The Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the San Diego Padres from postseason play with a 2-0 win in Game 5 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium.
After scoring a combined 21 runs over the first three matchups, the Padres’ bats were stymied by Dodgers pitching. They ended their season on a scoreless innings streak of 24.
“I think ‘stunning’ is appropriate,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said after the Game 5 loss. “Yeah. I’ve got to tip your hat, and while we’re doing it, congratulations to the Dodgers.
“Hard fought, a lot of things going on in the season. Had them down. They were able to come back. So congratulations to them.”
The Padres have one of the better lineups in all of baseball, with All-Stars Luis Arráez, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill, among others, leading the way.
Aside from Tatis, who went for 7-for-20 in the NLDS, the Padres collectively hit just .199 over five games against the Dodgers pitching staff.
It was a disappointing outcome for the Padres, who ranked in the top 10 among several offensive categories during the regular season.
“Our pitching staff was unbelievable,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “24 consecutive scoreless innings against that offense. I can’t say enough about each one of those guys. It started with Walker and just all of our ‘pen guys, Yamamoto tonight, and how they all passed the baton to one another, kept them scoreless and allowed us to win two consecutive games.”
The Padres had the Dodgers on the ropes but instead head into the offseason after an untimely offensive drought.
Dave Roberts praises Dodgers pitching staff
From the Dodgers’ side of things, their 24 consecutive scoreless innings on the mound is nothing short of impressive. They opted for a bullpen game on Wednesday and then trusted Yoshinobu Yamamoto with their season on the line.
“I think it’s about the players. The players were outstanding. The guys from the 24-26 innings, when you call a number, call a name, it’s up to those guys to go out there and perform. And I give all the credit to those guys,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“And you can have whatever plan or script people can talk about, but it comes down to the players. And those guys made plays, made pitches and made us all look good.
“From Yoshi today to the bullpen, if you’re talking about a series MVP, it’s our bullpen, clearly. I’m so excited for those guys. And the Josh Bard has done a fantastic job with the entire bullpen.”
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