Justin Turner celebrates his hits with a simple gesture: he raises both wrists, droops his hands downward, and wags his fingers back and forth. Teammate Chris Taylor inspired it after a four-hit game in 2017. Turner picked it up. Now it’s become a ritual. The ritual is getting a lot of camera time in 2020.…
Dodgers’ Justin Turner continues his postseason dominance in World Series — Whittier Daily News
The Fox broadcast guys were fumbling with this one. Austin Barnes, heretofore Clayton Kershaw’s personal catcher and now appearing to add Walker Buehler’s starts to his resumé, had just followed a near-perfect safety squeeze bunt in the fourth inning with a booming 425-foot home run into the Tampa Bay bullpen in the sixth, for the…
Alexander: Austin Barnes is more than just a personal catcher — Daily Bulletin
TAMPA BAY RAYS (1-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (1-1)
RH Charlie Morton (3-0, 0.57) vs. RH Walker Buehler (1-0, 1.89)
Friday, October 23, 2020 First Pitch: 8:08 p.m. Location: Globe Life Field TV: FOX Radio: ESPN Radio, WDAE 95.3 FM, WMGG 96.1 FM (Sp.)
CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH—Will be delivered via pre-recorded video
by B.J. Upton, who was the center fielder for the Rays 2008 AL Championship team…he ranks 2nd in club history with 232 SB and is among the
Top 5 in many other categories, including games (966) and homers (118)…
he hit for the Rays first cycle (Oct 2, 2009 vs. NYY) and is the team’s career
postseason leader with 27 hits and 9 SB…he hit 7 HR in the 2008 postseason, including four in the ALCS which tied a LCS record at the time.
BEST-OF-FIVE—The Rays built a 5-0 lead in Game 2 and held on for a
6-4 win over the Dodgers to even the World Series at a game apiece…the
Game 3 winner of a best-of-seven World Series tied 1-1 has gone on to
win the series 39 of 57 times (68.4 pct.)…the Game 3 winner of any bestof-seven series (not just the World Series) tied 1-1 has gone on to win the
series 65 of 94 times (69.1 pct.)…of the 59 times that a World Series has
been tied, 1-1, the winner of Game 2 has won the title 31 times (52.5 pct.).
– The Rays are attempting to win a series after losing Game 1 for the
third time…they came back to win the 2020 ALDS and 2008 ALCS.
-The Rays are playing in the World Series for the second time in
franchise history, losing 4-1 to the Phillies in 2008…the Rays are
26-26 all-time in the postseason and are 2-5 in the World Series.
– The Rays are 7-2 as the home team this postseason (2-0 at Tropicana Field, 5-2 at neutral sites), compared to 3-4 as the road team.
– The Rays have a .993 fielding pct. this postseason, making 4 errors
in 16 games…they have made only 1 error in their last 10 games.
– The Rays were the ninth team in major league history to play a
“winner take all” game in the Division Series and League Championship Series but only the third team to win both, joining the 2012
Giants (won World Series) and 1981 Dodgers (won World Series).
– Combining regular season and postseason, the Rays have only lost
once in their last 19 series since Aug 4, going 14-1-4 in series play.
HOMETOWN HERO—According to Rays PR research, Tampa native Kevin Cash is the eighth manager in baseball history to lead his hometown
team to the World Series—and the second in the last 30 years joining
Brooklyn native Joe Torre, who led the Yankees to six World Series from
1996–2003…the others include STL Whitey Herzog (1972, 1985, 1987), MIL
Harvey Kuenn (1982), PHI Dallas Green (1980), STL Red Schoendienst
(1967, 1968), STL Johnny Keane (1964) and PIT Bill McKechnie (1925).
ABOUT THE OFFENCE—In Game 2, the Rays offense scored 6 runs, their
most since Game 3 of the Division Series (8), and they recorded doubledigit hits for the third time this postseason…in Game 2, the Rays snapped
a 10-game streak of 8 hits (or fewer) and a 10-game streak of 9 SO (or
more), which were both the longest in major league history for a single
postseason…the Rays hit .286 (10-for-35) in Game 2, ending a streak of a
.230 avg. (or below) in 10 straight games, longest in postseason history.
-he Rays are batting .213 (109-for-512) this postseason…the Rays
entered the World Series with a .209 avg., the 3rd-lowest in the
Wild Card era (1994) among teams to make it that far…the Rays
have scored 5 runs (or more) only twice in their last 11 games, and
have scored 3 runs (or fewer) six times over that 11-game stretch.
– The Rays are batting .181 (15-for-83) with RISP this postseason, including .153 (9-for-59) in the last 11 games and 3-for-their-last-28.
– According to Stats LLC, in Game 2 Brandon Lowe and Joey Wendle
became the first set of teammates in World Series history to drive
in 3+ runs each to account for all of their team’s runs in a game.
– The Rays are 7-1 this postseason when scoring first, after going a
major-league-best 25-6 (.806) when doing so in the reg. season.
POWER BALL—The Rays have hit 28
HR this postseason, the most in a single
postseason in major league history (see
chart)…the Rays hold two of the top
four tallies in postseason history, as the
2008 Rays rank 4th all-time…the Rays
have hit multiple homers in 10 of their
16 postseason games…the Rays have increased their HR/G from 1.33 in the regular season to 1.75 in the postseason, but their R/G has dropped from 4.82 to 4.13…68.2 pct. (45 of 66) of the
Rays runs this postseason have come on home runs, compared to 41.5 pct.
(120 of 289) in the regular season…this was 71.9 pct. entering the World
Series, the highest rate all-time ahead of the 1971 Pirates (58.3 pct.)…51.7
pct. (224 of 433) of all runs scored this postseason have come on home
runs…according to the Elias Sports Bureau, this would be the 3rd-highest
rate for a single postseason behind 1956 (53.4 pct.) and 1957 (52.1 pct.).
Ê Teams are 32-5 this postseason when they outhomer their opponent—but the Rays have won twice when outhomered and lost
twice when outhomering their opponent…the Rays are 6-2 when
they outhomer their opponent and 7-3 when hitting 2 HR (or more),
after going 20-2 and 20-4, respectively, in the regular season.
PITCHING PROPERLY—Rays pitchers recorded 15 SO in Game 2, tied for
the 2nd-most in World Series history for a 9-inning game…the only 9-inning game with more was STL Bob Gibson’s 17-SO complete game shutout in Game 1 of the 1968 World Series vs. DET…it was the most for a
9-inning World Series game since Cleveland in 2016, in Game 1 vs. CHC.
– The 15 SO tied for the 2nd-most in a 9-inning postseason game
against the Dodgers, behind the Nationals in Game 2 of the 2019
Division Series (17)…it was a record for a 9-inning World Series
game against the Dodgers—the previous high was 12, 4x-last Red
Sox in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series…including extra-inning
games, the 15 SO tied the Red Sox in Game 3 of the 2018 Fall Classic (18-inning game) for the most in World Series history vs. LAD.
– The Rays have pitched to a 3.72 ERA (140.1-IP, 58-ER) in the postseason…they have yielded 2 runs (or fewer) in seven of their 10 wins.
-The Rays have allowed 26 HR, 4th-most all-time for a single postseason—the record is 29 HR by the 2017 Dodgers…the Rays have
allowed at least 1 HR in 14 of their last 15 games, and the only
game without one over that stretch was Game 7 of the ALCS vs.
HOU…73.1 pct. (19 of 26) of their homers allowed have been solo,
and 59.0 pct. (36 of 61) of their runs allowed have come on homers.
– Combining regular season and postseason, the Rays have a majorleague-record 13 different pitchers with a save and are 37-1, 34-0
and 41-0 when leading after 6, 7 and 8 innings, respectively.
-ince July 28, 2019, the Rays have won 64 straight games when
leading after 7 innings, the longest active streak in the majors.
HOW NOW BROWN LOWE—In Game 2, Brandon Lowe homered in the
1st and 5th innings for the seventh multi-HR game in Rays postseason
history (last Manuel Margot, Game 6 of the 2020 ALCS vs. HOU) and first
in the World Series…it was the 55th multi-HR game in World Series history, first since BOS Steve Pearce in Game 5 of the 2018 Fall Classic…he
was the sixth second baseman (7th time) with a multi-HR game in the
World Series, joining PHI Chase Utley (twice in 2009), SF Jeff Kent (2002),
LAD Davey Lopes (1978), LAD Charlie Neal (1959) and NYY Tony Lazzeri
(1932)…he was the sixth with a multi-HR game against the Dodgers in
the World Series, joining Pearce, NYY Reggie Jackson (1977), CWS Ted
Kluszewski (1959), NYY Yogi Berra (1956) and NYY Joe Collins (1955).
– According to ESPN Stats & Info, he became the first player in World
Series history to hit two opposite-field homers in a game, and the
fifth to do it in any postseason contest…Lowe’s second homer was
the third in Rays postseason history on an 0-2 pitch, all in 2020.
– According to Stats LLC, Lowe became the second player in major
league history with a multi-HR game in the World Series after entering the game with a sub-.200 avg. in that postseason (min. 30
PA)…the other: BAL Eddie Murray in the clinching win in 1983.
