Game 5 of the World Series came on the heels of one of the most dramatic postseason moments in recent memory.
In Game 4, the Rays walked off the Dodgers on what was ruled a double error as Randy Arozarena scored. It didn’t come easily, though, as the young star stumbled while rounding third during Brett Phillips‘s broken-bat hit. That tied the series at 2-2 going into a crucial Game 5. Sunday’s pitching matchup was premier with Clayton Kershaw toeing the rubber against big Tyler Glasnow.
Recap
The Dodgers started the first inning off with a statement as Mookie Betts lined a double to left field. Corey Seager knocked him in with a single. Justin Turner struck out looking before Max Muncy walked. Corey Seager advanced to second on a wild pitch before Will Smith struck out swinging. Seager advanced to third on another wild pitch. Cody Bellinger then hit an RBI infield single, making the score 2-0, before Chris Taylor struck out swinging.
Kershaw started off his night by allowing a screaming single off the bat of Yandy Diaz before getting Randy Arozarena to ground into a double play and a Brandon Lowe pop-out.
Leading off the second inning, Joc Pederson hammered a long home run off Glasnow, who then walked Austin Barnes (eventually caught stealing) and allowed a Betts flyout, Seager walk, and Turner flyout. Kershaw allowed a hit to the Rays in the bottom of the second but settled in for a fairly clean inning. Glasnow then allowed a single to Muncy before striking out Smith and Bellinger and getting Taylor to ground out.
Kevin Kiermaier led off the bottom of the third with a single, Mike Zunino struck out, Yandy Diaz hit an RBI triple and Randy Arozarena hit an RBI single before Brandon Lowe struck out, ending the Rays’ rally with a 3-2 deficit.
The fourth inning was fairly silent for both sides. In the top of the fifth, Muncy hit a solo shot, giving the Dodgers a 4-2 lead. This is where the score would stay. Blake Treinen struck out two in the ninth to net his first World series save.
Statistics
For the Dodgers’ offense, Muncy went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk. Betts went 1-for-5 with a double, Pederson went 1-for-2 with a home run and a walk, and Bellinger and Seager both went 1-for-3 with RBI.
The Dodgers’ pitching was great with Kershaw going 5.2 innings and allowing just five hits, two runs, two walks, and six strikeouts. Dustin May entered in relief for 1.2 innings, allowing one hit while striking out two. Victor Gonzalez threw 0.2 innings, walking one, and Treinen struck out two while allowing a hit in the ninth.
The Rays; offense was somewhat quiet, though Diaz went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. Arozarena went 1-for-4 and contribute the team’s other RBI. Manuel Margot finished 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. Kiermaier went 2-for-3 with a run.
On the pitching side, Glasnow tossed five innings, allowing six hits, four runs, three walks, and seven strikeouts.
The bullpen was impeccable, giving up only two walks the rest of the way. The relievers were Aaron Loup, Diego Castillo, Ryan Sherriff, and Ryan Thompson, who had the lone bullpen strikeout.
What’s Next?
The Dodgers will send out rookie Tony Gonsolin in what they hope is the final game of the season. The Rays will look to tie the series yet again as they employ southpaw Blake Snell to duel Los Angeles’ rookie.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at 8:08 p.m. EST
TV: FOX
Stadium: Globe Life Field
Location: Arlington, Tex.
Dodgers Pitcher: Tony Gonsolin | 0-2, 9.39 ERA, 9 K
Rays Pitcher: Blake Snell | 2-2, 3.33 ERA, 28 K
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