True Blue LA - NLCS Game 6: Braves 4, Dodgers 2Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2021-10-24T08:06:00-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/225056592021-10-24T08:06:00-07:002021-10-24T08:06:00-07:003 takeaways from the Game 6 loss
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<img alt="Championship Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Atlanta Braves - Game Six" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DjSlqOxActjINsK7XqOme6PhDlI=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70038382/1348341981.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers were eliminated from the postseason</p> <p id="sDflno">Well, I’m sad. </p>
<p id="mHEmdt">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ season came to an end last night, as they fell to the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>, 4-2. The Braves won the series 4-2 and will face the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>. </p>
<p id="HLLaiz">Here are my three takeaways from the loss. </p>
<h3 id="u0WtOp">The offense was the downfall </h3>
<p id="WrDwqg">For me personally, my biggest concern with the Dodgers heading into October was their offense. Although they had one of the best lineups in all of baseball, we had seen far too many times this team go through ice cold stretches. Well, they had that all postseason, including in the biggest game of their season. </p>
<p id="UC7Fg7">In the Dodgers’ final game of the year, they scored two runs on five hits. They went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Their 1-4 hitters went 1-for-15 at the plate. The offense just simply failed them. </p>
<p id="9hOxTl">Their biggest chance of the night came in the seventh inning. After AJ Pollock doubled in a run, the Dodgers had runners on second and third with zero outs. The tying run was at second base. </p>
<p id="7LHq7S">I’m still in shock over what happened next. </p>
<p id="SAXlmG">Three straight Dodgers struck out. They didn’t even put the ball in play. Albert Pujols, Steven Souza Jr. and Mookie Betts all struck out. That was the dagger right there. The Dodgers’ inability to even make contact and drive in a run cost them not only the series, but a potential championship. </p>
<p id="AOlofM">In the 4 games the Dodgers lost, they went 5-for-30 with runners in scoring position. When it mattered most, they just couldn’t deliver. They had their chances... unfortunately it just wasn’t their year. </p>
<h3 id="GIZkJM">The 4th inning</h3>
<p id="EBAFU5">This is the inning that decided the game. Walker Buehler was one strike away from getting out of it without any harm. Then, everything just fell apart. </p>
<p id="K5BFil">With two outs, Buehler was ahead in the count to Travis d’Arnaud 1-2. He was one strike away from getting out of the inning. Instead, he ended up walking d’Arnaud. Ehire Adrianza followed with a double, putting two on base for Eddie Rosario, the hottest hitter on the planet. </p>
<p id="voErEn">Buehler battled with Rosario, throwing him seven pitches. On the seventh, Rosario crushed one over the right field fence, putting Atlanta up 4-1. </p>
<p id="SsRvc7">We all can have different opinions on what should have happened this at bat. I’ll just share my two cents instead of going over the different scenarios. </p>
<p id="TEmq82">Personally, I would have liked to see Alex Vesia in that spot. Buehler had allowed only one run but he was allowing hard contact all night. It was his third time facing Rosario on the night, and I thought bringing in Vesia would have been the smarter move. Of course, that’s easier said than done after seeing what happened, but I just don’t agree with Buehler remaining in the game. </p>
<p id="aYEpXx">Even then, I don’t know what exactly happened that at bat. Buehler threw him a cutter six times and almost every pitch was directly in the strike zone. Overall it was just an awful sequence, and it ultimately cost the Dodgers the game. </p>
<h3 id="XetrM0">Winning ain’t easy</h3>
<p id="dA9sKv">The Dodgers on paper were the better team. They had 106 wins and the Braves had 88 wins. But that’s the beauty of baseball. That’s what makes winning the World Series (in my opinion) the toughest championship to win. Sometimes, it’s all about who is playing their best baseball at the right time. </p>
<p id="l9wnb0">The Braves were the better team, and they deserved to win. </p>
<p id="g04PMQ">This will be a rough series to swallow for sure. Between the number of injuries and the Dodgers’ blowing chances to win in Games 1, 2 and 6. The Dodgers could have won the World Series. Unfortunately, their season is over and we don’t have baseball until February. </p>
<p id="aDykjF">By being eliminated, it has made me appreciate winning last year that much more. It’s so hard to win. It’s so hard. From the beginning of Spring Training all the way through now. It’s a grind. </p>
<p id="55wIKX">This wasn’t the outcome we would have liked, but hey that’s just why we tune in every year. </p>
<p id="WMA5gJ">I had a blast this season covering the team. I had a blast interacting with all of you here at TBLA. We had a fun time. I’ll miss these articles, but we’ll be back in no time. </p>
