DLD Recap: Dodgers Cling To 4-2 Lead And Beat Brewers In Game One Of Wild Card Series

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Dodgers

Post-Game Briefing

It wouldn’t be Dodgers postseason baseball without needing to sweat out the final moments of a tight game, right? One of the biggest reasons the Dodgers pulled out the 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers tonight was the bullpen. More on that in a moment.

Considering Walker Buehler is still recovering from blister issues on his throwing hand, it’s no surprise that he was closely monitored by manager Dave Roberts and didn’t pitch deep into the game. Despite only going four innings (73 pitches) and giving up a two-run homer to Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia, Buehler struck out eight. His fastball looked lively, sitting comfortably in the upper 90s, and he had command of his devastating curve.

Reminder of how filthy Walker Buehler has looked so far tonight. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZcpQNVzQ78

— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) October 1, 2020

Julio Urías did a stellar job out of the bullpen. He entered the game in the fifth and pitched three scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out five. Blake Treinen followed with a lights-out performance in the eighth, and Kenley Jansen closed it out in the ninth, striking out former MVP Christian Yelich to end the game.

The Dodgers offense significantly cooled after scoring three runs over the first two innings. Then Corey Seager came up in the bottom of the seventh. Clinging to a 3-2 lead, the Dodgers desperately needed an insurance run, and Seager provided it, belting a solo home run over the center field wall.

The Dodgers now lead the best-of-three Wild Card Series 1-0.

Scoring Plays

• BOT 1st: Will Smith bases-loaded walk (LAD 1-0)
• BOT 1st: AJ Pollock bases-loaded walk (LAD 2-0)
• BOT 2nd: Mookie Betts RBI double (LAD 3-0)
• TOP 4th: Orlando Arcia 2-run HR (LAD 3-1)
• BOT 7th: Corey Seager solo HR (LAD 4-2)

DLD Play of the Game

The DLD Play of the Game goes to Corey Seager’s 447-foot blast in the bottom of the seventh. His home run was the longest one hit at Dodger Stadium this year.

Corey Seager is known for hitting some loud home runs. Best shortstop in baseball. pic.twitter.com/As2MKMaN5l

— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) October 1, 2020

DLD Player of the Game

The DLD Player of the Game goes to Mookie Betts. He went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI double in his Dodgers postseason debut. His double extended his team’s lead to 3-0 and ended up being the difference in the game.

This Mookie guy seems pretty good. We get to keep him for awhile? pic.twitter.com/wq2c2Grzjg

— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) October 1, 2020

Up Next

The Dodgers will try to sweep the Brewers in this best-of-three Wild Card Series tomorrow at 7:08 p.m. on ESPN.

For Los Angeles, it’ll be their longtime ace, Clayton Kershaw. He made 10 starts this year in the regular season, going 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA, 62 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.84.

Milwaukee will also send out their ace Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff was 3-5 in 13 games this year with a 3.05 ERA, 91 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.99.

Jake Reiner is a writer and reporter for Dodgers-LowDown and co-host of The Incline Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @QualityJakes. 

Amanda Powers is an editor and writer for Dodgers-LowDown. Follow her on Twitter @geekpowers.