THE GREAT RANDINO—In Game 2, Randy Arozarena’s infield single
in the 9th inning was his 22nd hit of the postseason, tying NYY Derek
Jeter in 1996 for the most by a rookie in a single postseason…his 7 HR
are the most by a rookie in a single postseason, passing Evan Longoria
(6) in 2008…his 7 HR are tied with B.J. Upton in 2008 for most in a single
postseason in Rays history, and rank 2nd in team history all-time behind
Longoria (9)…he and LAD Corey Seager both have 7 HR this postseason,
one shy of the major league record for a single postseason held by TEX
Nelson Cruz in 2011, HOU Carlos Beltrán in 2004 and SF Barry Bonds in
2002…his 48 total bases are 2nd all-time for a single postseason behind
STL David Freese (50) in 2011, when he was named World Series MVP.
WHAT ZILLA DID—In Game 2, Blake Snell’s first hit allowed was a 2-run
homer to Chris Taylor with 2 outs in the 5th inning…he was the second
pitcher in World Series history to record 8 SO (or more) through four nohit innings, joining LAD Sandy Koufax in Game 1 of the 1963 Fall Classic…
he recorded multiple strikeouts in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings, joining Koufax in 1965 and Bob Gibson in 1964 as the only pitchers in World
Series history with 2 SO (or more) in four straight innings…he finished
with 9 SO in 4.2 IP, the most in World Series history for an outing of 5 IP
(or fewer)…according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, Snell was the 62nd
starter in World Series history to take a no-hitter into the 5th inning but
the second to fail to complete 5 IP, joining BRO Ralph Branca in 1947.
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE To hear Rays coaches and players pronouncing their names in their own voices, visit raysbaseball.com/pronunciation.
TONIGHT’S GAME 3 STARTER: RH CHARLIE MORTON (3-0, 0.57 ERA)
LAST START—In Game 7 of the League Championship Series vs. HOU, recorded his fourth career win in a “winner take all” game, extending his major league record… marked his fifth career win in a potential elimination game, breaking a tie with five other pitchers for the most in major league history…yielded a 2-out single in the 1st inning, then retired 14 straight before a 1-out walk in the 5th…his pitch count by inning was 11-12-7-13-6-17…was replaced by Nick Anderson with 2-on, 2-out in the in the 6th and Michael Brantley up…his line: W, 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 SO, 66 pit., 48 str.
– According to the Elias Sports Bureau, was the first pitcher to retire at least 14
consecutive batters in a “winner take all” game since KC Johnny Cueto (19) in
Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS vs. HOU…was the first pitcher to do this in a Game
7 since SF Madison Bumgarner (14) in the 2014 World Series at KC (in relief).
– At 36 years, 340 days, became the 2nd-oldest pitcher to record the win in a
Game 7 start behind STL Burleigh Grimes (38.053) in the 1931 World Series
vs. PHI-AL…became the fifth pitcher in major league history to make multiple
scoreless starts in “winner take all” games, joining DET Justin Verlander, ATL
John Smoltz, KC Bret Saberhagen and SF Madison Bumgarner.
vs. DODGERS—Is 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA (21.1-IP, 10-ER) in four career apps (3 starts) against the Dodgers, including his 2 apps (1 start) against them in the 2017 World Series (with HOU)…last faced them in Game 7 of the World Series, yielding 1 run in 4 IP of relief while recording the win…entered the game with a 5-0 lead in the 6th inning and allowed three of his first 4 BF to reach base, including a RBI single from pinch-hitter Andre Ethier…retired his next 11 BF, incl. the final out of the game.
– His last start against them was in Game 4 of the 2017 World Series at Minute
Maid Park…took no decision after allowing 1 run in 6.1 IP, with 7 SO and 0
BB…left with 1-on, 1-out and a 1-0 lead in the 7th inning, and was charged
a run when his runner scored off the Astros bullpen…his only regular-season starts against them came in 2015 and 2010, both with Pittsburgh.
POSTSEASON POWER—Is 7-2 with a 2.84 ERA (57-IP, 18-ER) in 12 career postseason apps (11 starts), and 5-0 with a 0.70 ERA (25.2-IP, 2-ER) in 5 starts with the Rays…is the second pitcher in postseason history to start and win five consecutive decisions (with no relief apps in between) and allow 1 ER (or fewer)
in each of them, joining PHI/ARI Curt Schilling (5) from 1993–2001…his five postseason wins with the Rays are the most in franchise history.
– Is unbeaten in his last nine postseason apps (8 starts), beginning with Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS vs. NYY (with HOU)—is 7-0 with a 1.45 ERA (43.1-IP,
7-ER), 48 SO, 1 HR and .185 opp avg. (29-for-157) over that stretch…is the sixth pitcher in postseason history to win at least seven straight decisions;
with a win tonight, would join NYY Orlando Hernández from 1998–2000 as the only pitchers to win eight consecutive postseason decisions.
– According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, his 0.70 ERA through his first five postseason starts with the Rays is the lowest by a pitcher in his first
five postseason starts with a single team since earned runs became an official stat in 1913…with a win tonight, he would become the second pitcher
in major league history to win each of his first six postseason starts with a single team, joining NYY Lefty Gomez from 1932-38 (6-0 in 6 starts).
– With his win in Game 7 of the League Championship Series vs. HOU, became the first pitcher in postseason history with five career wins in potential elimination games, breaking a tie with five others…his 4 wins in “winner take all” postseason games are the most in major league history.
– Is 4-0 with a 0.46 ERA (19.2-IP, 1-ER) in four career apps (3 starts) in “winner take all” games…min. 15 IP, his 0.46 ERA in “winner take all” games is
the 3rd-lowest since earned runs became an official stat in 1913, behind Madison Bumgarner (0.00 in 23 IP) and Justin Verlander (0.00 in 17 IP).
2020 IN REVIEW—Limited to 9 starts in his second season with the Rays due to a stint on the injured list for right shoulder inflammation (Aug 10–Sep 1)…
went 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA (21.1-IP, 10-ER) in 5 starts after being reinstated…over the past three seasons (2018-20), his .750 winning pct. (33-11) ranks 2nd in
the majors behind HOU/NYY Gerrit Cole, who is 42-13 (.764)…his 0.73 HR/9 IP ratio since 2019 ranks 3rd in the majors (min. 200 IP).
Ê Opponents hit .313 (10-for-32) against him with RISP, a season after he held them to a major-league-low .179 avg. (27-for-151) with RISP.
UNCLE CHARLIE—During the regular season, 57.4 pct. (22 of 42) of his strikeouts came on the curveball, the 6th-highest rate in the majors (min. 30 total strikeouts)…his curveball registered a horizontal movement of 17.9 inches this season, according to StatCast, the 2nd-highest in the majors.
– Used his curveball on 32.7 pct. of his pitches this season, compared to 37.3 pct. last season, which was the highest rate in the majors (min. 100 IP).
– Recorded a swing-and-miss on 31.0 pct. of swings against his curveball this season, compared to 38.1 pct. last season.
GIVING BACK—Morton was named the club’s 2020 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the player who best represents the
game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field…Morton donated
$50,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay’s food drive this April, and the campaign ultimately resulted in 4.1 million meals purchased for those in need…he also
participates in the club’s Reading with the Rays program…this was his third nomination, following 2014 (with PIT) and 2018 (with HOU).
— — — — — — —
LOS ANGELES DODGERS (43-17, 10-4) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (40-20, 10-6)
RHP Walker Buehler (1-0, 1.89) vs. RHP Charlie Morton (3-0, 0.59)
Friday, October 23, 2020 | 7:08 p.m. CT | Globe Life Field | Arlington, TX
World Series – Game 3
TV: FOX | Radio: AM 570 (Eng.); 1020 AM (Span.), ESPN Radio, AM 1540 (Kor.)
EVEN STEVEN: The Dodgers crawled back from a 5-0 deficit to
get within two runs before eventually falling to the Rays, 6-4, on
Wednesday night. The Dodgers got off to a slow start as Tampa
scored five runs in the first four frames off five different pitchers, but
the Dodgers kept the pressure, slugging three homers and getting the
tying run to the plate in bottom of the eighth inning. Los Angeles
was outlasted and lost their first game since last Thursday to even
the World Series, 1-1. The Dodgers offense scored two runs with two
outs on Wednesday night and have scored 43 runs with two outs this
postseason, which ranks fourth all-time in the Wild Card Era history.
TEAMS – MOST RUNS WITH TWO OUTS (Since 1994)
2004 Boston Red Sox- 46
2018 Boston Red Sox – 45
2002 San Francisco Giants- 45
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers– 43
Will Smith clubbed his second homer of the postseason, a
solo homer in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to 6-3. At
25.207, he is the youngest catcher to hit a homer in the
World Series since Salvador Perez (24.164) clubbed a
World Series homer on October 21, 2014.
The Dodgers are in their 21st World Series in franchise
history and the 12th Fall Classic appearance since moving
to Los Angeles in 1958. They now have the second most
WS appearances in MLB history, trailing only the New
York Yankees (40).
GOLDEN CANDIDATES: Cody Bellinger (CF) and Mookie
Betts (RF) were named Rawlings Gold Glove finalists for their
respective positions on Thursday afternoon. Bellinger, who won the
NL Gold Glove in RF last season, played 39 games in center field
and finished second in the NL with six defensive runs saved in CF
and his six outs above average were tied for first in the NL with Trent
Grisham. Betts, who has won four consecutive Gold Gloves in the
AL, is up for his first award in the NL after leading the Majors with
11 defensive runs by a right fielder, which were 10 more than any
other candidate in the NL. He also finished with a Major League best
six outs above replacement by MLB right fielders.