<p id="t5MMTz">Stay safe everyone. </p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/24/22742805/los-angeles-dodgers-atlanta-braves-nlcs-game-6-postseason-playoffsBlake Harris2021-10-24T06:07:00-07:002021-10-24T06:07:00-07:00‘We just didn’t get it done’
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MPfTHXQW7gMmg1LlTIzeo-J-nss=/0x0:3818x2545/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70038088/usa_today_17014083.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Reaction to LA’s final game of 2021</p> <p id="vVlCMv">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> season is over earlier than they hoped, ending with a defeat in Game 6 of the NLCS in Atlanta. </p>
<p id="vkpCfd">“We were ready to play through October. We just didn’t get it done,” <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/dave-roberts-full-presser-10-23">manager Dave Roberts said after the loss</a>. “But when you take hits like we took, there’s still — I don’t know, it’s tough because I don’t want to take anything away from the Braves. They beat us in a series. We put our best foot forward. We fought. And they beat us in a series.”</p>
<p id="6kQeOG">Here’s a tour around the baseball world with reaction to all of it.</p>
<h3 id="1WMxTk">Links</h3>
<ul>
<li id="T9A0Nt">From Jorge Castillo’s <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-10-23/dodgers-world-series-championship-reign-ends-in-nlcs-loss-to-braves">game recap at the Los Angeles Times</a>: “The result will be remembered as a stunning conclusion. The Dodgers won 106 games during the regular season, matching the franchise record and 18 more than the Braves. Their payroll was $100 million more expensive than Atlanta’s operation. They were the clear favorites to claim back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise history after surviving the division series against the San Francisco Giants, the only team in the majors with more wins during the regular season.”</li>
<li id="IQKbHt">Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2021/10/23/braves-end-dodgers-season-in-nlcs-game-6-advance-to-world-series/">wrote that in the end the Dodgers just didn’t have enough</a>.</li>
<li id="f3tJMv">Plunkett also <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2021/10/23/dodgers-max-scherzer-i-overcooked-my-arm-on-this-one/">has more on Max Scherzer’s “overcooked” arm</a>.</li>
<li id="V6n6es">Juan Toribio <a href="https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-lose-nlcs-2021">at MLB.com summarized the Dodgers injuries</a>: “In the end, the Dodgers were unable to overcome a string of injuries at the most inopportune time. They lost left-handed ace Clayton Kershaw to a left elbow injury on Oct. 1. Two days later, Max Muncy was also lost for the season. In the postseason, the Dodgers lost Joe Kelly and Justin Turner.”</li>
<li id="TLtNSI">The Dodgers pitching imploded because of bad decisions and bad luck, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2908916%2F2021%2F10%2F24%2Fmccullough-why-did-the-dodgers-pitching-implode-bad-luck-and-bad-decisions%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2021%2F10%2F24%2F22723863%2Fdodgers-season-over-dave-roberts-reaction-nlcs-braves" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">says Andy McCullough at The Athletic</a>.</li>
<li id="JjcRST">Bill Shaikin at the Los Angeles Times <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-10-23/dodgers-braves-world-series-contender-mlb-spending">writes about the bills that will come due for the Dodgers after an expensive 2021</a>.</li>
<li id="AOowDh">From <a href="http://dodgersdigest.com/2021/10/23/braves-4-dodgers-2-2021-nlcs-game-6-a-112-win-triumph-and-disappointment/">Chad Moriyama’s Game 6 recap at Dodgers Digest</a>: “It is unfair in many respects to call a team that won so many games and made it to the NLCS a disappointment, but when a collection of talent comes together like this, the expectations understandably follow and it’s hard to describe how 2021 ended as anything but that.”</li>
<li id="MpmeY5">The Dodgers postseason pitching experiment was a failure, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-10-23/dodgers-front-office-failed-pitching-experiment-world-series">says Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times</a>.</li>
<li id="ePyDzC">A grueling season and too many injuries doomed the Dodgers, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-10-23/dodgers-braves-world-series-injuries-giants-cardinals-mlb-playoffs">says Waffle House aficionado Bill Plaschke of the LA Times</a>.</li>
<li id="nz6jV3">The Dodgers’ elimination extended MLB’s run of no repeat <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> champion to 21 years. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-has-no-repeat-champions-since-2000">Andrew Simon at MLB.com has more</a>.</li>
</ul>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/24/22723863/dodgers-season-over-dave-roberts-reaction-nlcs-bravesEric Stephen2021-10-23T20:44:40-07:002021-10-23T20:44:40-07:00Dodgers finally fall off elimination-game tightrope
