Recap: Dodgers vs Braves – NLCS – Game 6

www.franchisesportsmedia.com

Dodgers (8-3)  |  Braves (8-3)

 

“We are one game away from elimination; we have to be ready to play, every out is important,” said Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. “We showed that (Friday) and for the rest of the series every out is important, and we have to have the same mindset the next couple of games.”

 

 

The Dodgers rolled into game 6 of the NLCS with great momentum from the Friday night and wanted to keep it going for a chance to play in the World Series.

Once again, LA was facing elimination in Saturday’s Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. The team had their backs against the wall for another tough game against the Braves.

It was going to have to be a full team effort to take down this Atlanta team. The Dodgers’ pitching would need to be in top form and not make mistakes in big moments. The hitters wanted to keep the attitude they’ve had in their NLCS wins by jumping on pitchers early and working the count.

 

 

 

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves – National League Championship Series Game #6

 

 

Game 6 – Win – 3 – 1

 

 

The Dodgers put Walker Buehler on the mound to battle Max Fried. The two young starters have been good this postseason, but these big elimination games can shake some young arms, so whoever has the most confidence and grit will have the advantage. Walker Buehler tore threw the first inning, only throwing 8 pitches and all of them in the strike zone, giving him a case to go for a long duration and save the bullpen.

The shortstop Corey Seager got them on the board in his first at-bat crushing a ball to left field that may have hit the roof if it was closed. Max Fried hung a breaking ball to the Dodger shortstop, and he took it deep for his 6th home run of the postseason.

Two pitches later, Justin Turner decided to join the party and drill one to center and add to the lead. LA’s hitters in the first made it clear that they had no plans on going home. The Dodgers played all aspects of the game in the first by hitting the ball deep, good base running, singles, and walks. It was an all-around outstanding inning and a testament to the team’s determination to win a pennant.

A spectacular diving play by second baseman Kike Hernandez in the second inning saved a double even if he failed to make the out. Buehler absolutely pounded the strike zone with tremendous confidence. He gave up three straight hits loading the bases, and instead of nibbling around the plate, he kept beating up the zone with no outs to record a strikeout. The most impressive part was that he never got a visit from the catcher or pitching coach and did not seem to be shaken at all by the traffic on the bases. It was something that could get a fan excited about his big game potential and the fact that no one may really know his ceiling.

Buehler touched 100 mph on his second strikeout and almost struck the side out but settled with the ground out to Seager, a big moment for the Dodgers to keep Atlanta off the board in the high leverage situation. It was an even bigger moment for Buehler and his confidence moving forward.

 

The score remained the 3-0 until the top of the sixth inning.

 

Dodgers‘ pitcher Walker Buehler had no fear through three, challenging all the Braves hitters with fastballs down the middle and letting them know he was not the pitcher they faced the last time.

 

Another phenomenal catch by the team MVP saved the Dodgers. Mookie Betts jumped high against the tall outfield wall and snatched the ball at its apex, robbing the Braves of at least a run. Marcell Ozuna mashed the off-speed pitch from Buehler, only to be robbed again on a highlight play by Betts, the second game-changing catch in two days, showcasing why Betts‘ has been the recipient of four Gold Gloves.

After another rough first inning, Max Fried and the Braves held down the Dodgers hitters and kept LA without a score through the next 5 innings. On the other hand, Walker Buehler went six scoreless innings giving up seven hits while striking out six. Blake Treinen entered in a fresh seventh and gave up a triple on his cutter that had not been hit since august. He then let up another hit to score a run and make it a 3-1 game.

Kenley Jansen was getting warm and ready for about two innings until he was called upon, which was an easier decision for Dave Roberts after he struck the side out in the ninth in Game 5. Jansen rewarded his manager with three fly outs to end the game, and L.A. forced a Game 7.

Jansen said after the game when being asked about his confidence, ” If you don’t have confidence, Just quit.”

the Dodgers have clawed their way back into the series and earned the right to hear the greatest words in a sports fan’s vocabulary; “Game 7.” The Dodgers and Braves will have to unload their bullpens in a winner take all game and a chance to play in the World Series. The Dodgers need to reach deep down and keep their foot on the pedal. With momentum being on their side and getting hot at the right time, the Blue Crew will look to end it early.

 

 

The Dodgers and Braves will now face off in a winner take all Game 7 with the right to go to the World Series. Game 7 of the NLCS is Sunday evening with the first pitch scheduled for 5:15 pm PT. You can watch the game on Fox / FS1.

 

 

Scheduled to pitch in Game 7 

 

Dodgers: TBA – Braves: Ian Anderson (0-0 / 0.00) – 5:15 pm PT – Fox / FS1

 

Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves        Dodgers vs Braves       NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS      NLCS       

Rich Decristan

Twitter: Richielupo11

Follow The Franchise on social media

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube