Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts is once again in the hot seat as his decision to pull starting pitcher Rich Hill in the 7th inning may have cost Los Angeles game four of the 2018 World Series.
The Dodgers struck first taking a four-run lead in the 6th inning that was highlighted by Yasiel Puig’s three-run homerun.
The emotion of #Postseason baseball. pic.twitter.com/uz3qyusihg
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A 7th inning leadoff walk to Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts forced Roberts to make a pitching change, ending Hill’s night.
Hill threw six stellar shutout innings allowing one hit, three walks, and seven strikeouts. The Dodgers starting pitcher dominated the Red Sox using his breaking ball.
“I had a conversation with Rich and we talked about it, he said keep an eye on me and I’m going to give it everything I have lets go hitter to hitter and just keep an eye on me,” said Roberts.
Roberts decision to go to the bullpen backfired when pinch-hitter Mitch Moreland hit a three-run homerun to right field off Ryan Madson, putting the Red Sox within striking distance as they now trailed by one run, 4-3.
Mitchy to the MOON. 😱#WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/DnptDcV2n5
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The Dodgers manager called on his bullpen again in the 8th inning bringing in closer Kenley Jansen, who blew a save opportunity on Friday after Jackie Bradley Jr. homered to tie the game.
Jansen’s struggles carried over into Saturday night as Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce homered to right field tying the game at 4-4.
The Dodgers bullpen did not produce the results Roberts had expected as the Red Sox took a 9-4 lead in the 9th inning.
Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel allowed a two-run homerun to Enrique Hernandez in the bottom of the 9th before getting Cody Bellinger to fly out ending the game.
The Dodgers manager has been criticized heavily as his decisions to stick to a script continue to backfire when it matters most.
President Trump also tweeted his thoughts on the move made by Roberts.
Watching the Dodgers/Red Sox final innings. It is amazing how a manager takes out a pitcher who is loose & dominating through almost 7 innings, Rich Hill of Dodgers, and brings in nervous reliever(s) who get shellacked. 4 run lead gone. Managers do it all the time, big mistake!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 28, 2018
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Pearce reminded Boston fans they are now only one win away from another World Series title after defeating the Dodgers 9-6 on Saturday.
— MLB (@MLB) October 28, 2018
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Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw will face David Price in game five scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Sunday.
