Dodgers Deliver Another Dramatic Performance in the Fight to the World Series

Hollywood has a new contender for best dramatic performance: the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On Tuesday, Don Mattingly’s team managed to look nothing short of defeated as the St. Louis Cardinals trampled the Dodgers on their home field in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.  But yesterday, when they needed it most, the Dodgers played like winners and won like World Series contenders.

In Game 5, the Dodgers delivered an impressive four home runs.  Not since 1977, have they belted that number of balls beyond the outfield in a postseason game.

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez was responsible for two homers; one of which arched 450 feet and broke the 2-2 tie game in the third inning.  The remaining home runs were provided by Carl “The Perfect Storm” Crawford and Andrew James “A.J.” Ellis.  Collectively, these three heavy hitters helped the Dodgers prevail 6-4.  …But not without a little drama.

By the top of the ninth, the Cardinals had not scored a run in five innings but had watched the Dodgers put up four home runs.  Brian Wilson had just descended from the mound while rising to third on the all-time list of postseason pitchers who have not given up a run.

The score was 6-2.  Los Angeles was captivated.  And yet the Dodgers began to capsize.

Closer Kenley Jansen, who has been likened to the great Mariano Rivera and who walked out to Snoop Dogg’s I Wanna Rock, allowed two runs in the ninth inning.  …But not without assistance. 

After Dodger Yasiel Puig lost a fly ball in the sun, Cardinal Matt Holliday got on base and later was brought home by Matt Adam’s shallow single to center field.  Adams then scored after Pete Kozma’s single to right center, advancing outfielder Jon Jay to second base.

The series was three to one, and the four run lead now was just two.  With two outs, a man on base and Adron Chambers at-bat, the nervous chatter in Dodgers stadium took hold.  The possibility that the western division team that had come so far, now could surrender the series, became so real; even if just in the fears of their fans.

Fortunately, Jansen managed to take out Chambers on an arguable yet called third strike.

Yet again, the Dodgers came close to an end and, yet again, they avoided defeat.  They now head to St. Louis for Game 6 on Friday.

With a day of rest, the Dodgers will build on their strengths and find ways to capitalize on their weaknesses.  And with a fight, they will push a Game 7.