Dodgers Survive Game 6 Thriller, Advance to World Series Game 7
The Los angeles Dodgers narrowly escaped elimination, securing a 3-1 victory over the Blue Jays in Game 6 of the World Series, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7 showdown.The win, clinched by a crucial double play in the ninth inning, came down to a calculated gamble by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, a decision that underscored a simple truth: you can’t plan for a Game 7 if you don’t first win Game 6.
Entering the ninth with a 1-run advantage, the situation quickly unraveled.roki Sasaki, recently transitioned to a closer role for the playoffs, began the inning by hitting Alejandro Kirk with a pitch, followed by a double from addison Barger. Suddenly, the tying run stood in scoring position with no outs, and the heart of the Blue Jays’ potent lineup loomed.
Sasaki had already thrown 33 pitches, raising concerns about fatigue. While he’d thrown 36 pitches on October 9, it was his highest pitch count as May.A critical decision awaited Roberts: stick with sasaki, or turn to the bullpen?
Tyler Glasnow was available, but with a twist. As the Game 3 starter, he was strategically lined up to pitch in Game 7. Othre options included Emmet Sheehan and Blake Treinen, tho both carried significant risk. Sheehan had a staggering 9.95 ERA in five playoff appearances, while Treinen’s ERA stood at 6.75. Glasnow, when at his best, possessed some of the most dominant stuff in the majors.
Roberts made the bold call to bring in Glasnow, and the move paid off spectacularly. The right-hander induced a pop-up and than a game-ending, line-drive double play on just three pitches, silencing the blue Jays’ rally and sending the series to a seventh and final game.
“Now, the Dodgers’ options for Game 7 aren’t ideal, but who cares?” one analyst noted. “You’re down three games to two in a seven-game series. You can’t think about Game 7 until you get there. If you don’t win Friday, there is no Saturday.”
Roberts himself echoed this sentiment before Game 6, stating, “It’s more of just kind of doing whatever we can to get through [Game 6] and then pick up the pieces and then see what’s the best way to attack a potential Game 7. so everything shoudl be on the table and will be, without a doubt.”
Looking ahead to Game 7, the pitching situation remains fluid. Shohei Ohtani is a strong candidate to start, provided the Dodgers intend to utilize him on the mound. Blake Snell could possibly work a few innings on short rest, and Glasnow, despite his brief but crucial outing in Game 6, could be available in relief.
According to Roberts, “glasnow will be available. Everyone will be available,” with the notable exception of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw six innings in Game 6 and will need rest. Justin Wrobleski pitched well in Game 6 and could see action again, while Sasaki might be limited to an inning due to his heavy workload. the possibility of utilizing Sheehan or Treinen remains open, and even a potential appearance by Clayton Kershaw hasn’t been ruled out. Anthony Banda is prepared to face left-handed hitters.
The Dodgers’ ability to navigate this uncertain pitching landscape hinges on Roberts’ willingness to use potential Game 7 starters in high-leverage situations like Game 6. As one veteran coach once said, “You can’t dance if you don’t arrive at the prom.”
Now, the Dodgers have earned their place on the dance floor, and they’ll piece together a plan as needed. It’s Game 7.