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<img alt="Championship Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Atlanta Braves - Game Six" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9v_BO1abYMw3sFPJZtrPc-MeCxQ=/0x1:3000x2001/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70037083/1348334298.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Atlanta finishes off NLCS in six games</p> <p id="FZnswI">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> inability to produce offensively for two games in a row ended their postseason run earlier than expected. In Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, mostly quiet bats meant no margin for error for a spent pitching staff, and the Braves pounced, winning 4-2 on Saturday to advance to Atlanta’s first <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> since 1999.</p>
<p id="P8ftAs">Game 6 was the fifth elimination game this postseason for the Dodgers. Living on the edge finally delivered the fatal blow, but it took awhile. LA’s loss on Saturday snapped <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741613/dodgers-elimination-games-offense-bullpen-nlcs-game-6-braves-preview">a seven-game win streak in elimination games</a>, dating back to last season.</p>
<p id="zozjlX">Walker Buehler’s inauspicious start to the game included hard-hit balls by the first four hitters, all with exit velocities of 97 mph or higher. That included a single by Rosario, naturally. He didn’t score, but Atlanta did produce a run in the frame thanks to back-to-back doubles by Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. That it was the only run of the inning felt like a win for Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="RZ3wYa">But after that, Buehler settled down, pitching on three days rest for the second time in three starts, the first two such times in his career. He missed 11 bats in this game in his 77 pitches and struck out six, looking much sharper than in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/19/22734043/dodgers-home-runs-cody-bellinger-comeback-nlcs-game-3-braves">when Buehler induced only three swinging strikes in 76 pitches</a>.</p>
<p id="viEdFQ">Buehler just needed <em>one more</em> swinging strike in Game 6.</p>
<p id="fq7yKN">After getting the first two outs of the fourth inning, Buehler walked Travis d’Arnaud, then gave up a broken bat double by pinch-hitter Ehire Adrianza. Mookie Betts got the ball back to the infield in quick order, and with the catcher running, Braves third base coach Ron Washington held d’Arnaud at third. After all, Superman was on deck.</p>
<p id="aoGNq4">Buehler got ahead of Rosario with two cutters on the inner half of the plate, and later in the at-bat threw two sinkers away, one for a ball, and another fouled away. On the seventh pitch of the at-bat, Buehler threw his fifth cutter in, and Rosario didn’t miss.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="cy" dir="ltr">BANG! EDDIE ROSARIO FOR THREE! <a href="https://t.co/SJUnWTSWDO">pic.twitter.com/SJUnWTSWDO</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1452088310847971328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2021</a>
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<p id="GhgUW3">The laser home run down the right field line broke a 1-1 tie, Rosario’s third home run of the series. Picked up in a salary dump at the trade deadline from Cleveland, Rosario is one of the quartet of outfielders acquired by Alex Anthopoulos, helping to fuel Atlanta’s second-half run. Rosario had an NLCS to remember with a pair of four-hit games, including <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/17/22731621/dodgers-moves-backfired-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlcs-game-2">a walk-off hit in Game 2</a> and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/20/22737355/dodgers-pitching-tired-offense-bad-nlcs-game-4-braves">a two-homer game in Game 4</a>.</p>
<p id="ZAw9YA">Rosario was an otherworldly 14-for-25 in the series, hitting .560/.607/1.040 with three home runs, five extra-base hits, nine RBI, and six runs scored, an easy choice for NLCS MVP.</p>
<p id="IphPoC">In a similar situation in the seventh, facing the same three-run deficit provided by Rosario, the Dodgers had their best rally of the night. AJ Pollock doubled home a run against Luke Jackson to cut Atlanta’s lead to 4-2, but more importantly put runners on second and third base with nobody out.</p>
<p id="l6FFPZ">In came left-hander Tyler Matzek, who brought a chainsaw to the mound to cut down the Dodgers chances. He struck out Albert Pujols swinging on four pitches, then got pinch-hitter Steven Souza Jr. looking on four pitches. After Mookie Betts watched two strikes of his own, he struck out swinging.</p>
<p id="dPZ1wU">Matzek’s dominance continued through the heart of the order in the eighth in short order. His two perfect innings needed only 17 total pitches.</p>
<p id="8pA3yK">Buehler took the loss in Game 6, because he was the one who took the ball. He allowed four runs in four innings, and had a 4.91 ERA in 18⅓ innings this postseason in four starts, two of which were <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/12/22723263/walker-buehler-dodgers-pitching-correct-choice-offense-giants-nlds-game-4">on three days rest for the first time in his career</a>.</p>
