The Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays have traded victories during the World Series and now one team will push the other to the brink of elimination in Game 5. The Dodgers were on the verge of taking a 3-1 series lead but a wild turn of events has them looking to rebound from a stunning walk-off loss.
“Obviously didn’t get the result that we wanted. Wild game, back and forth, up and down, but like we’ve said all along, we know it’s not going to be easy,” Justin Turner said.
“We know how difficult this is. Got to learn from tonight, make our adjustments we need to make, come back and find a way to win a game.”
Turner has done his part to help the Dodgers end their World Series drought, hitting a home run in the first inning of each of the past two games. He became the first player in MLB history to accomplish the feat, and Turner’s 12 career postseason homers are the most in Dodgers franchise history.
L.A.’s ability to provide run support and come up with timely hits would go a long way in supporting Clayton Kershaw. He got the better of the Rays in Game 1, but is expecting to make adjustments a second time around.
“Obviously any time the hitters see you, they get a little bit more of an advantage,” Kershaw said. “They’ve seen me for a few at-bats now, so I might have to change a few things up. But for the most part just continue to pitch the way that you pitch.”
The last time Kershaw started a Game 5 with the World Series tied at 2-2 was in 2017, though that outing very much needs to be taken with a grain of salt in light of MLB discovering the Houston Astros electronically stole signs at Minute Maid Park.
Kershaw is opposed by Tyler Glasnow in a rematch of the World Series opener. Glasnow had eight strikeouts but also was charged for six runs in just 4.1 innings pitched. Two of those came across after the right-hander was chased from the game.
Austin Barnes predictably is catching Kershaw, and Cody Bellinger is back in center field after having to shift to designated hitter for Game 4 because of back discomfort.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Max Muncy
DH: Will Smith
CF: Cody Bellinger
2B: Chris Taylor
LF: Joc Pederson
C: Austin Barnes
Rays lineup
1B: Yandy Díaz
DH: Randy Arozarena
2B: Brandon Lowe
LF: Manuel Margot
RF: Hunter Renfroe
3B: Joey Wndle
SS: Willy Adames
CF: Kevin Kiermaier
C: Mike Zunino
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