M-V-SEAGS: Corey Seager was named the 2020 NLCS MVP on
Sunday night after going 9-for-29 with five homers and 11 RBI.
Seager set NLCS records in both homers and RBI and his seven
extra-base hits are tied with Javy Lopez (1996) for the all-time NLCS
record. The native of North Carolina’s 26 total bases are the second
most all-time in an NLCS and second most to Albert Pujols, who had
28 in 2004 vs. Houston.
Seager clubbed his seventh homer of the postseason
Wednesday night, a solo homer off Peter Fairbanks. His
seventh homer of the postseason is tied with Randy
Arozarena for most in the 2020 postseason and are tied for
third all-time in postseason history. Only three players have
had more homers in one postseason, Nelson Cruz (8, 2011),
Carlos Beltran (8, 2002) and Barry Bonds (8, 2002).
Seager finished one home run shy from tying the record for
home runs in any Postseason series, which is held by the
Rangers’ Nelson Cruz (6 in the 2011 ALCS vs. Detroit). He
is one of eight players all-time to reach at least five homers
and 11 RBI in a single Postseason. His six home runs and
15 RBI this postseason are both Dodger records for homers
and RBI in a single Postseason.
In Game 3 of the NLCS, Seager became the second player
in Postseason history to collect an RBI in five consecutive
at-bats (last two of Game 2 and first three of Game 3),
joining Carlos Beltran (2004). Last week, it was announced
that Seager was one of seven National League finalists for
the Hank Aaron Award, given to the most outstanding
regular season offensive performer in each league.
POSTSEASON POWER: Chris Taylor, Corey Seager and Will
Smith each homered on Wednesday night and the Dodgers are now
second in the Majors in postseason homers with 23, trailing the Rays
(28). Seager became the fourth Dodger player to reach the doubledigit mark in postseason history and inched his way closer to Hall of
Famer Duke Snider’s record for Dodger Postseason home runs. The
list: Snider (11), Steve Garvey (10), Justin Turner (10), Corey
Seager (10), Max Muncy (8), Joc Pederson (8), Kiké Hernández
(8), Cody Bellinger (8) and Adrían González (7).
POSTSEASON BUEHLER: Dodger right-hander Walker
Buehler will get the start in Game 3 of the World Series, his second
Game 3 start of the World Series after firing 7.0 scoreless innings,
allowing two hits with 10 strikeouts in a no decision October 26,
2018 vs. BOS. In his last postseason start, Buehler tossed 6.0 innings,
scattering seven hits without allowing a run and striking out six
against the Braves. Tonight, will be Buehler’s 11th career postseason
start and he is 2-1 with a 2.44 ERA (15 ER/55.1 IP) and 73 strikeouts
against 21 walks.
Buehler has struck out at least six batters in each of his
previous 10 postseason starts and failed to record 7+
strikeout game for the first time in his career in his last
outing against the Braves. It snapped his streak and he is
now tied with Randy Johnson, who had nine straight starts
of seven or more strikeouts from Oct. 5, 1997-Nov. 3, 2001.
The Kentucky native has 73 strikeouts in 55.1 career
postseason innings. His 11.87 strikeouts per nine innings,
ranks fifth all-time (MIN 40.0 IP), trailing only Mariano
Rivera (13.50), Wade Davis (12.83), Kenley Jansen (12.51)
and Brad Lidge (12.31).
With two trips to the injured list due to a blister on his right
hand, Buehler went 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA (14 ER/36.2 IP)
and 42 strikeouts in eight starts. He limited the opposition
to a .178 average and registered a 0.95 WHIP.
NO MAN LIKE MOOK: After signing a 12-year contract
extension that will keep him in Dodger blue through 2032 prior to
Opening Day, Mookie Betts made a bid to join Frank Robinson as
the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues. Betts ranked
among the NL leaders in hits (64, T-10th), runs (47, 4th), batting
average (.292, 16th), OBP (.366, 17th), SLG (.562, 13th), steals (10,
T-5th) and homers (16, T-3rd). Betts went 18-for-41 (.439) with
runners in scoring position, the third best mark in the Majors,
and was at his best late in games, posting a .343 (24-for70)/.370/.643 slashline from the seventh inning and later.
In Game 1 of the World Series, Betts went 2-for-4 with a
homer, two runs scored and two stolen bases and became
the first player in MLB history with two runs, two stolen
bases and a homer in a World Series game.
Betts, 28, has hit safely in 11 of 14 playoff games this year,
going 16-for-52 (.308) with six doubles, one homer and six
RBI. 15 of his 36 playoff hits have gone for extra-bases (13
doubles, two homers). The Dodgers are 10-1 in the
postseason when he records at least one hit.
On Aug. 13, he homered three times against the Padres,
joining Hall-of-Famer Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa as the
only players in MLB history with six career three-homer
games. Betts also collected career-hit No. 1,000 on Aug. 27
vs. San Francisco.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL: Dodger catcher Will Smith had a
game for the ages in Game 3 of the NLDS vs. San Diego, going 5-
for-6 with two doubles and three RBI. Smith became the first Dodger
to collect five hits in a playoff game and was also the youngest player
and first catcher in Postseason history with a five-hit contest (25
years, 194 days). In 14 games this Postseason, Smith is hitting .222
(12-for-56) with two homers, three doubles, 13 RBI and six runs.
MATCHUP vs. RAYS
Regular Season All-Time vs. Rays: LA leads series, 10-7
2019: Teams Split Series, 2-2 (1-1 at Dodger Stadium)
2020 Postseason: Series Tied, 1-1
Oct. 20 vs. TB at Globe Life Field: W, 8-3 W: Kershaw L: Glasnow
Oct. 21 vs. TB at Globe Life Field: L, 4-6 W: Anderson L: Gonsolin S: Castillo
OCTOBER RED: Dodger third baseman Justin Turner went 1-
for-4 with a double and extended his postseason on-base streak to 10
games on Wednesday. During his on-base streak, he is batting .270
(10-for-37) with four doubles, one homer and two RBI, while
reaching base 17 of his 44 plate appearances. The infielder has 73
postseason hits, which is a Dodger postseason record. The 2017 AllStar set the record in Game 3 of the NLDS vs. San Diego, surpassing
Steve Garvey (63). Turner also holds the club record for Postseason
RBI with 39 and playoff doubles with 17. In 68 career postseason
games (all with L.A.), Turner has hit .291 (73-for-251) with 10
homers, 17 doubles and an .880 OPS.
The infielder ended the season having reached base safely
in 31 consecutive games with a plate appearance, doing so
from Aug. 4-Sept. 27, the longest on-base streak of his
career (previous high: 28, 2011). It marked the second
longest streak in the Majors this year behind only Freddie
Freeman’s 33-game on-base streak from Aug. 11-Sept. 18.
Among players with 150 or more AB, Turner ranked
among the NL leaders in average (.307, 13th) and OBP
(.400, T-9th). He reached 1,000 career hits with a secondinning double on August 11 against the Padres.
Turner was the Dodgers’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente
Award for the third time in four years (also: 2017, ’18) and
won his third-career Roy Campanella Award as the most
inspirational Dodger.
EIGHT’S NOT ENOUGH: The Dodgers went 43-17 in the 60-
game season to win their record eighth straight NL West title with
the best record in the Majors. The club’s .717 winning percentage
was the best in franchise history and marked the seventh time in club
history that the Dodgers posted the Majors’ best mark (last: 2017).
The Dodgers won a division title for the eighth straight year,
something only two other franchises have accomplished:
MLB All-Time – Most Consecutive Division Titles
Braves, 1991-2005 14
Yankees, 1998-2006 9
Dodgers, 2013-2020 8 (active streak)
Source: Stats, LLC
The Dodgers reached the World Series in each of their six
previous seasons with the best record in the Majors:
Dodgers Finishing w/MLB’s Best Record, All-time
1949 Brooklyn Dodgers (tied) 97-57 (.630) Lost WS (4-1 NYY)
1952 Brooklyn Dodgers 96-57 (.627) Lost WS (4-3 NYY)
1953 Brooklyn Dodgers 105-49 (.682) Lost WS (4-2 NYY)
1955 Brooklyn Dodgers 98-55 (.641) Won WS (4-3 vs NYY)
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers 102-60 (.630) Lost WS (4-1 Oak)
2017 Los Angeles Dodgers 104-58 (.642) Lost WS (4-3 Hou)
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers 43-17 (.717) ???
THE LONG BALL: Los Angeles led the Majors with 118 home
runs in 60 games, an average of 1.97 per game. The 1.97 homers per
game represent the top mark in MLB history, topping the 2019
Minnesota Twins (1.90). The Dodgers’ previous high came last year
when the club averaged 1.72 home runs per game.
The Dodgers blasted 57 home runs in 28 August games,
setting a National League record for most home runs in a
calendar month. The mark was previously held by the
Atlanta Braves, who hit 56 in June 2019.
