Dodgers face NLCS elimination after Game 3 loss
The Los Angeles Dodgers stand one defeat away from playoff elimination following a 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Dave Roberts managed a squad that now trails three games to none in the best-of-seven series, leaving the team on the brink of exiting the postseason.
Blake Snell dominant start unravels in the seventh
Left-hander Blake Snell retired 14 consecutive batters and carried a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning before his outing unraveled. After issuing a leadoff walk to Andrew Vaughn on seven pitches, Snell surrendered a go-ahead, two-run home run to Jake Bauers on an 11-pitch battle. Garrett Mitchell followed with another home run, chasing Snell from the game and handing Milwaukee a 4-2 advantage. Snell finished the night with nine strikeouts and one walk across 99 pitches.
The Dodgers lost Game 3. They are down 0-3 in the NLCS🚨🚨Dave Roberts made a few MASSIVE mistakes that led to LA's eventual downfall…⬇️⬇️https://t.co/6HG5gv31aE
Dave Roberts strategic decisions backfire in late innings
Roberts faced mounting second-guessing over several tactical choices throughout Wednesday’s matchup. In the sixth inning, Roberts declined to have Tommy Edman sacrifice, opting instead for a hit; Edman flied out. Later in the sixth inning, Roberts deployed Max Muncy as a pinch-hitter, removing right-hander Andy Pages from the game. Muncy struck out, though Will Smith followed with a two-run double off Abner Uribe to briefly put Los Angeles ahead.
Will Smith breaks slump before Milwaukee bullpen locks down
Will Smith snapped a postseason slump with his sixth-inning double off the left-field wall, temporarily reversing the momentum for the Dodgers’ offense. Brewers manager Pat Murphy countered by calling on DL Hall, who recorded back-to-back strikeouts of Kiké Hernández and Tommy Edman. The Dodgers failed to advance another runner past first base for the remainder of the evening. Relief pitchers Hall and Megill combined for 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to secure the victory for Milwaukee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical precedent for teams down 3-0 in a best-of-seven series?
The 2004 Boston Red Sox are the only team to come back from being down 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series. That team included Dave Roberts.
Who will start Game 4 for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 4 facing elimination. Glasnow has a 3.60 ERA in three elimination games, all with the Rays.
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