Heading into the National League Championship Series the Los Angeles Dodgers once again faced questions over their struggles against southpaws as the Chicago Cubs started Jon Lester in Game 1.
Lester dominated the Dodgers during the regular season, allowing just one run and seven hits in 15 innings over two starts. He held Los Angeles in check during Game 1, throwing six innings, allowing just four hits and exiting with a 3-1 lead.
Lester was removed in favor of pinch-hitter Jorge Soler after just 77 pitches, as the Cubs had an opportunity to extend their lead.
The Dodgers came back against the Cubs bullpen to tie the game, but an eighth-inning grand slam by Miguel Montero helped the Cubs recapture the lead and ultimately the game.
After the win Lester said he didn’t agree with the decision, but he stood by his manager. One NL scout agreed with Joe Maddon’s decision to remove Lester, via Jon Heyman of Todays Knuckleball:
Jon Lester allowed only one run in six innings in Game 1, but the scout said Maddon was right to get him out of there. “Lester got lucky, and he knows it,” the scout said
While Lester’s line checked out favorably, he was backed by a defense that made an array of impressive plays. Dexter Fowler was particularly instrumental, running down multiple balls hit to the gap.
The Dodgers also had misfortune on their side, with several hard-hit balls and line drives going right at players. That culminated with Chase Utley lining into a game-ending double play with a runner on second base.
Had Utley’s line drive been slightly right, left or above Anthony Rizzo, the Dodgers’ ninth-inning rally would have at least continued for one more batter.
Lester returns to mound Thursday with the NLCS tied 2-2. In discussing Maddon’s decision, Lester reiterated his stance. “Like I said, at the time you don’t want to get taken out and you don’t understand that,” he said Wednesday.
“You’re pissed. You’re looking up there seeing 77 pitches and you’re getting taken out of the game. But like I said, when you go into the clubhouse and you’re able to separate from the field, you go, okay, I understand the move. It’s National League baseball and that’s the way it is.”
Maddon presumably will have another quick hook in Game 5 considering the loser will be on the brink of elimination when the NLCS shifts back to Wrigley Field this weekend.