AJ Pollock and Mookie Betts tied for the team lead and for
third in the National League with 16 homers. Los Angeles
homered in 49 of its 60 games and went 39-10 when hitting
at least one homer. The Dodgers were 28-8 when hitting
two or more home runs in a game.
The Dodgers had five players reach double digit home runs
in the 60-game season, with Pollock, Betts, Corey Seager
(15, T-9th NL), Cody Bellinger (12, T-18th NL) and Max
Muncy (12, T-18th NL) turning the trick. The five players
with 10+ home runs tied for the MLB lead with the Braves,
White Sox and Phillies.
I’M ABOUT TO RUN: The Dodgers led the Majors with a +136
run differential, 52 better than the next best team (Padres +84). Even
with the shortened 60-game season, the 2020 Dodgers’ +136 run
differential represents the ninth best mark in Los Angeles history.
Los Angeles led MLB with 349 runs scored, and ranked
second with 213 runs allowed (Indians, 1st, 209).
The Dodgers’ 5.82 runs per game were the most
in franchise history and ranked as the third most in NL
history behind only the 1996 & 2000 Colorado Rockies.
Los Angeles hitters batted .291 combined with runners in
scoring position (137-for-470), the second-bast mark in the
Majors behind the Padres (.310).
Los Angeles was not shut out all season, the only team in
the Majors to avoid that distinction. The Dodgers scored
five or more runs in 39 of their 60 games, posting a 36-3
record in those contests. The Dodgers scored 122 runs in
the seventh inning or later, the second most in the Majors
(Padres, 124), which helped L.A. register 19 comeback
wins. The club outscored the opposition 122-66 from the
seventh inning on.
SERIES BUSINESS: The Dodgers lost just one series all year – at
home vs. Colorado Sept. 4-6 – and finished the season with a 15-1-4
series record, including six series sweeps. Los Angeles opened the
season by going unbeaten its first 13 series, which is the fifth best
season-opening run in the divisional era (since 1969). The 1977
Dodgers hold the club mark with 14.
Los Angeles went unbeaten in its 10 road series, posting a
9-0-1 series record.
The Dodgers won the season series against every club they
played this year. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the
Dodgers became just the 4th team in the World Series era
(since 1903) to win at least 60% of their decisions against
every team they faced in a season and the first to do so in
101 years.
START ME UP: The Dodgers led the Majors in team ERA
(3.02), opponents’ batting average (.213) and WHIP (1.06), and
allowed just 1.10 home runs per 9.0 innings – the best mark in the
National League and second best in the Majors behind the Twins
(1.09). The Dodgers walked just 2.42 per 9.0 innings (1st, MLB) and
posted the best strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.96) in the NL.
Los Angeles starters led the NL with a 3.29 combined ERA
(101 ER/276.1 IP), limited opponents to a .219 batting
average (2nd, MLB) and posted an MLB-best 1.07 WHIP.
Clayton Kershaw led the Dodgers in wins (6), innings
(58.1) and strikeouts (62) in his 13th MLB season, going 6-
2 with a 2.16 ERA in 10 starts. Kershaw ranked among the
NL leaders (min. 55 IP) in wins (T-4th), ERA (5th),
opponents’ batting average (.194, 5th) and WHIP (0.84, 2nd).
On Sept. 3, Kershaw reached 2,500 strikeouts by fanning
Arizona’s Nick Ahmed, becoming the third-youngest
pitcher in MLB history to reach the mark at 32 years, 168
days, behind only Nolan Ryan (31 years, 101 days) and
Walter Johnson (31 years, 197 days). He ended the season
ranked 36th on the all-time strikeout list, nine behind
Bartolo Colon.
Among rookies with 40.0 or more innings
pitched, Tony Gonsolin (2.31) and Dustin May (2.57)
ranked first and second, respectively, in ERA.
In nine games (eight starts), Gonsolin limited opponents to
a .189 batting average, allowed just two home runs, walked
seven, struck out 46 in 46.2 innings and posted a 0.84
WHIP – the fourth best mark in the Majors among pitchers
with 40.0 or more innings.
May became the first Dodger rookie to start on Opening
Day since Fernando Valenzuela replaced an injured Jerry
Reuss in 1981 and allowed just one run in 4.1 innings in a
no-decision on July 23 against the Giants. In 12 games (10
starts), he went 3-1 and ranked among the NL leaders (min.
50.0 IP) in ERA (2.57, 8th), opponents’ batting
average (.220, T-13th) and WHIP (1.09, T-12th).
OH WHAT A RELIEF: Dodger relievers posted a 2.74 ERA, the
best mark in the NL and the second best in the Majors behind only
the Athletics (2.72). The Los Angeles bullpen held opponents to a
.207 average (1st, MLB) and posted a 1.04 WHIP, the best mark in
the big leagues. Dodger relievers issued just 2.57 walks per 9.0
innings and allowed only 0.82 HR/9.0 innings, leading the Majors in
both categories.
Four Los Angeles relievers placed among the NL’s top 20
qualifying relievers in ERA: Adam Kolarek (0.95,
3rd), Victor González (1.40, 4th), Dylan Floro (2.59, 16th)
and Jake McGee (2.66, T-19th).
The Dodgers had five relievers with a WHIP of 1.00 or
lower: Gonzalez (0.72, 4th NL), Kolarek (0.79, 6th NL),
McGee (0.84, 8th NL), Brusdar Graterol (0.86, T-9th NL)
and Pedro Báez (1.00, T-24th NL).
Dodger closer Kenley Jansen was selected as the National
League’s Reliever of the Month for July/August, going 1-0
with nine saves in 10 opportunities and posting a 1.23 ERA
(2 ER/14.2 IP). It was Jansen’s second career monthly
award (also: June 2017).
Game 3 Starter – RHP Walker Buehler: 1-0, 1.89 ERA in 4 GS
2020 Postseason:
Fired 6.0 scoreless innings in his tenth postseason start against the Braves in Game 6 of the
NLCS…despite giving up seven hits, the Kentucky native struck out six and did not issue a walk as he earned his first win of the 2020 postseason…also started Game 1, delivering 5.0 solid frames, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven and issuing five walks on 100 pitches Tossed 4.0 innings on one-run ball in Game 1 of the Division Series vs. the Padres, allowing
two hits and four walks while striking out eight…also started Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Brewers, giving up two earned runs on three hits as he delivered 4.0 frames, striking
out eight and walking two while not factoring in the decision as Los Angeles routed Milwaukee, 4-2 2020
Regular Season:
Finished the season going 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA (14 ER/36.2 IP) over eight starts, limiting opponents to a .178 average (24-for-135)
Struck out 42 batters and walked just eleven during his eight appearances…posted a 0.95 WHIP and 10.31 strikeout-per-nine innings mark
Has pitched especially well at Dodger Stadium, keeping opponents to a .114/.195/.129 slashline over four games…struck out 29 batters and walked just six in those appearances
His best outing of the year occurred at Dodger Stadium against Colorado on August 21, where he tossed 6.0 innings of one-run ball, collecting a season-high 11 strikeouts while
giving up only four hits…the Dodgers eventually won that matchup 5-1
Made two trips to the Injured List, both for a blister on his right hand, from Aug. 23 to Sept. 2 and again from Sept. 9 to Sept. 24….the Boys in Blue went 12-7 over that 19 game
span
Career vs. Tampa Bay:
Will face the Rays for the first time in his career as he starts Game 3 of the Fall Classic
Career Postseason:
Has gone 2-1 with a 2.44 ERA (15 ER/55.1 IP) in ten postseason starts, striking out 73 batters against 21 walks and limiting opposition to a .182 batting average…also owns a 1.03 WHIP and four quality starts
Fanned at least seven batters in his first nine postseason starts…according to Elias, the only other pitcher who has ever had a postseason streak that long is Randy Johnson, who
produced nine straight postseason starts of seven or more strikeouts from Oct. 1997 – Nov. 3, 2001
His sole World Series appearance came against Boston in Game 3 back in 2018…fired 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits as he struck out seven without issuing a walk…did
not factor in the decision as the Dodgers eventually won that marathon game, 3-2, in the 18th inning
Started twice against Atlanta in the Championship Series, giving up just one earned run over 11.0 innings to go 1-0…allowed ten hits and five walks but struck out 13 batters…the
Dodgers went 1-1 during Buehler’s outings
In Division Series matchups, including his appearance against San Diego, the righty owns a 1-0 record over four starts, producing a 2.91 ERA (7 ER/21.2 IP) with 30 strikeouts and a .123 (9-for-73) opponent batting average
Pitched against the Milwaukee in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, throwing 4.0 innings as he gave up two runs on three hits over 73 pitches…did not factor in the decision as the Dodgers won the matchup, 4-2.
