:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66767659/456530406.jpg.0.jpg)
The Dodgers are in a tough spot in this 1988 National League Championship Series. A rain delay allowed them to start ace Orel Hershiser twice in the first three games, but Mets won both games with rallies against the bullpen. In Game 3, closer Jay Howell was ejected for having pine tar on his glove, and he’s been suspended for three days.
NLCS Game 4 lineups
| Pos | Dodgers | Pos | Mets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Dodgers | Pos | Mets |
| 2B | Sax | CF | Wilson (S) |
| 1B | Hatcher | 3B | Jefferies (S) |
| LF | Gibson (L) | 1B | Hernandez (L) |
| RF | Marshall | RF | Strawberry (L) |
| CF | Shelby (S) | LF | McReynolds |
| C | Scioscia (L) | C | Carter |
| 3B | Hamilton | 2B | Teufel |
| SS | Griffin (S) | SS | Elster |
| P | Tudor (L) | P | Gooden |
To top things off, the Dodgers have to face Mets ace Dwight Gooden in Game 4 on Sunday night at Shea Stadium. Gooden, who struck out 10 in seven innings in a no-decision in Game 1, is 8-1 with a 1.22 ERA in 12 career regular season starts against the Dodgers. Gooden has allowed eight total runs in five starts this year against LA, including Game 1, and the Mets won all five games.
John Tudor starts Game 4 for the Dodgers. The left-hander finished fourth in the National League with a 2.32 ERA this season, including 2.41 in nine starts after the Dodgers acquired him from St. Louis for Pedro Guerrero on August 16.
Counting the regular season, the Dodgers are 2-12 against the Mets this season, and have been outscored, 63-30. In four of the losses, the Dodgers led in the seventh inning or later.
Kirk Gibson, who has been battling leg injuries and sat in six of the Dodgers’ final eight games after the division was essentially wrapped up, is just 1-for-11 (.091) with two walks in the first three games of this series.
We’ll start watching Game 4 on YouTube at 5 p.m. PT.