D-backs, Dodgers raise the stakes in Game 2
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LOS ANGELES -- It’s the postseason; they’re all big games.
But Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday night at Dodger Stadium? Are the stakes here massive or what?
The D-backs have a unique opportunity to kick the Dodgers when they’re down and carry a 2-0 lead back to Chase Field in the best-of-five series. Los Angeles, meanwhile, can put itself right back on level footing, reasserting its status as the NL West’s preeminent heavyweight.
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So, yeah, Game 2 is a big one. Here are four looming questions that might just decide that game -- and potentially the series:
1. Does Lovullo get it right with Gallen?
For a crucial game like this one, it’s hard to envision the D-backs’ pitching situation being set up any better. They have ace Zac Gallen on the mound. And their suddenly resurgent bullpen is completely fresh.
The options at the disposal of D-backs manager Torey Lovullo are plentiful. That doesn’t mean his decisions are going to be easy, particularly against the Dodgers’ lineup.
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The top of the L.A. order is particularly fearsome (as we’ll get to in a moment). It’s difficult to envision Game 2 devolving into the type of blowout we saw in Game 1. There’s a good chance Gallen gets to the top of that lineup for a third time around the fifth or sixth inning. There’s a good chance the game will be close then, too.
That’s when it’s decision time.
“On Zac, it will be me watching him and figuring out when it's time to turn it over to the bullpen and just pay close attention to how they're stacking their team and stacking their lineup, creating some matchup opportunities that will create an advantage for us, once they start to maneuver,” Lovullo said. “… It will be the same math equation that I follow at all times. But it feels very good [to have Gallen and a fresh bullpen].”
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2. Who else steps up for the Dodgers?
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman scored L.A.’s two runs in Game 1. Will Smith had two hits. Beyond that trio? The Dodgers need more.
Max Muncy and J.D. Martinez solidify the 4-5 spots in the order. But for years, one of the Dodgers’ biggest strengths was the depth of their lineup, one through nine. Particularly, the playoff performances from bottom of that order.
This roster construction is distinctly different. The Dodgers rely on a couple of the sport’s best hitters at the top. But the bottom of their lineup is full of platoon parts and question marks. With Gallen on the mound, the Dodgers will probably run it back with their lefty-hitting outfield trio of David Peralta, Jason Heyward and James Outman. They need that group to step up in a big way.
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3. Will the D-backs stay ‘humble’ and ‘hungry?’
Game 1 was a statement. The scrappy D-backs, who fought their way into the playoffs on the final weekend, delivered a significant punch to the 100-win division champ. Now, the Dodgers are on their heels. Arizona finds itself in an unusual position as the aggressors.
“I want our guys to stay hungry,” Lovullo said during workout day on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. “I want our guys to stay humble and stay where they're at right now, because they're ready for the challenge of every day.”
Given the construction of the Arizona offense, this is a team that can absolutely continue to cause problems for L.A. With Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte at the top of the lineup and a number of speedsters throughout, the D-backs can apply all sorts of pressure.
It’s what they’ve done all season. It’s what they did in Game 1. But this is a team with minimal postseason experience. Presented a golden opportunity to take a commanding series lead, can the D-backs continue to apply that pressure from the outset in Game 2?
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4. Can Miller take down five?
Clayton Kershaw’s short Game 1 outing isn’t as prohibitive as it could’ve been without the off-day on Sunday. The entire L.A. bullpen will be available for Game 2, save for maybe Emmet Sheehan.
Still, the Dodgers could use at least five innings from Bobby Miller. That’s no simple ask for a rookie making his first career postseason start. But the back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen has been excellent. Miller doesn’t need to chew up seven. He just needs to limit the damage early and get L.A. to those back-end arms.
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Collectively, Dodgers relievers have posted a 2.26 ERA in the second half, easily the best mark in baseball. That’s largely thanks to the four righties -- Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, Ryan Brasier and Joe Kelly -- at the back end.
The math, then, is relatively simple: Miller for five, each of those four for one inning apiece.
“I'm going to manage Game 2 like it's Game 7,” Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts said.
As he should. The Dodgers’ season hangs in the balance. Any early stumbles, and Roberts shouldn’t hesitate with a quick hook. But the path to an L.A. win in Game 2 gets a lot clearer if Miller were to take down 15 outs.