The 116th
World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Friday, October 22, 2020
World Series 3 Notes
Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
2020 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE
GAME DAY/DATE SITE FIRST PITCH (ET/SITE) TV/RADIO
3 Friday, Oct. 23rd Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
4 Saturday, Oct. 24th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
5 Sunday, Oct. 25th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
Monday, Oct. 26th OFF DAY
6* Tuesday, . Oct. 27th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
7* Wednesday, .Oct. 28th Globe Life Field 8:09 p.m. / 7:09 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
*If Necessary
2020 WORLD SERIES PROBABLE PITCHERS (Regular Season/Postseason)
Game 3 at Arlington: Walker Buehler (1-0, 3.44, 42 SO / 1-0, 1.89, 29 SO) vs. Charlie Morton (2-2, 4.74, 42 SO / 3-0, 0.57, 17 SO)
Game 4 at Arlington: Julio Urías (3-0, 3.27, 45 SO / 4-0, 0.56, 16 SO) vs. TBD
Game 5 at Arlington: TBD vs. TBD
116th WORLD SERIES
• 2020 marks the 116th renewal of the World Series
featuring the champions of the American League against
the champions of the National League. The Fall Classic
was first played in 1903, and has taken place every year
since 1904, when the National League champion New
York Giants and their manager John McGraw refused to
play the AL champs, the Boston Red Sox, and in 1994,
when the season ended on August 11th due to the players’
strike.
PIVOTAL GAME THREE
• Of the previous 59 times that a World Series has been
tied, 1-1, the team winning Game Three has gone on to
win the Commissioner’s Trophy on 38 occasions (64.4%).
That has been the case in five of the last eight (except
St. Louis in 2013, Kansas City in 2014 and Cleveland
in 2016), and 12 of the last 16 instances, with the other
exception being 2003, when the Yankees won Game 3 to
take a 2-1 lead, but lost the next three contests. Prior to
that, it had not occurred since 1979, when Baltimore took
a 2-1 lead against Pittsburgh before losing the series in
seven.
DODGERS AT 1-1
• This marks the 13th time since 1900 that the Dodgers
have been tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven Postseason series,
previously doing so in the 2018 NLCS (Milwaukee); the
2017 World Series (Houston); the 2016 NLCS (CHI
Cubs); the 2009 NLCS (Philadelphia); the 1988 NLCS
(NY Mets); the 1977 World Series (NY Yankees); the
1974 World Series (Oakland); the 1959 World Series (CHI
White Sox); the 1952 World Series (NY Yankees); the
1949 World Series (NY Yankees); the 1941 World Series
(NY Yankees); and the 1920 World Series (Cleveland).
• Of the previous 12 occurrences, the Dodgers only went
on to win the 2018 NLCS, the 1988 NLCS and the 1959
World Series.
RAYS AT 1-1
• This marks the third time in franchise history that the
Rays have been tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven Postseason
series. Both previous occurrences came during Tampa
Bay’s 2008 playoff run, with them defeating Boston in the
ALCS before falling to Philadelphia in the Fall Classic.
GAME 2 RESULTS
• The Rays improved to 7-4 in Game Two of a Postseason
series, and are now 2-0 in Game Two of the Fall Classic.
Tampa Bay is now a perfect 4-0 this Postseason in Game
Two. • The Dodgers dropped to 28-23 in Game Two of a
Postseason series, and are now 10-11 in Game Two of
the Fall Classic. Los Angeles is now 2-2 this Postseason
in Game Two.
KEYSTONE POWER
• Second baseman Brandon Lowe connected for a pair of
home runs in Game Two. He became the first player in
franchise history to club multiple homers in a Fall Classic
game. It marked the seventh such game by a Ray in
Postseason history, most recently accomplished by his
teammate Manuel Margot in Game Six of the ALCS
against the Astros.
• In addition, it marked the 55th multi-homer game in World
Series history, and the first since Steve Pearce in Game
Five of the 2018 Fall Classic.
• Lowe became the sixth second baseman (seventh time)
in World Series history to record a multi-homer game,
joining Chase Utley (2009 G1 and G5), Jeff Kent (2002
G5), Davey Lopes (1978 G1), Charlie Neal (1959 G2) and Tony Lazzeri (1932 G4).
2020 WS RESULTS
DATE RESULT WINNING PITCHER LOSING PITCHER SAVE ATTENDANCE
Tuesday, October 20th LAD 8-3 Clayton Kershaw Tyler Glasnow — 11,388
Wednesday, October 21st TB 6-4 Nick Anderson Tony Gonsolin Diego Castillo –11,472
FIVE-INNING ROAD BLOCK
• Following Blake Snell’s 4.2 inning-start, the Rays
became the sixth team in World Series history to have
four consecutive starters not reach 5.0 innings (Tyler
Glasnow, 2020 G2; Scott Kazmir, 2008 G5; and Andy
Sonnanstine, 2008 G4).
• According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rays became
the first AL Club to do so, as it was previously accomplished
by the Dodgers (5G, 2017-18); the Cardinals (5, 1987-
2004); the Giants (4, 1989); the Padres (4, 1984) and the
Dodgers (7, 1947).
SNELLZILLA
• Blake Snell tossed 4.2 innings of two-run ball in the no decision with nine strikeouts, four walks and two hits
allowed. Snell had a no-hitter through 4.2 innings before
giving up a two-run homer to Chris Taylor.
• With nine punchouts, Snell surpassed Glasnow (8) for the
franchise record in a World Series game. He matched
his personal Postseason record, which he set in Game
One of this year’s Wild Card round against the Blue Jays.
Glasnow’s 10-strikeout performance in Game Two of this
year’s ALDS against the Yankees paces the franchise’s
Postseason mark.
• Snell became the first pitcher in World Series history
to throw fewer than 5.0 innings with nine strikeouts. It
marked the 10th such outing in Postseason history overall,
and the first since Washington’s Patrick Corbin last year
in Game Four of the NLCS against the Cardinals.
• Snell became the third pitcher in World Series history to
tally at least two strikeouts in four consecutive innings,
joining Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson.
TWO-OUT PROWESS
• In Game 3, the Dodgers scored two runs with
two outs, and have now amassed 43 two-out RBI this
Postseason. The next closest this Postseason is Houston
and Tampa Bay at 22.
• Since 1999, the Dodgers’ 43 two-out RBI rank fourth in
a single Postseason, behind only Boston (46) in 2004,
Boston (45) in 2018 and San Francisco (45) in 2002.
SEAGER STAYS HOT
• Corey Seager launched his seventh home run of the 2020
Postseason in Wednesday’s losing effort, extending his
franchise record for a single Postseason.
• Seager became the 10th player in MLB Postseason
history to club seven-or-more homers in a single playoff
run, and joined Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena (7) this
year. Nelson Cruz (2011), Carlos Beltrán (2004) and
Barry Bonds (8) are the only players in history with eight
homers in a single Postseason.
• Seager became the first shortstop in history to hit seven
homers in a single Postseason.
• 2020 is the first Postseason in history to feature a pair
of hitters club at least seven round-trippers (Arozarena/
Seager).
CREAM OF THE CROP
• This year’s Fall Classic features Clubs with the best
overall record from each league for the first time since
the Cardinals and Red Sox in 2013. Overall, it marks the
13th such matchup since 1969.
Year AL Team Record NL Team Record
2020 Tampa Bay 40-20 LA Dodgers 43-17
2013 Boston 97-65 St. Louis 97-65
1999 NY Yankees 98-64 Atlanta 103-59
1995 Cleveland 100-44 Atlanta 90-54
1992 Toronto 96-66 Atlanta 98-64
1986 Boston 108-54 NY Mets 108-54
1982 Milwaukee 95-67 St. Louis 92-70
1979 Baltimore 102-57 Pittsburgh 98-64
1978 NY Yankees 100-63 LA Dodgers 95-67
1976 NY Yankees 97-62 Cincinnati 102-60
1971 Baltimore 101-57 Pittsburgh 97-65
1970 Baltimore 108-54 Cincinnati 102-60
1969 Baltimore 109-53 NY Mets 100-62
• Should the Dodgers claim this year’s Commissioner’s
Trophy, they would become just the seventh World Series
winner in the Wild Card Era to also have posted the best
regular season record in the Majors. This was previously
accomplished by the 2018 Red Sox; the 2016 Cubs; the
2013 Red Sox; the 2009 Yankees; the 2007 Red Sox;
and the 1998 Yankees.
THE MANAGERS
Kevin Cash is in his sixth full season with the Rays, and is
making his first appearance in the Fall Classic.
• Cash has guided the Rays to a 454-416 (.522) record
during his six years at the helm.
• Cash became the fifth manager in Rays history and is
already the second-longest tenured behind only Joe
Maddon (2006-14).
• Across Baseball, is the third-longest tenured manager
with his current team behind Oakland’s Bob Melvin (9)
and Cleveland’s Terry Francona (8).
• Finished third in 2018 and 2019 AL Manager of the Year
voting. Was behind Rocco Baldelli (MIN) and Aaron
Boone (NYY) in 2019, and Bob Melvin (OAK) and Alex
Cora (BOS) in 2018.
• At age-41 during the 2019 season, became the youngest
AL East manger to lead his team to the Postseason
since 1995, when Buck Showalter of the Yankees (age
39) and Kevin Kennedy of the Red Sox (age 41) both
accomplished the feat.
• Played eight seasons at the Major League level across
stints with the Blue Jays (2002-04), Rays (2005), Red
Sox (2007-08), Yankees (2009), Astros (2010) and Red
Sox (2010).
Dave Roberts is in his fifth season as manager of the
Dodgers, and has made an appearance in each Postseason
as skipper.
• Roberts piloted the Dodgers to a 436-273 (.615) record
across his five seasons at the helm.
• Prior to being named manager of the Club in 2016,
Roberts lost his lone game as interim manager of the San
Diego Padres in 2015.
