Blake Snell’s historic postseason has been halted in the World Series as the Toronto Blue Jays forced the left-hander to labor and found success unlike the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers before them.
In Game 1 at Rogers Centre, Snell allowed eight hits and five runs, and walked three batters. He finished with four strikeouts but lacked fastball command over his five-plus innings of work in the Dodgers’ 11-4 loss. Snell exited with the bases loaded and all three runners scored while Emmet Sheehan was on the mound.
The Dodgers bounced back with a win in Game 2, which guaranteed Snell would get another opportunity face the Blue Jays.
“I’m thankful for the first start and what I was able to learn and how much better I got from that. Beyond excited that I have another opportunity tomorrow to really display the kind of pitcher that I am and that I’m striving to be,” Snell said the day before Game 5 at Dodger Stadium.
“I really can’t wait for it. I’m so excited. You want to contribute and when we’re winning and we’re in the World Series, there’s no better moment than right now.”
Snell’s confidence didn’t earn him a win, though he believed the outing was filled with more misfortune than poor pitching.
It nevertheless resulted in a loss that put the Dodgers on the brink of elimination. They now need a win in Game 6 to avoid losing the World Series, and two victories to become MLB’s first repeat champion since the New York Yankees claimed three titles in a row from 1998-2000.
Blake Snell vows to pitch in Game 7
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is taking the ball for the Dodgers in Game 6 as they look to extend their season at Rogers Centre. It also would afford Snell a potential opportunity to pitch again this year.
“Vlad, he’s a really good hitter, so you’ve got to do stuff there. But the rest of the lineup, yeah, they were ambushing,” he said. “If we get to Game 7, then I’ll see them again. So I can’t say much. Vlad, good hitter. Schneider, he hit one mile an hour harder than I threw it, good location. Varsho triple, curveball, capped.
“Luck plays in baseball too.”
When asked if he would physically be in position to pitch on just two days of rest, Snell answered, “Yeah, I’ll be ready. For sure.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