<p id="qswCfv">The Dodgers asked a lot of their starting pitchers all season, and when Buehler, Max Scherzer, and Julio Urías were the only three starters left in the cupboard they were asked to do even more. Buehler pitched on short rest twice, Scherzer and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/18/22733521/dave-roberts-julio-urias-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-postseason-nlcs-atlanta-braves">Urías were both</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22727153/dodgers-pitching-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlds-game-5-giants">used in relief on throw days</a>. </p>
<p id="drG4Px">Urías (200⅔) and Buehler (226) blew past their previous career highs in innings in 2021, by 73 and 31 innings, respectively, with everyone transitioning from a 60-game season to a full 162. With so many miles on the odometer for those two <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742172/max-scherzer-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-muscle-fatigue">plus the 37-year-old Scherzer</a>, the “check engine” light was blaring for the entire series against Atlanta.</p>
<p id="EgSOzy">After posting a 2.25 ERA in the wild card game and NLDS combined, Scherzer, Buehler, and Urías had little left in the NLCS, with a 7.50 ERA and getting a combined four outs after a fourth inning of work in their four starts.</p>
<div id="aFMLsK"><div data-anthem-component="table:10824142"></div></div>
<p id="LXKLjO">The Dodgers bullpen, after Buehler, did its job, putting up four scoreless frames, giving the relief crew a 2.91 ERA in 34 innings in the NLCS. It was a plucky performance in a season’s worth of valiant efforts for the team.</p>
<p id="LxSLy0">After winning 106 games, tying the most in franchise history, battling the 107-win Giants down the final day, then winning the wild card game, outlasting San Francisco in a grueling five-game NLDS, the Dodgers met their match in the Braves, who got their revenge after dropping last year’s NLCS.</p>
<p id="DDVtag">The Dodgers couldn’t complete a 3-1 series comeback for a second year in a row. They just ran out of steam.</p>
<h3 id="hU6mjh">NLCS Game 6 particulars</h3>
<p id="KcNikr"><strong>Home run</strong>: Eddie Rosario (3)</p>
<p id="XqgS2T"><strong>WP — AJ Minter (1-0)</strong>: 2 IP, 4 strikeouts</p>
<p id="FdExbw"><strong>LP — Walker Buehler (0-2)</strong>: 4 IP, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, 6 strikeouts</p>
<p id="cFJ6y1"><strong>Sv — Will Smith (4)</strong>: 1 IP, 2 strikeouts</p>
<h3 id="lqpsZ3">Up next</h3>
<p id="tBdX6F">Lots of rest is ahead, with the offseason now upon us. The Dodgers’ next game will be at home, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/8/4/22609765/dodgers-2022-schedule-all-star-game-july-19-dodger-stadium">hosting the Rockies on Thursday, March 31 on opening day 2022 at Dodger Stadium</a>.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742303/dodgers-season-over-walker-buehler-eddie-rosario-tyler-matzek-braves-nlcs-game-6Eric Stephen2021-10-23T16:46:00-07:002021-10-23T16:46:00-07:00NLCS Game 6 chat
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<img alt="NLCS: LA Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y62yAtncpnjTodkxWHvY9t5S7V0=/0x0:4434x2956/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70036644/1235989019.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The one before Game 7</p> <p id="6Pdj1c">Walker Buehler and the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> try to stay alive in Game 6 of the NLCS in Atlanta. Let’s get weird.</p>
<h3 id="Y5xLan">Pregame reading & listening</h3>
<aside id="eiQgr2"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Elimination boys get another chance in Game 6","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741613/dodgers-elimination-games-offense-bullpen-nlcs-game-6-braves-preview"},{"title":"Walker Buehler starts on short rest","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22741838/walker-buehler-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-postseason"},{"title":"Dodgers ‘very confident’ Scherzer can pitch Game 7","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742172/max-scherzer-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-muscle-fatigue"},{"title":"Game 6 lineups","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22742124/matt-beaty-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-lineup-atlanta-braves"},{"title":"Price added to roster, Kelly out","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/22/22740789/david-price-justin-bruihl-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-postseason-nlcs-2021-atlanta-braves"},{"title":"NLCS Game 6 viewing guide","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741586/los-angeles-dodgers-atlanta-braves-2021-mlb-postseason-how-to-watch"},{"title":"Dodgers-Braves NLCS schedule","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves"},{"title":"Podcast: The middle NLCS games at Dodger Stadium","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741349/dodgers-podcast-nlcs-dodger-stadium-cody-bellinger-chris-taylor"}]}'></div></aside><div id="NcoJXk"><div data-anthem-component="table:10823593"></div></div>
<h3 id="EO1hdm">NLCS Game 6 info</h3>
<p id="y2lj7Y">Teams: Dodgers at Braves</p>
<p id="IgO0TK">Series: Atlanta leads, 3-2</p>