• Is the first manager in Baseball history to guide the
Dodgers to the Postseason in each of his first five
seasons with the Club.
• Roberts’ Dodgers won a franchise-record 106 game
during the 2019 season.
• In his first season as manager in 2016, was named
NL Manager of the Year, joining Hall of Famer Tommy
Lasorda (1983, 88) as the only managers in Club history
to win the award since its inception in 1983.
• Across 10 Major League seasons, played for the Indians
(1999-2001), Dodgers (2002-04), Red Sox (2004),
Padres (2005-06) and Giants (2007-08).
Game 3 Notes – Friday, October 23, 2020
GAME 3 STARTERS
BUEHLER: Across 10 career Postseason appearances (al
starts), is 2-1 with a 2.44 ERA. Has logged 73 strikeouts, 21
walks and just 36 hits over 55.1 innings pitched.
• Started Game Three of the 2018 Fall Classic against the
Red Sox in his lone World Series appearance. Tossed
7.0-shutout innings with seven strikeouts while not
permitting a walk and only surrendering two hits. • Has registered at least seven strikeouts in each of his 10
Postseason starts. According to the Elias Sports Bureau,
Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is the only other player in
history to post a longer streak, delivering nine from 1997-2001
• Has made four starts this Postseason, earning the win in
his lone decision against the Braves in Game Six of the
NLCS. Has recorded a 1.89 ERA with a 29:11 strikeoutto-walk ratio. • Buehler started Game One of the NL Wild Card vs.
Milwaukee (4-2 win); Game One of the NLDS vs. San
Diego (5-1 win); Game One of the NLCS vs. Atlanta (1-5
loss); and Game Six of the NLCS vs. Atlanta (3-1 win). • During the regular season, went 1-0 with 42 punchouts,
11 walks, 24 hits and a 3.44 ERA over eight starts and
36.2 innings of work. • Has never pitched against the Rays. • Only three players currently on the Rays’ World Series
roster have ever recorded an at-bat against Buehler.
Hunter Renfroe is 1-for-5 (.200); Manuel Margot is 1-for4 (.250) with a home run and RBI; and Mike Zunino is 0-for-2 (.000).
MORTON: Across 12 career Postseason appearances,
including 11 starts, has logged a 7-2 record with 61 strikeouts,
21 walks and a 2.84 ERA over 57.0 innings pitched.
• Has made four starts during the 2020 Postseason, going
2-2 with a 3.20 ERA and a 19:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio
across 19.2 innings of work. Has surrendered four home
runs and 16 hits. • Appeared in two previous Fall Classic games during the
2017 World Series as a member of the Houston Astros.
Allowed just two runs across 10.1 innings while tallying
11 strikeouts and just one free pass. • Morton started Game Three of the ALDS at NY Yankees
(8-4 win); Game Two of the ALDS vs. Houston (4-2 win);
and Game Seven of the ALCS vs. Houston (4-2 win). • With his win in Game Seven of the ALCS, improved to
3-0 all-time in deciding Postseason games. His three
victories are tied for third most in MLB history, trailing only
Andy Pettitte (6) and Dave Stewart (4). • During the regular season, Morton registered a 2-2 record
with 42 strikeouts, 10 walks, 43 hits and a 4.74 ERA over
nine starts and 38.0 innings. • Has made two career starts against the Dodgers, losing
his lone decision with a 6.55 ERA and 14 strikeouts over
a pair of starts and 11.0 innings. • Mookie Betts has logged the most career at-bats against
Morton, hitting 6-for-20 (.300) with two doubles. AJ
Pollock is 0-for-9 (.000) with an RBI; Justin Turner is
2-for-5 (.400) with two RBI; and Joc Pederson is 0-for-2
(.000).
CLOSE THE ROOF
• Tonight’s World Series contest will have the roof closed.
All previous 12 Postseason games at Globe Life Fied this
year have had the roof open, and 15 of the last 16 games
overall in Arlington have featured the roof open. • During the 2020 regular season, the roof was open on
six occasions, resulting in 11.83 runs per game. In 24
games with the roof closed, 8.21 runs per game were
averaged (courtesy of Rangers PR).
FAMILIAR TERRITORY
• The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their 21st NL Pennant
in franchise history, the most of any NL Club and secondmost all-time behind the Yankees (40).
• The Dodgers became just the second team since 1969
to represent the NL in the World Series three times
across four Postseasons (2017-18, 2020), joining the
Atlanta Braves, who earned four NL Pennants across five
Postseasons from 1991-96 (excluding 1993).
RELATIVE NEWCOMERS
• The Tampa Bay Rays are appearing in just their second
World Series in franchise history. In their lone appearance
in 2008, the Rays were defeated by the Phillies in five
games.
COMING IN HOT
• The Dodgers won three consecutive games while facing
elimination to win the NLCS, marking the second time
that the Clubs has accomplished the feat during a
Postseason series. During the 1981 NLDS against the
Houston Astros, the Dodgers won three straight after
falling behind two game-to-none in the best-of-five series.
• The Dodgers became the eighth team in Postseason
history to accomplish the feat in a best-of-seven LCS
series, joining the 2012 Giants; the 2007 Red Sox; the
2004 Red Sox (4); the 2003 Marlins; the 1996 Braves;
the 1986 Red Sox; and the 1985 Royals.
TAKING THE LONG ROUTE
• This year’s ALCS marked just the second in Major League
history to feature a decisive Game 7 after one Club held a
3-0 series lead. The 2004 ALCS was the only other such
occurrence, which saw the Boston Red Sox complete the
series comeback against the New York Yankees en route
to their World Series crown.
• Following a sweep of the Blue Jays, the Rays required five
games to defeat the Yankees in the ALDS and all seven
games against the Astros to advance to the Fall Classic.
The Rays became the ninth Club in Postseason history to
play a “winner-take-all” game in both the Division Series
and Championship Series, joining the 2017 Yankees; the
2012 Giants; the 2012 Cardinals; the 2004 Astros; the
2003 Cubs; the 2003 Red Sox; the 1981 Dodgers; and
the 1981 Expos.
TITLE TOWN(S) USA
• Both cities of Los Angeles and Tampa Bay enter the 2020
Fall Classic having already secured a championship
in one of the other ‘Big Four’ professional sports. The
Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat to claim
the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy, while the Tampa Bay
Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars to garner the Stanley
Cup.
• Should the Dodgers emerge victorious from this year’s
Fall Classic, it would mark the first time since 1988
that Los Angeles enjoyed a pair of champions in the
same year. The City of LA became the first and still is
only city to have the NBA champion and World Series
champion in the same year. It is worth noting that in
2002, the Anaheim Angels and Lakers also both won
their respective championships.
Game 3 Notes – Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
• Tampa Bay is vying to become just the third city in history
to have a World Series champion and Stanley Cup
champion in the same year. The feat was accomplished
by New York twice – first in 1928 with the New York
Yankees and New York Rangers, and again in 1933 with
the New York Giants and New York Rangers.
COAST TO COAST
• For the fifth time since Major League Baseball began the
six-division format in 1994, the Fall Classic is featuring
teams from the NL West and the AL East.
• The Red Sox defeated the Dodgers in 2018; the Red
Sox defeated the Rockies in 2007; the Diamondbacks
defeated the Yankees in 2001; and the Yankees defeated
the Padres in 1998.
BEEN HERE BEFORE
Of the 56 players that were on the Dodgers and Rays LCS
rosters, 18 have previous World Series experience, including
17 from the Dodgers.
• Los Angeles: Pedro Báez (2018 Dodgers), Austin Barnes
(2017-18 Dodgers), Cody Bellinger (2017-18 Dodgers),
Mookie Betts (2018 Red Sox), Walker Buehler (2018
Dodgers), Dylan Floro (2018 Dodgers), Kiké Hernández
(2017-18 Dodgers), Kenley Jansen (2017-18 Dodgers),
Joe Kelly (2013 Cardinals, 2018 Red Sox), Clayton
Kershaw (2017-18 Dodgers), Max Muncy (2018 Dodgers),
Joc Pederson (2017-18 Dodgers), Corey Seager (2017
Dodgers), Chris Taylor (2017-18 Dodgers), Justin Turner
(2017-18 Dodgers), Julio Urías (2018 Dodgers), Alex
Wood (2017-18 Dodgers)
• Tampa Bay: Charlie Morton (2017 Astros)
ALL AROUND THE WORLD
• According to each Club’s WS rosters, the teams combine
for 15 foreign-born players. The 15 players hail from the
Dominican Republic (four – Willy Adames, Pedro Báez,
Diego Castillo, Manuel Margot); Puerto Rico (three – Kiké
Hernández, Michael Perez, Edwin Ríos); Cuba (two –
Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz); Mexico (two – Victor
González, Julio Urías); Curaçao (one – Kenley Jansen);
Japan (one – Yoshitomo Tsutsugo); South Korea (one – JiMan Choi); and Venezuela (one – Brusdar Graterol).
• With his start at first base in Game Three, Ji-Man Choi
became the first Korean-born position player to appear in
a World Series game. He also became the first Korean-born player to record a hit.
