The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the brink of elimination heading into World Series Game 6 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
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The showdown at the Rogers Centre Friday night could feature yet another a new-look lineup for the defending champions, as manager Dave Roberts said Thursday in Toronto he could make another lineup change ahead of Game 6.
“I might change it up a little bit,” Roberts said on Thursday’s off-day. “I’m contemplating. I’m still up in the air. It could be a little bit of a change.”
Roberts made a couple changes ahead of Game 5, swapping Alex Call for Andy Pages while also moving Mookie Betts down to the No. 3 hole with Will Smith going up to the No. 2 hole. The Dodgers offense still managed just one run in the loss, as LA has scored just four runs over the last 29 innings.
The Dodgers’ offensive struggles have been well-documented, but LA is running out of time to turn things around.
The Dodgers will be facing right-hander Kevin Gausman, who allowed three runs across 6.2 innings in Game 2. He was cruising until the seventh inning, when he allowed two solo home runs.
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Roberts said after Game 5 he needs to see better at-bats from his team across the board, similar to how Toronto has adjusted.
“You clearly see (the Blue Jays) finding ways to get hits, move the baseball forward, and we’re not doing a good job of it,” Roberts said. “You still have to use the whole field and take what they give you, and if they’re not going to allow for slug, then you’ve got to be able to kind of redirect and club down to take competitive at-bats.”
It’s now or never for the Dodgers, as they need to win both games in Toronto to avoid ending their season short of a World Series championship.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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16 Responses
I would put Miggy Ro in at 2B and bat 9th. It worked quite well when they did it. Miggy can work the count, bunt, and have the knowledge in passing the baton. He’s also a leader on the field with tons of playoff experience to calm any stressful situations. Edman needs to suck it up for the team and do whatever it takes to play CF, because this is The World Series. Kiké in LF and Teo in RF.
Against RH’er Gausman:
1. Ohtani, 2. Smith, 3. Freeman, 4. Teo, 5. Muncy, 6. Betts, 7. Edman, 8. Kiké, 9. Rojas
Toronto would think twice before walking Ohtani with clutch Smith and Freeman on deck.
Toronto is winning because theyre taking a 1980s hitter’s approach at the plate. This launch angle/exit velocity/all or nothing way of thinking will be the dodgers downfall.
I believe they’re going to have a better approach to the plate tonight. They know what is wrong and would make the corrections to have better bat to ball contact. Their back is to the wall and they know they have to pull out all stops to win this.
Beautifully said I still have doubts Ohtani leading off he’s to powerful to lead off that’s just me but I like your ideal.
Ohtani leading off will give the best chance of starting the game with a lead and having the most opportunities to bat. Also with Kiké and Rojas hopefully working the counts and setting the table, this will give Ohtani chances to drive in runs and turn the lineup over.
I’m happy that I was wrong in Roberts putting Mookie in the 4 hole as he was outstanding in getting that big hit knocking in the eventual game winning runs. Also I’m glad that they put Smith behind Ohtani as he got the double after Toronto intentionally walked Ohtani. And starting Kiké in LF and Rojas at 2B proved very instrumental defensively, especially Miggy playing solid in every ball that came his way. I think Mookie plays more relaxed when Miggy is on the field with him as Miggy gives his advice on every crucial scenarios. Miggy shows his value as the leader in the infield to calm stressful situations for the fielders and pitchers. Now Toronto might walk Mookie to get to Teo and Muncy. Those two must step it up hitting in the middle of the order. It’s going to be a battle tonight with winner taking home the WORLD SERIES TROPHY!
I think roberts should put MOOKIE back at leadof- followed by ohtani, freeman. and smith–this was a good lineup before putting ohtani first–
For those talking lineup changes, Roberts could out Shohei Ohtani 1-9 and it wouldn’t matter as long as theyre just trying to hit the ball over the fence. Freddie Freeman is really the only guy with the right approach at the plate right now.
You don’t want to have the lefties back to back because they can counter with a lefty i rather have right left etc
I say put Mookie back at lead off also and Maggie Ro at second and bat 9th. Trying to not look ahead but have Ohtani start the game 7 and go 3-4 innings then Glasnow for 4-5 then all the Dodgers need is hopefully one inning of relief from the pen.
I’m just worried about tonight. If this team doesnt score 4 or 5 runs it’s over.
The number of times Dodgers strike out is appalling. Either we need a new hitting coach or management needs to kick some behind. How about stopping waving arms and focus on improving hitting. Toronto seems to have the magic. It’s time the Dodgers find that magic rather than giving the series away. Man up Dodgers.
Have Kim at 2nd batting 9th and Edman in left, as these guys puts the ball in play as good contact hitter plus the speed when on base, Kike in center, mookie remain hitting 3rd in protecting smith before and freeeman after
Praying
Go Dodgers
There will be a game 7
Dodgers lineup is getting too standard. Here’s an alternative. Kim or Rojas at second, Edman in center, Kike in left.
Batting order Othani, Smith, Muncy, Freeman, Betts, Edman Theoscar, Kim/Rojas, Kike
Try out some surprise bunts. Do not swing on balls, Do not steal on Kirk
I believe its too late. Loosing at your home stadium is a true weakness. Now you play your final two games in a difficult place to play, Toronto. Our only hope is that Yamanato pitches a miracle game, and our hitters stop popping up, grounding out into double plays, and swinging at balls that are hitting the ground.
If the Dodgers manage to win Game 6, I think they will also win Game 7. When the Dodgers are at their best, nobody can beat them. Hopefully that is the way they play Friday and Saturday.