<p id="7ezeIZ">Location: Truist Park, Atlanta</p>
<p id="IeWuF1">Time: 5:08 p.m.</p>
<p id="iPJJ5p">TV: TBS</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741611/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-6-chatEric Stephen2021-10-23T13:59:08-07:002021-10-23T13:59:08-07:00Scherzer would have pitched in Game 7 but, you know
<figure>
<img alt="Championship Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Atlanta Braves - Game Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aI4dYLL8TMHu2uR6Mi7gz-V4Chg=/73x0:4813x3160/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70036164/1347156073.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After muscle fatigue, how long Scherzer might pitch remains to be seen, should the series in Game 7.</p> <p id="daKwc2">Max Scherzer was <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/22/22741478/max-scherzer-los-angeles-dodgers-2021-postseason-mlb-playoffs-atlanta-braves">scratched from his Game 6 start Saturday</a> for what he described as muscle fatigue, though the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> hope to have him start in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Braves on Sunday, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves">if the series lasts that long</a>.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="HBUQGa"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Elimination boys get another chance in Game 6","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741613/dodgers-elimination-games-offense-bullpen-nlcs-game-6-braves-preview"},{"title":"Walker Buehler will start Game 6 ","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22741838/walker-buehler-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-postseason"},{"title":"NLCS Game 6 viewing guide ","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741586/los-angeles-dodgers-atlanta-braves-2021-mlb-postseason-how-to-watch"},{"title":"Dodgers-Braves NLCS schedule","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="GNlrgA">Scherzer last pitched in Game 2 of the NLCS last Sunday, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/17/22731621/dodgers-moves-backfired-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlcs-game-2">in which he only lasted 4⅓ innings, allowing two runs</a>. After the game he said his arm was tired, something that didn’t really improve throughout the week. The decision was made on Friday to have <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22741838/walker-buehler-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-postseason">Walker Buehler start Game 6 on short rest</a> instead of Scherzer.</p>
<p id="eW5Cmf">“We just felt it was best to give him an extra day,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters in Atlanta. “We just felt that this gives us the best chance to win today, and tomorrow.”</p>
<p id="RfQTb9">Roberts said he was very confident Scherzer would be able to pitch in Game 7. </p>
<p id="75lAM5">“What he will be able to give us and how long, I don’t know the answer,” Roberts said.</p>
<p id="COxEEz">Scherzer met with reporters in the dugout at Truist Park in Atlanta on Saturday.</p>
<div id="aQOgQ6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer said “my arm has been locked up the past couple days … I got to day four (after the start) and it felt like day one.”</p>— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillShaikin/status/1452002369592516614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“This isn’t a true injury. It’s just muscle fatigue.”</p>— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillShaikin/status/1452002868093984773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<div id="bVKwRQ">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer said moments ago he believes his body turned a corner yesterday when he finally was able to throw from 90 feet. He did the same today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a></p>— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) <a href="https://twitter.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1452005481950720008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer said he had not been able to throw beyond 60 feet before yesterday. He got up to 90 but still felt fatigued. He left the door open for an appearance in Game 7. We shall see.</p>— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByMcCullough/status/1452009512819437579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> Max Scherzer said his arm just took longer to bounce back than he had hoped. He said he feels like he turned the corner yesterday and felt better today. His expectation is that he’ll pitch tomorrow, but won’t really know how much length he can provide.</p>— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanctoribio/status/1452005529216241664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<div id="EnPAq7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dodgers</a> Max Scherzer said he feels confident he can pitch if there’s a Game 7. “I just don’t know where my line will be … how deep I can go.”</p>— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/1452005551240515585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<p id="sPiIhr">That Scherzer’s last start was Game 2 of the NLCS instead of Game 1 was a direct result of him <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22727153/dodgers-pitching-julio-urias-max-scherzer-nlds-game-5-giants">being used to close out the final inning of Game 5 of the NLDS</a> against the Giants. That pushed him back a day, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/16/22729197/dodgers-bullpen-game-nlcs-game-1-pitching-plans">hoping the extra rest would have him at his best</a>.</p>
