Disappointed to have suffered a second consecutive loss in the National League Championship Series but encouraged by a rally in the ninth inning, the Los Angeles Dodgers rode that momentum into a historic start in Game 3.
After a challenge on an out call at first base, the floodgates opened on Atlanta Braves rookie starter Kyle Wright. His second pitch of the game was driven by Corey Seager into the left-center field gap for an RBI double.
Wright then retired the next two batters, only for Will Smith to drop an RBI single into center field. Cody Bellinger’s walk set the table for Joc Pederson, who went to the opposite field for a three-run homer in his first start this postseason.
Edwin Rios then clubbed a homer to straightaway center field, and Seager’s second at-bat of the inning yielded an RBI single. To that point, Seager had a three-run home run, run-scoring double, RBI double and the base hit in his last four at-bats.
Max Muncy then dropped the proverbial hammer for the Dodgers by taking Grant Dayton deep for a grand slam.
The 11 runs the Dodgers scored set an MLB postseason record for most in any inning of a playoff game. It was the type of start manager Dave Roberts was hopeful to see — and optimistic — his team was soon going to be rewarded for their approach.
Betts takes blame
The Dodgers found their stride during the regular season once Betts was finally locked into the leadoff spot of the lineup. He’s remained there in the playoffs but yet to meet expectations. Betts acknowledged as much and the onus on himself ahead of Game 3.
“I haven’t really barreled too many balls, got my first hit [Tuesday]. It’s obviously going to take all of us, not just me, and I understand that. But I also do need to do my job, which is get on base and score some runs,” he said.
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