After only taking one of three games at Minute Maid Park, the Los Angeles Dodgers returned to Dodger Stadium for Game 6 of the World Series needing a win to force the Houston Astros to a Game 7. The game on Halloween marked a franchise first for the Dodgers.
Throughout the postseason the Dodgers welcomed several beloved members of the organization’s history. For Game 1 of the World Series, that honor was bestowed upon Vin Scully — who shared it with Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Yeager.
On Tuesday night, it was Orel Hershiser and Tommy Lasorda who were tabbed to throw out the first pitch. The two ball girls who survived the Las Vegas shooting served as the catchers for Hersisher and the beloved former skipper.
They walked out to the mound to rousing applause and shared a hug after delivering their respective pitch.
.@TommyLasorda and @OrelHershiser with tonight's first pitches! #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/wBszKVJxkj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 1, 2017
Hershiser capped off a remarkable 1988 World Series with a complete-game performance in Game 5 against the Oakland Athletics. It was the third consecutive complete game for the right-hander. Lasorda is the franchise’s last manager to lead the Dodgers to a championship.
While the Dodgers find themselves in a 3-2 series deficit, history lied on their side entering Game 6. Of the previous 11 teams to return home while trailing 3-2 in the World Series, nine have forced a Game 7.
Out of those nine teams, eight went on to win the Fall Classic. The Chicago Cubs overcame a 3-1 deficit and won Games 6 and 7 on the road.
