Dodgers’ Bullpen Links Arms to Save Season
Like rescuers linking arms in a human chain to save someone in danger of drowning, the Dodgers’ bullpen linked arms, ventured out on the thin ice of Game 4 and kept their season from going under.
The Plan
Achieving peak 2024, the Dodgers resorted to a bullpen game in an elimination game. Eight pitchers wore a path from the bullpen to the mound at Petco Park on Wednesday night – then forced San Diego Padres hitters to wear a path back to their dugout.
The Performance
The Dodgers’ bullpen game was the 25th of its kind since the start of 2022 – they have won 17 of them. "This isn’t our first bullpen game," said Anthony Banda (second in the conga line on Wednesday). "It’s understanding that the bullpen is a very important piece of this ballclub and there’s a reason for that. I don’t think that anybody deviated from what we’ve done in the regular season."
The Manager’s Play
Manager Dave Roberts’ maneuvering wasn’t even limited to the pitchers. He moved Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor between third base and center field. Hernandez went to center when fly ball pitchers like Michael Kopech and Alex Vesia were on the mound. Taylor went to center with Hernandez at third when ground balls were more likely.
The Outcome
The Dodgers’ two victories in this series have featured 15 scoreless innings from their relievers. "We’ve said it all year. Our bullpen is special," said left-hander Alex Vesia (the fourth man up Wednesday). "We’ve got eight, nine, 10 guys that can all come in in very high-leverage situations and I think it shows. The script for us can be written in many different ways and we use that in our favor, big time."
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ bullpen game was a resounding success, keeping the team’s season alive. With the series heading back to Dodger Stadium for Game 5, the team will look to build on this momentum and bring the series to a close.
FAQs
Q: How many bullpen games has the Dodgers’ bullpen used since the start of 2022?
A: 25
Q: How many of those games have the Dodgers won?
A: 17
Q: Why did the Dodgers resort to a bullpen game in an elimination game?
A: To keep their season alive and take advantage of the strength of their bullpen
Q: How many relievers were used in Game 4?
A: 8
Q: What was the outcome of Game 4?
A: The Dodgers won 8-0, keeping their season alive