WORLD SERIES UMPIRES
• Bill Miller will serve as primary Crew Chief for the umpires
in the 2020 World Series, and this will be the fourth Fall
Classic for Miller (2010, 13, 17). Miller, who will be
behind the plate for Game Three, will be joined by (with
Game Three Assignments and number of World Series
appearances, including 2020) Laz Diaz (LF, third), Chris
Guccione (off, second), Marvin Hudson (1B, second),
Jerry Meals (2B, second), Mark Carlson (3B, second) and
Todd Tichenor (RF, first). Meals served as the crew chief
in Game Two of the World Series. The Replay Official
during the World Series will be Major League Umpire
Adrian Johnson, who will be assisted by Major League
Umpire David Rackley.
MLB is deeply saddened by the passing of 34-year Major
League Umpire Derryl Cousins at the age of 74. The
Californian worked nearly 4,500 games and three World
Series (1988, 1999, 2005) and was behind the plate for White
Sox clincher in 2005.
OCT. 23rd IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Today in Baseball history, several notable feats:
• In 1910, Philadelphia’s Jack Coombs won his third game
of the World Series as the Athletics took the championship
in five games, beating the Chicago Cubs, 7-2. Eddie
Collins had three hits, including two doubles, to lead the
A’s attack. • In 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers President Branch Rickey
announced the signing of Jackie Robinson. • In 1985, Bruce Hurst tossed a complete game, scattering
10 hits with a walk and six strikeouts, to give the Red Sox
a 4-2 win over the New York Mets and a 3-2 series lead.
• In 1993, Toronto’s Joe Carter hit the second World
Series-ending home run ever, a three-run shot off Mitch
Williams in the ninth inning that gave the Blue Jays an
8-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6. It
secured Toronto’s second straight World Series crown.
• In 1996, The New York Yankees overcame a 6-0 deficit
in Game 4 of the Fall Classic against the Atlanta Braves,
highlighted by a game-tying three-run homer in the eighth
inning by Jim Leyritz. The Yankees won in the 10th inning
and tied the series at 2-2, swinging the momentum in
their favor.
• In 2006, The Cardinals clinched the World Series over the
Detroit Tigers as Tony La Russa joined Sparky Anderson
as the only managers to win the World Series with a club
in both leagues.
The manager, A.J. Hinch, brought the hook. The starter-turned-reliever, Charlie Morton, brought the sinker. The line was something that almost never happened at the expense of the 2017 Dodgers: Four innings, two hits, one runs, seven strikeouts. Game 7 of that World Series ended with a first-pitch grounder by Corey Seager, and Morton celebrated with…
For the Dodgers, Charlie Morton is a familiar, forbidding face in the World Series — Press Telegram
ARLINGTON, Texas — Mookie Betts finished second to Mike Trout in the voting for the American League MVP Award in 2016. There was no shame in that. After all, Mike Trout wins the award every year, or seems to, and has been acclaimed as the greatest player of his generation, one of the best in…
Dodgers marvel at Mookie Betts’ everyday excellence — Press Telegram
The 116th World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
World Series Game Two – Postgame Notes
Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
TAMPA BAY RAYS 6, LOS ANGELES DODGERS 4 (SERIES TIED, 1-1)
First Pitch: 7:08 p.m. CT Game-time Temperature: 81 degrees Tonight’s Attendance: 11,472 Time of Game: 3:40
PITCHING LINES
TAMPA BAY IP H R ER BB-I SO HR WP BF Pitches/Strikes
Blake Snell 4.2 2 2 2 4-0 9 1 0 20 88/49
Nick Anderson 
1.1 1 1 1 0-0 2 1 0 5 19/12
Pete Fairbanks 1.2 2 1 1 0-0 1 1 0 7 23/16
Aaron Loup 1.0 0 0 0 0-0 2 0 0 3 11/9
Diego Castillo (SV) 0.1 0 0 0 0-0 1 0 0 1 3/3
LA DODGERS IP H R ER BB-I SO HR WP BF Pitches/Strikes
Tony Gonsolin (L) 1.1 1 1 1 1-0 1 1 0 6 29/16
Dylan Floro 1.1 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 3 19/10
Victor González 1.0 0 1 1 1-0 0 0 0 4 10/6
Dustin May 1.1 4 3 3 0-0 1 1 0 8 25/19
Joe Kelly 1.0 2 1 1 0-0 2 0 0 5 16/13
Alex Wood 2.0 2 0 0 1-1 2 0 0 9 26/24
Jake McGee 1.0 1 0 0 1-0 1 0 0 5 16/9
KNOTTED AT 1-1
• This is the 60th time that a World Series has been tied 1-1
after two games. Of the previous 59 times, the winner
of Game Two has gone on to capture the Series in 31
occasions (52.5%). However, that has been the case
on just four of 12 occasions since 1993 – those being
Anaheim in 2002, New York in 2009, Chicago in 2016
and Houston in 2017. The 1993 Phillies, 1997 Indians,
2003 Yankees, 2006 Tigers, 2008 Rays, 2011 Rangers,
2013 Cardinals and 2014 Royals all won Game Two to
square the Fall Classic, but went on to lose the Series.
PIVOTAL GAME THREE
• Of the previous 59 times that a World Series has been
tied, 1-1, the team winning Game Three has gone on to
win the Commissioner’s Trophy on 38 occasions (64.4%).
That has been the case in five of the last eight (except
St. Louis in 2013, Kansas City in 2014 and Cleveland
in 2016), and 12 of the last 16 instances, with the other
exception being 2003, when the Yankees won Game 3 to
take a 2-1 lead, but lost the next three contests. Prior to
that, it had not occurred since 1979, when Baltimore took
a 2-1 lead against Pittsburgh before losing the series in
seven.
DODGERS AT 1-1
• This marks the 13th time since 1900 that the Dodgers
have been tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven Postseason series,
previously doing so in the 2018 NLCS (Milwaukee); the
2017 World Series (Houston); the 2016 NLCS (CHI
Cubs); the 2009 NLCS (Philadelphia); the 1988 NLCS
(NY Mets); the 1977 World Series (NY Yankees); the
1974 World Series (Oakland); the 1959 World Series (CHI
White Sox); the 1952 World Series (NY Yankees); the
1949 World Series (NY Yankees); the 1941 World Series
(NY Yankees); and the 1920 World Series (Cleveland).
• Of the previous 12 occurrences, the Dodgers only went
on to win the 2018 NLCS, the 1988 NLCS and the 1959
World Series.
RAYS AT 1-1
• This marks the third time in franchise history that the
Rays have been tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven Postseason
series. Both previous occurrences came during Tampa
Bay’s 2008 playoff run, with them defeating Boston in the
ALCS before falling to Philadelphia in the Fall Classic.
GAME TWO RESULTS
• The Rays improved to 7-4 in Game Two of a Postseason
series, and are now 2-0 in Game Two of the Fall Classic.
Tampa Bay is now a perfect 4-0 this Postseason in Game
Two.
• The Dodgers dropped to 28-23 in Game Two of a
Postseason series, and are now 10-11 in Game Two of
the Fall Classic. Los Angeles is now 2-2 this Postseason
in Game Two.
KEYSTONE POWER
• Second baseman Brandon Lowe connected for a pair of
home runs tonight. He became the first player in franchise
history to club multiple homers in a Fall Classic game. It
marks the seventh such game by a Ray in Postseason
history, most recently accomplished by his teammate
Manuel Margot in Game Six of the ALCS against the
Astros.
• In addition, it marked the 55th multi-homer game in World
Series history, and the first since Steve Pearce in Game
Five of the 2018 Fall Classic.
• Lowe became the sixth second baseman (seventh time)
in World Series history to record a multi-homer game,
joining Chase Utley (2009 G1 and G5), Jeff Kent (2002
G5), Davey Lopes (1978 G1), Charlie Neal (1959 G2)
and Tony Lazzeri (1932 G4).
SNELLZILLA
• Blake Snell tossed 4.2 innings of two-run ball tonight with
nine strikeouts, four walks and two hits allowed. Snell
had a no-hitter through 4.2 innings before giving up a
two-run homer to Chris Taylor.
• With nine punchouts, Snell surpassed Glasnow (8) for the
franchise record in a World Series game. He matched
his personal Postseason record, which he set in Game
One of this year’s Wild Card round against the Blue Jays.
Glasnow’s 10-strikeout performance in Game Two of this
year’s ALDS against the Yankees paces the franchise’s
Postseason mark.
• Snell became the first pitcher in World Series history
to throw fewer than 5.0 innings with nine strikeouts. It
marked the 10th such outing in Postseason history overall,
and the first since Washington’s Patrick Corbin last year
in Game Four of the NLCS against the Cardinals.
• Snell became the third pitcher in World Series history to
tally at least two strikeouts in four consecutive innings,
joining Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson.
Game Two Postgame Notes – Wednesday, October 21, 2020
FIVE-INNING ROAD BLOCK
• Following Blake Snell’s 4.2 inning-start, the Rays
became the sixth team in World Series history to have
four consecutive starters not reach 5.0 innings (Tyler
Glasnow, 2020 G2; Scott Kazmir, 2008 G5; and Andy
Sonnanstine, 2008 G4).
• According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Rays became
the first AL Club to do so, as it was previously accomplished
by the Dodgers (5G, 2017-18); the Cardinals (5, 1987-
2004); the Giants (4, 1989); the Padres (4, 1984) and the
Dodgers (7, 1947).
