Dodgers take a 2-0 series lead over the D-backs
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-5 in game two of the National League Division Series. The Dodgers now have a commanding 2-0 series lead, and are one win away from going to the National League Championship Series for the second consecutive year.
For the Dodgers, it was a complete team win, after quickly falling behind in the first inning on a two run homer by the D-backs star Paul Goldschmidt, the homer off Dodgers game two starter Rich Hill, who was not at his best and was pulled after only 4.0 IP. The Dodgers struggled early, other than an RBI ground out by Yasiel Puig in the second inning that put the score at 2-1, the Dodgers were hitless after three innings, it looked as if the Dodgers could just simply not beat D-backs starter Robbie Ray, who was 3-0 against the Dodgers this season. However then came the fourth inning, three straight hits loaded the bases and Ray threw a wild pitch, which brought in Logan Forsythe to tie the game at two. Chris Taylor drove in the go ahead run on an infield single that he was able to leg out after a diving stop by D-back shortstop Ketel Marte. Ray was able to escape the jam by striking out Dodger shortstop Corey Seager.
The Dodgers however, added a four run fifth inning right after, Justin Turner led off the inning getting hit by a pitch, and advanced to second base on a Cody Bellinger ground out. Following the ground out, Ray's day was done at 4.1 IP. A Curtis Granderson singled and advanced to second on a throwing error, and the Dodgers made the D-backs pay for it, Forsythe ripped an RBI single, which was then followed by an Austin Barnes two run double. Puig followed the Barnes double with an RBI single of his own, putting the score at 7-2 after five innings.
In the seventh inning the D-backs found life, following back to back singles pinch hitter Brandon Drury launched a three run homer deep into the left field pavilion, making the score 7-5 and bring the D-backs back to within two.
The Dodgers responded in the seventh with a run of their own, singles by Forsythe and Puig were followed by a walk to Andre Ethier which loaded the bases for Taylor. Taylor laced a ball at the shortstop Marte, which resulted in a fielding error after the ball went right through his legs. The error allowed Fortsythe to score and extend the Dodgers lead to 8-5.
In the eighth inning after a Daniel Descalso one out double, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasted no time and called on Kenley Jansen to record a five out save. Jansen retired every batter he faced and closed the door on game two of the NLDS.
The Dodgers will have the opportunity to close out the series on Monday night in Arizona. The Dodgers will send Yu Darvish, whom they acquired at the trade deadline in order to bolster their rotation for the postseason. The D-backs, looking to avoid being swept, will send their ace, and former Dodger, Zack Greinke to the mound.