<p id="K4Wled">“We knew going into this if we used him tonight, there might be a cost,” Roberts said after the NLDS Game 5 win in San Francisco.</p>
<p id="OYU6QA">The gambit earned Scherzer his first career save, but it was <em>not</em> his first career postseason relief appearance, having also done so in 2011 and 2013 with the Tigers, and 2017 <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2019/10/4/20899753/dodgers-battle-late-in-game-but-fall-to-the-nationals-game-recap-clayton-kershaw-max-muncy">and 2019 with the Nationals</a>. </p>
<p id="Rs9gcH">“This is a decision that we all kind of came together and we felt good about it,” Roberts said Saturday. “Could I foresee where we’re at right now? No, but you still have to make the decision that gets us to this point.”</p>
<p id="d0cabm">Scherzer said Saturday he doesn’t regret the relief appearance.</p>
<div id="TLLnfw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I overcooked my arm a little too much,” Max Scherzer said. He said he does not regret volunteering to pitch in relief in the NLDS.</p>— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByMcCullough/status/1452003735119486977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<div id="l0EgQZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer says the ninth inning of Game 5 of the NLDS is partially responsible for his dead arm, but it’s not just that: “It’s all the outings, added together.”</p>— Stephanie Apstein (@stephapstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephapstein/status/1452002789803053062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a>
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<p id="zJGtmV">“He’s pitched through some things over the last seven, eight years that I’ve seen him,” Trea Turner, who also played with Scherzer in Washington, told reporters in Atlanta on Saturday. “He knows when his body’s available to go or not. If he could, he would definitely be out there.”</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742172/max-scherzer-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-muscle-fatigueEric Stephen2021-10-23T12:42:59-07:002021-10-23T12:42:59-07:00Beaty starts at 1B in Game 6
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: OCT 06 NL Wild Card - Cardinals at Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zV9lfKDBPtlSVl5r3yaktnDmRvg=/0x406:2737x2231/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70036000/1235992881.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Matt Beaty will be at first base and hit eighth in LA’s lineup</p> <p id="Tflgph">No real changes in the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ lineup tonight for Game 6 of the NLCS. The only notable difference is Matt Beaty will get the start, not Albert Pujols. </p>
<aside id="8qTMtT"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Elimination boys get another chance in Game 6","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741613/dodgers-elimination-games-offense-bullpen-nlcs-game-6-braves-preview"},{"title":"Dodgers ‘very confident’ Scherzer can pitch Game 7","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742172/max-scherzer-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-muscle-fatigue"}]}'></div></aside><p id="nAq57Y">Though Pujols has been great for LA this postseason, he struggled against righties during the regular season, hitting .180 with an OPS of .500. Beaty was much better against righties in 2021, as he hit .261 with an OPS of .750 against them. </p>
<p id="qkjpEz">Beaty has had a quiet bat this postseason, as he’s only 1-for-10 at the plate. This will be his third start of the playoffs and his first since Game 1 of the NLDS. </p>
<p id="zh14CA">The rest of the Dodgers’ lineup remains the same. </p>
<h3 id="T7QEC0"><em><strong>Dodgers lineup </strong></em></h3>
<ol>
<li id="BgWTzT">Mookie Betts, RF</li>
<li id="38cwDk">Corey Seager, SS</li>
<li id="99FVrO">Trea Turner, 2B</li>
<li id="p1qDWS">Will Smith, C</li>
<li id="NBxrYf">Chris Taylor, 3B</li>
<li id="JtsBRI">Cody Bellinger, CF</li>
<li id="hJTtVk">AJ Pollock, LF</li>
<li id="9sZCTW">Matt Beaty, 1B</li>
<li id="RGGvOB">Walker Buehler, P</li>
</ol>
<h3 id="3U2TpO"><em><strong>Braves lineup </strong></em></h3>
<ol>
<li id="K4fBXR">Eddie Rosario, LF</li>
<li id="D1ov40">Freddie Freeman, 1B</li>
<li id="CChAQL">Ozzie Albies, 2B</li>
<li id="7Wq72N">Austin Riley, 3B</li>
<li id="yVLFF4">Adam Duvall, CF</li>
<li id="P7Gnjz">Joc Pederson, RF</li>
<li id="MjTVgf">Dansby Swanson, SS</li>
<li id="OMdxjC">Travis d’Arnaud, C</li>
<li id="GenJHy">Ian Anderson, P </li>
</ol>
<p id="MNqljA"></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22742124/matt-beaty-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-lineup-atlanta-bravesBlake Harris2021-10-23T10:24:24-07:002021-10-23T10:24:24-07:00Elimination boys get another chance in Game 6
