At 5:37 PM PST, it’s Game 5 of the much anticipated finale between the Washington Nationals and the home team Los Angeles Dodgers. Walker Buehler gets the ball for the Dodgers and Strasburg will start for the Nationals. At this afternoon press conference, Dave Roberts explained the decision making process behind today’s starting lineup:
- Pederson – RF
- Muncy – 2B
- Turner – 3B
- Bellinger – CF
- Beaty – 1B
- Seager – SS
- Hernandez – LF
- Smith – C
- Buehler – P
Beaty is batting 5th today because Roberts wanted to breakup Bellinger and Seager and liked what he had been seeing over what we can assume is a struggling Pollock and Taylor.
“Obviously having Beaty in there, I love his at bat quality.”
It was a bit surprising that Freese wasn’t in the lineup, despite having a .571 average in the series. Here is his reasoning.
“Have Freeser off the bench when Doolittle or Corbin comes in the game”
Hernandez hasn’t started a game in this series but maybe Roberts believes Kiké will provide some NLCS 3 home run magic again. Kiké has hit 2 home runs off Strasburg in the past.
“I have Kiké in there against a more curveball, fastball, change. I love Kiké’s defense.”
Muncy will be at second today, while the struggling Lux will take a seat, which is the right call.
“Our bench we can match up in any way… speed of Lux off the bench.”
This is an all hands on deck and Roberts did not shy away from stating Clayton Kershaw is ready if needed. Roberts said he will “ride Buehler” today, so if Buehler is dealing then expect him to pitch deep into this game.
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