Some fans have called it inconsistent. Others have called it erratic. Some have even referred to it as being schizophrenic. Either way, the offense of the Dodgers hit Atlanta righty Kyle Wright like a freight train in the first inning of Game 3 on Wednesday, ultimately narrowing the Braves’ series lead to one game.
The action got off to a quick start as a Mookie Betts grounder was fielded brilliantly by Atlanta third baseman Johan Camargo, initially robbing Betts of a single that the instant replay booth eventually overturned. One pitch later, Corey Seager, who prior to Game 3 has been one of the lone bright spots on offense, smashed a double to left and plated Betts, giving the Dodgers their first lead of the entire series.
From there, Los Angeles was off to the races in what would be an inning for the MLB record books.
Following a pair of Justin Turner and Max Muncy groundouts, the Dodgers orchestrated one of the most impressive two-out rallies the postseason has ever seen. After Seager scored on a Will Smith double to center, Cody Bellinger walked. Next, Joc Pederson and Edwin Rios launched back-to-back homers that each travelled more than 400 feet.
At that point, the Dodgers led 6-0, but they were not anywhere near finished.
Chris Taylor and Betts walked consecutively, followed by a Seager single that scored Taylor. Turner was hit by a pitch on the foot, which loaded the bases for Muncy, who subsequently smashed a 435-foot grand slam to right-center field.
After the smoke cleared on the top of the first, the Dodgers led 11-0, sending 14 men to the plate in a half inning that took 32 minutes to complete.
From that moment on, the Dodgers continued to rewrite MLB playoff history.
Wright recorded just two outs after surrendering seven earned runs on five hits and two walks. He was replaced by former Dodger Grant Dayton, who allowed eight earned runs on eight hits and a walk before being succeeded by Huascar Ynoa in the third.
Atlanta almost posed a rally of their own in the bottom of the first, but Bellinger robbed Ozzie Albies of a three-run shot that was reminiscent of his web gem against the Padres in Game 2 of the NLDS.
The Braves finally got on the board in the bottom of the third after a Cristian Pache solo shot to left that cut the Los Angeles lead to 14.
At the end of the 15-3 victory, Pederson led the way for the Dodgers with four hits. Seager ended his day with three base knocks before being replaced in the fifth inning, just a triple shy of the cycle. Muncy and Bellinger added two hits apiece.
Collectively, the Dodgers combined for a total of five home runs.
Pitching-wise, starter Julio Urias registered the win for the Dodgers. He lasted five full innings on 101 pitches, surrendering one earned run on three hits and one walk with five punchouts. Kenley Jansen, Pedro Baez and Alex Wood put together scoreless sixth, seventh and eighth innings, respectively. Adam Kolarek threw the ninth, allowing two earned runs on three hits.
With Atlanta’s second turn as the home club, the series continues with Game 4 on Thursday evening.
First pitch is slated for 8:08 p.m. Eastern time.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
That was a real treat to watch tonight, but we’re still down 2 games to 1. We should have the pitching advantage in the next two games so we’d better use it. After that they bring back Fried and Anderson and we know how tough they are.
Just like we took our hitting in the last 3 innings last night and carried it forward to the first 3 innings tonight, we then basically did nothing on offense for the last 6 innings tonight. If we carry that forward to tomorrow, we’ll have a problem. Hopefully the guys were just on cruise control after the third inning tonight and will get off to a quick start tomorrow.
LikeLike
Adam Kolarek wasn’t on cruise control, that’s for sure. He looks worse every time he takes the mound, it seems.
LikeLike
He’s never been very effective against right handed batters and the Braves seem to have a lot of those. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Alexander replace him on our WS roster if, a) we make the Series and, b) he’s healthy.
LikeLike
In a blow out like that, I think Roberts just wanted Kolarek to get back in the saddle right away. He has not been as sharp in the post season as he was during the year, but I doubt they replace him with a guy who has not pitched against any competition in well over a month even if Alexander is healthy. Not with 5 lefty’s available out of the pen now.
LikeLike
You could be correct Bear, but maybe we shouldn’t jinx ourselves by talking about WS rosters before we get past the Braves. I know, I started it, and now I’m regretting it. Getting superstitious in my old age.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem. And I think they have the Braves right where they want them. Kershaw is on a mission. I think the team is fired up now. There was no sign of let down or giving up as some accused them of doing in game 2.
LikeLike
Is it time to acknowledge Kershaw has a postseason curse on him?
LikeLike
I’d say the curse is more on Friedman.
LikeLike
Interesting Dennis how so?
LikeLike
Still not being able to bring home a championship? At the end of the day, though, maybe Kasten is content enough with all those division titles.
LikeLike
Kershaw may have a curse (and it usually hits him in the 6th inning) but this wasn’t his fault.
Our vaunted offense has scored 1 run in the last 12 innings as I write this.
LikeLike
If Graterol puts them down in order, it’s still just a two-run game.
LikeLike
Let’s just visualize a comback victory here at which point the Braves won’t win another game this year.
LikeLike
I have Vladimir Shpunt’s phone number somewhere, I think.
LikeLike
Does he take calls during games?
LikeLike
He still has a Twitter account, but I don’t think it’s been active in years. Heck, I don’t know if the dude is even alive anymore.
LikeLike
He is all powerful and can help even from the other side.
LikeLike
He was 71 years old in 2010 when Frank had him on the payroll. https://yallkiltit.wordpress.com/tag/vladimir-shupunt/
LikeLike
Not going to win many games when you get one hit in 6 innings. Acuna’s hit was a fluke, and then the flood gates opened and the Bazooka could not keep it close. It will take a miracle to get them to the series now.
LikeLike
They are finished Bear
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure looks that way. My only problem is that this game after what they accomplished yesterday is just embarrassing. I have never seen them play this bad in such an important game. And you cannot blame this on any one player. Betts has not been very good the entire series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So what’s the odds we can beat the Braves 3 straight games? I’ll say less than 5%. I am catching absolute hell right now from all my Atlanta friends.
LikeLike
Hyun-Jin Ryu and his 2.69 ERA this year sure would have been handy in the playoff rotation.
LikeLike
Yep. Or Maeda. Or even Price.
LikeLike
Over 12 starts this year, Kenta Maeda went 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA for the Twins.
LikeLike
We will win tomorrow and lose to Fried Saturday
LikeLike
Next year is the last year before the team is probably it blown up. Seager will be a free agent followed by Buehler and Bellinger. Kershaw’s contract will be up. Who is the odd guy out of the rotation next year with Price coming back? What to do with Kenley? This was our year and they wasted it as usual.
LikeLike
Maybe they’ll bring back Yimi Garcia or Casey Sadler for the closer’s role next year. You know how Friedman likes to construct his bullpens. 😉
LikeLike
Excuse me while I puke.
LikeLike
Who knows maybe they win 3 straight. You have a better chance of hitting the lottery but might as well stay positive.
LikeLike
One game at a time.
LikeLike
Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing, and that’s all that Jake left me
Feeling good was easy Lord, when he sang the blues
You know feeling good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Jake McGee.
LikeLiked by 1 person