<figure>
<img alt="National League Championship Series Game 5: Atlanta Braves v. Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ymrux3Arah-yzq28tmZTHX5w-2A=/0x0:4071x2714/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70035707/1236038864.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Taylor has four home runs in elimination games in the 2021 postseason, while Mookie Betts is 9-for-17 (.529) with a home run with the Dodgers’ backs against the wall. | Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LA is 7-0 in elimination games dating back to 2020</p> <p id="MsK7TP">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> are facing their fifth elimination game in 18 days, and trying to extend their seven-game win streak in such games dating back to 2020. The next challenge is Game 6 against the Braves, as the NLCS moves back to Truist Park in Atlanta.</p>
<p id="Qn0uAu">“I guess when our backs are against the wall, we play our best and fight,” manager Dave Roberts said after Thursday’s Game 5 win. “But that’s just not an ideal spot to be in.”</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="vFNwnF"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Walker Buehler will start Game 6 on short rest","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22741838/walker-buehler-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-postseason"},{"title":"Dodgers ‘very confident’ Scherzer can pitch Game 7","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742172/max-scherzer-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-muscle-fatigue"},{"title":"NLCS Game 6 viewing guide","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741586/los-angeles-dodgers-atlanta-braves-2021-mlb-postseason-how-to-watch"},{"title":"Dodgers-Braves NLCS schedule","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/14/22725239/nlcs-schedule-2021-dodgers-braves"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="Xg96Zr">While definitely not what they would have hoped, several Dodgers are at least experienced in games when playing with a season on the line.</p>
<p id="K34SWQ">Had Mookie Betts done nothing at the plate in last year’s NLCS, his contribution still would have been immense enough, with <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/16/21520350/will-smith-will-smith-home-run-dodgers-nlcs-game-5-corey-seager-braves">game-changing defensive</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/17/21520924/walker-buehler-ace-corey-seager-home-run-mookie-betts-catch-dodgers-nlcs-game-6-recap">gems in each of</a> <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/18/21522051/cody-bellinger-home-run-julio-urias-legend-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-pennant">Games 5, 6, and 7</a>. But he was also 5-for-12 at the plate in those three wins, and combined with his four elimination games this year, Betts has 14 hits in 29 at-bats when it’s do or die for the Dodgers, hitting .481/.500/.621 in seven games.</p>
<p id="0faZa0">Seven Dodgers have played in at least six of the seven Dodgers elimination games in the last two postseasons, and all had their moment(s):</p>
<ul>
<li id="5D9Blm">Betts, aside from the defensive gems and the great overall hitting, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/15/22724770/mookie-betts-impact-nlds-dodgers-giants">had four hits in Game 5 against the Giants</a>.</li>
<li id="jSC2BN">Corey Seager hit three home runs in Games 5 and 6 in 2020 against the Braves, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/18/21522646/corey-seager-nlcs-mvp-dodgers">on his way to winning NLCS MVP</a>.</li>
<li id="wGVRvM">Will Smith turned Game 5 around last year with <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/16/21520350/will-smith-will-smith-home-run-dodgers-nlcs-game-5-corey-seager-braves">a three-run homer <em>against Will Smith</em></a>.</li>
<li id="gQ2XXe">Cody Bellinger hit <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/18/21522051/cody-bellinger-home-run-julio-urias-legend-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-pennant">a pennant-winning home run in the seventh inning of Game 7</a>.</li>
<li id="08s03O">Justin Turner hit a game-tying homer in the wild card game, and had a <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2020/10/18/21522051/cody-bellinger-home-run-julio-urias-legend-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-pennant">Superman dive double play in Game 7 against the Braves</a>.</li>
<li id="icbUU1">Chris Taylor’s <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/6/22713605/chris-taylor-walk-off-home-run-dodgers-wild-card-game-cardinals">walk-off homer won the wild card game</a>, and <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/21/22739539/chris-taylor-aj-pollock-home-runs-dodgers-nlcs-game-5-braves">he hit three homers</a> on <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/22/22739882/dodgers-postseason-records-chris-taylor-nlcs-game-5">a record night on Thursday</a>.</li>
