players in the Dodgers’ win were Roki Sasaki, Clayton Kershaw, and Tommy Edman.
2. What was the significance of Roki Sasaki’s performance?
   Roki Sasaki’s performance was significant because it was his first appearance in the majors since suffering a shoulder injury in early May, and he showed promising signs with a scoreless frame in the bottom of the seventh.
3. What was the impact of Clayton Kershaw’s relief appearance?
   Clayton Kershaw’s relief appearance was crucial in calming the waters after the bullpen had squandered a three-run lead for the second consecutive night, and he helped get the game to extras.
4. What is the state of the Dodgers’ traditional bullpen?
   The Dodgers’ traditional bullpen remains a mess, and the team will have to rely on alternatives like Sasaki, Kershaw, and Sheehan to get the job done in the playoffs.
5. What is the key to the Dodgers’ success in the playoffs?
   The key to the Dodgers’ success in the playoffs will be their ability to replicate performances like Wednesday’s, with a focus on team resilience and the ability to improvise with their roster.