10 Thoughts from NLDS Game 1 Arizona Diamondbacks v. Los Angeles Dodgers:

I cannot remember a time when two teams from the same division played in the divisional series. It is a testament to the seasons that both teams had.

1. Justin Turner put his stamp on the series early with a first inning 3-run homerun and driving in a total of five runs.
2. Taijuan Walker had a large task ahead of himself when he was given the job to start Game 1. He was not up to the task giving up four runs and throwing 47 pitches in the first and his only inning.
3. Yasiel Puig may take this series over. He has been playing so well and it feels like he is ready to explode for the playoffs. His triple with the tongue wag would have blown the roof off of Dodger Stadium if it had one.
4. Kershaw was dominant until he ran out of gas in the 7th inning. He struck six of the first nine batters he faced. He also gave up four homeruns. The homeruns are concerning. I think Roberts should not let him go out there after six unless they have a big lead like last night.
5. J.D. Martinez hit yet another homerun. I would think this guy does not want the season to end with the way he is seeing the baseball. The free agent at season’s end is going to get paid.
6. The Dodgers bullpen held the game in check after Kershaw left which is a sign of good things. Tony Watson did what he had to do in the seventh to get the ball to Morrow and Jansen to close the game.
7. Curtis Granderson and Yasmani Grandal went a combined 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts. What was most disturbing was they both struck out in the first inning with Taijuan Walker on the ropes. If I’m Dave Roberts, they have one more game to show they can be competent hitters and then I am moving on.
8. 6 Dodgers hitters saw more than twenty pitches in this game; while there was no hitter in the Diamondbacks roster than saw 20 pitches. It could be two different approaches; but it also says something about the quality of at bats the teams were having.
9. The Dodgers defense looked a little rusty. The long break between the season and the series caught up with them; but hopefully they will be ready to go from here further.
10. When the broadcast showed Tommy Lasorda watching the game, I felt sad. Tommy is 90 years and looks like he had to be there. He didn’t look all that into the game. He actually looked like he was ready for a nap. I am sure he would rather be at home watching from somewhere a little more comfortable.

October 7, 2017October 7, 2017 by craigdaron Categories: SportsTags: Baseball, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, MLB, NLDS 2 Comments