<li id="6iQpFk">AJ Pollock <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/22/22740683/aj-pollock-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-postseason-nlcs-2021">homered twice on Thursday in Game 5 against the Braves</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="SNjU7k">Trea Turner wasn’t around last year, but in the four elimination games this year he has seven hits, including a double, in 17 at-bats (.412/.444/.471). He’s just 4-for-31 (.129) in the other seven games.</p>
<div id="krTYgb"><div data-anthem-component="table:10823074"></div></div>
<p id="tFaEDV">Justin Turner isn’t active for Saturday’s elimination game, as <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/20/22737784/justin-turner-hamstring-injury-dodgers-nlcs">he suffered a season-ending hamstring strain on Wednesday</a>. That was the first of a string of Dodgers injuries this week, with <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/22/22740789/david-price-justin-bruihl-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-postseason-nlcs-2021-atlanta-braves">David Price replacing Joe Kelly</a> (<a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/21/22739924/joe-kelly-injury-right-biceps-strain-dodgers-out-for-season">biceps strain</a>), and left-hander Justin Bruihl dealing with arm soreness.</p>
<p id="Pzwb3v">The biggest injury is the newest, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/22/22741478/max-scherzer-los-angeles-dodgers-2021-postseason-mlb-playoffs-atlanta-braves">with Max Scherzer getting scratched from his Game 6 start</a>, having not yet recovered from the dead arm he felt in his Game 2 start in Atlanta. Walker Buehler <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22741838/walker-buehler-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-postseason">will instead start on Saturday</a>, on three days rest.</p>
<p id="ByUbiT">That means the Dodgers bullpen will be heavily in play on Saturday, and possibly for two games this weekend in Atlanta.</p>
<p id="bywBoi">Kelly pitched in seven of the Dodgers’ 11 postseason games, with no convenient replacement to take his key spots. But the six remaining active relievers who’ve been used the most have combined this postseason to strike out 44 against only three walks. </p>
<p id="2C8X6G">Kenley Jansen, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, Corey Knebel, and Phil Bickford have a collective 1.47 ERA and 1.45 FIP in 36⅔ innings over a total of 39 appearances.</p>
<p id="bWcTSq">Five of those six relievers pitched on Thursday, with Bickford not appearing in Game 5 after pitching the previous two days. All should be available for Saturday and potentially Sunday, at least ideally.</p>
<p id="IyUq2p">But ideal is hard to come by these days.</p>
<h3 id="EO1hdm">NLCS Game 6 info</h3>
<p id="y2lj7Y">Teams: Dodgers at Braves</p>
<p id="IgO0TK">Series: Atlanta leads, 3-2</p>
<p id="7ezeIZ">Location: Truist Park, Atlanta</p>
<p id="IeWuF1">Time: 5:08 p.m.</p>
<p id="iPJJ5p">TV: TBS</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22741613/dodgers-elimination-games-offense-bullpen-nlcs-game-6-braves-previewEric Stephen2021-10-23T07:49:39-07:002021-10-23T07:49:39-07:00Walker Buehler will start Game 6
<figure>
<img alt="Championship Series - Atlanta Braves v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Three" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y6ktrr0xE1a8pHRpqq8s9QxLij4=/0x0:4660x3107/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70035298/1347571824.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Dodgers will turn to Walker Buehler on short rest </p> <p id="f0YqK4">Just when you thought things couldn’t get any crazier, you wake up to this news. </p>
<p id="alSSo6">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> announced that Walker Buehler will be making the start for Game 6 of the NLCS. He’ll be on short rest, as he pitched last on Tuesday. </p>
<aside id="b4vHdD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Dodgers ‘very confident’ Scherzer can pitch Game 7","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/10/23/22742172/max-scherzer-dodgers-game-7-nlcs-muscle-fatigue"}]}'></div></aside><p id="hYm1bI">After never pitching on short rest in his career, this will be the second time the Dodgers have asked Buehler to do so this postseason. He pitched on three days rest in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Giants. He went 4.1 innings and allowed one run. </p>
<p id="UVg0V4">Buehler is coming off the shortest outing of his postseason career, as he went 3.2 innings on Tuesday. </p>
<p id="caTSH7">As you’ve heard by now, Max Scherzer won’t be starting today because of fatigue concerns. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go for a potential Game 7 if needed. </p>
<p id="gnqJVn">The plan after the news seemed to be today being a bullpen game with Buehler going Game 7. Maybe there’s a chance Scherzer is able to go tomorrow? If so, give yourselves the best chance to win today to force a Game 7. </p>
<p id="jFwTAF">Either way, the Dodgers seem to be barely hanging on. With Scherzer dealing with arm fatigue, I sure hope they’re careful with Buehler.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/nlcs-2021-dodgers-braves/2021/10/23/22741838/walker-buehler-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-nlcs-game-6-postseasonBlake Harris