Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was greeted with a jarring sound when he emerged from the dugout in the sixth inning of Game 5 of the World Series. A pro-Dodgers crowd at Globe Life Field showered Roberts with boos as he walked toward the mound.
He’d yet to gesture to the bullpen, but his intent was clear. It was not the first time Roberts had been booed, but with fans not permitted to attend games until the National League Championship Series, it was a first for 2020.
“Did I miss it? No. I don’t think that ever feels good, but I think my job is to help the Dodgers win the World Series,” he said.
Clayton Kershaw lobbied to remain in the game, and he received support from Justin Turner. But Roberts remained committed to sticking with the plan he and Kershaw had agreed to before the sixth inning began — the left-hander would only face two more batters.
Dustin May struck out Manuel Margot, worked a perfect seventh inning and was removed with one out in the eighth. Victor Gonzalez inherited a baserunner and the Dodgers seemingly lost a matchups advantage when the Tampa Bay Rays pinch-hit Mike Brosseau for Ji-Man Choi.
He walked, and Gonzalez then had to face Randy Arozarena as the go-ahead run. Roberts’ decision-making again came into question, but the rookie southpaw retired Arozarena on one pitch and then Brandon Lowe on two.
“I didn’t get a chance to see the boos turn to cheers, but that’s OK,” Roberts said with a smirk. “The fans have passion. That’s good.”
Roberts not influenced by fans
Although Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Roberts have both explained strategy heading into any given game is a collaborative effort, it’s often the latter who bears the brunt of the blame during down times.
No matter the response, even a chorus of boos, Roberts remains undeterred. “I wouldn’t say it’s difficult,” he said.
“I just understand that fans, players get caught up in emotion. And I’m emotional, but I still have to have clarity on making decisions because ultimately my job is to help the Dodgers win the World Series.
“I can’t get caught up in fans’ reactions with a decision I make.”
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