DOING IT ALL
• Manuel Margot became the first player in franchise
history to log at least two hits, a walk, one run scored
and stolen base in a Fall Classic contest. It marked the
third such game in Rays Postseason history, previously
accomplished by Joey Wendle (2020 ALDS G2) and
Evan Longoria (2008 ALDS G1).
TWO-OUT PROWESS
• The Dodgers scored two runs tonight with two outs, and
have now amassed 43 two-out RBI this Postseason. The
next closest this Postseason is Houston and Tampa Bay
at 22.
• Since 1999, the Dodgers’ 43 two-out RBI rank fourth in
a single Postseason, behind only Boston (46) in 2004,
Boston (45) in 2018 and San Francisco (45) in 2002.
SEAGER STAYS HOT
• Corey Seager launched his seventh home run of the
2020 Postseason tonight, extending his franchise record
for a single Postseason.
• Seager became the 10th player in MLB Postseason history
to club seven-or-more homers in a single playoff run, and
joined Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena (7). Nelson Cruz
(2011), Carlos Beltrán (2004) and Barry Bonds (8) are
the only players in history with eight homers in a single
Postseason.
• Seager became the first shortstop in history to hit seven
homers in a single Postseason.
• 2020 is the first Postseason in history to feature a pair
of hitters club at least seven round-trippers (Arozarena/
Seager)
9-HITTER POWER
• Chris Taylor broke up Blake Snell’s no-hit bid in the fifth
inning tonight with his second career World Series home
run (also 2017 G1), and the fifth of his Postseason career.
• Taylor’s round-tripper was the 15th by a player ninth in
the batting order this Postseason, the most in a single
Postseason. He became the first Dodgers player to do
so since Kirk Gibson’s walk-off homer in Game One of
the 1988 Fall Classic.
SLUGGING BACKSTOP
• Will Smith clubbed a solo home run in the sixth inning
tonight, his first career World Series home run. He
became the fourth catcher (10th time) in Dodgers history
to homer in a Fall Classic, joining Steve Yeager, John
Roseboro and Hall of Famer Roy Campanella.
• Smith became the first catcher younger than 26 years old
to homer in a World Series game since Salvador Perez
in 2014 (G1).
SHORT START
• Tony Gonsolin tossed 1.1 innings in his start tonight,
facing six batters and surrendering one run via Brandon
Lowe’s solo round-tripper.
• Gonsolin became the eighth starter in World Series
history to pitch as few innings while not giving up more
than one run, joining David Wells (2003 G5), Josh Tudor
(1988 G3), Harry Taylor (1947 G4), Howie Pollet (1946
G5), Lefty Gomez (1939 G3), Guy Bush (1932 G4) and
Curly Ogden (1924 G7). Since both Wells and Tudor
left their starts with injuries, it was the shortest stint by a
starting pitcher in a World Series game allowing no more
than one run since at least 1947.
WALK THIS WAY
• With his free pass in the second inning, Max Muncy’s
17 walks this Postseason rank fourth-most all-time in
a single Postseason, trailing only Barry Bonds (27 BB,
2002), Gary Sheffield (20, 1997) and Hall of Famer
Chipper Jones (18, 1999).
THE WORLD’S GAME
• With his start at first base tonight, Ji-Man Choi became
the first Korean-born position player to appear in a World
Series game.
• According to each Club’s WS rosters, the teams combine
for 15 foreign-born players. The 15 players hail from the
Dominican Republic (four – Willy Adames, Pedro Báez,
Diego Castillo, Manuel Margot); Puerto Rico (three – Kiké
Hernández, Michael Perez, Edwin Ríos); Cuba (two Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz); Mexico (two – Victor González, Julio Urías); Curaçao (one – Kenley Jansen); Japan (one – Yoshitomo Tsutsugo); South Korea (one –
Ji-Man Choi); and Venezuela (one – Brusdar Graterol)
Tony Gonsolin’s World Series start lasted just 1 1/3 inning, a start so short we have to go back quite a ways to find one even close to that. The Dodgers pitcher was removed after one earned run on one hit and a walk in Game 2 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay […]
Tony Gonsolin’s Game 2 Start For Dodgers Was Shortest In World Series History Since 1947 — NESN.com
TAMPA BAY RAYS (0-1) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (1-0)
LH Blake Snell (2-2, 3.20) vs. RH Tony Gonsolin (0-1, 9.95)
October 21, 2020 First Pitch: 8:08 p.m. Location: Globe Life Field TV: FOX Radio: ESPN Radio, WDAE 95.3 FM/620 AM, WGES 680 AM (Sp.)
BY THE NUMBERS—The Rays trail this best-of-seven, 1-0, after their 8-3
loss last night…in club history, the Rays have won two postseason series
after losing Game 1: the 2020 Division Series vs. NYY and 2008 League
Championship Series vs. BOS…the loser of Game 1 of the World Series
has come back to win it all 43 of 115 times (37.4 pct.), most recently 2017
(Houston over Dodgers) and 2016 (Cubs over Cleveland)…of the 59 times a
World Series has been tied, 1-1, the winner of Game 2 has gone on to win
it all on 31 occasions (52.5 pct.)…however, only 11 of 56 times (19.6 pct.) has
a team come back to win the World Series after falling behind 2-0, and no
team has come back from a 2-0 deficit to win a World Series since 1996.
FALL CLASSIC—The Rays are playing in the World Series for the second
time in franchise history, losing 4-1 to the Phillies in 2008…the Rays are
25-26 all-time in the postseason and 1-5 in the World Series, with their
only win coming in Game 2 in 2008 vs. PHI (at Tropicana Field)…RH
James Shields has the only win in Rays World Series history, and their
starting lineup that night was Iwamura (2B), Upton (CF), Peña (1B), Longoria (3B), Crawford (LF), Floyd (DH), Navarro (C), Baldelli (RF), Bartlett (SS).
– Kevin Cash, 42, is the youngest manager to reach the World Series
since Ozzie Guillén (41) led the White Sox to the title in 2005.
– The Rays were the ninth team in major league history to play a
“winner take all” game in the Division Series and League Championship Series but only the third team to win both, joining the 2012
Giants (won World Series) and 1981 Dodgers (won World Series).
– Combining regular season and postseason, the Rays have only lost
once in their last 19 series since Aug 4, going 14-1-4 in series play.
TO BE THE BEST—Despite an expanded 16-team postseason field, the
World Series features the AL’s No. 1 seed against the NL’s No. 1 seed…this
is the fourth time in the Wild Card era (1994) both No. 1 seeds have made
the World Series, following 2013 (Red Sox over Cardinals), 1999 (Yankees
over Braves) and 1995 (Braves over Indians)…this is the third time the two
No. 1 seeds held the best two records in the majors (2013, 1995)…in 1999,
the Yankees were the AL’s No. 1 seed but had the 3rd-best record overall.
– The Rays and Dodgers combined for a .692 winning pct. in the regular season…according to Stats LLC, this is the highest combined
regular-season winning pct. for a World Series matchup all-time,
surpassing the 1906 WS between the Cubs and White Sox (.690).
– Both the Rays and Dodgers won Game 7s of their League Championship Series…it was the third time since the LCS expanded to a
best-of-seven format (1985) that both went 7 games (2004, 2003).
THE FRESHMAN CLASS-IC—Only one of the 28 players on the World
Series roster entered Game 1 with prior World Series experience: Charlie Morton…in comparison, the Dodgers have 17 players on their World
Series roster who had previously played in the Fall Classic…according to
the Elias Sports Bureau, this is the largest difference among players with
World Series experience since 2000, when the Yankees had 21 and the
Mets had four…entering Game 1, the Dodgers roster had combined for 123
World Series games played and the Rays roster had combined for two.
RAYS vs. DODGERS—The two clubs did not meet in 2020…the Rays went
2-2 against the Dodgers in 2019 (1-1 at home, 1-1 on the road) and are 7-10
all-time against them…albeit in a shortened season, the Rays and Dodgers both won two-thirds of their games—a benchmark reached by only
six other teams in the last 50 seasons: 2018 Red Sox (.667), 2001 Mariners
(.716), 1998 Yankees (.704), 1995 Indians (.694), 1986 Mets (.667) and 1975
Reds (.667)…five of the past six reached the World Series and four won it.
– RH Dylan Floro (2016), LH Adam Kolarek (2017-19) and LH Jake
McGee (2010-15) all formerly pitched for the Rays…LH David
Price, who opted out of the 2020 season, was selected first overall
in the 2007 June Draft…he is the club’s all-time leader with a 3.18
ERA (min. 300 IP) and his 2012 AL Cy Young Award was the first
in franchise history…he was on the mound when the Rays won
Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS and the “Game 163” tiebreaker in 2013.
– The Dodgers hired President of Baseball Operations Andrew
Friedman, who was with the Rays for nine seasons (including two
division titles and a World Series appearance), on Oct 14, 2014.
ABOUT THE OFFENSE—The Rays are batting .208 (99-for-477) this postseason, including .199 (50-for-251) since the start of the League Championship Series…the Rays entered the World Series with a .209 avg., the
3rd-lowest in the Wild Card era (1994) among teams to make it that far…
the Rays have scored more than 4 runs once in their last 10 games, a 5-2
win in Game 3 of the ALCS at HOU…they have scored 4 runs (or fewer)
in five straight games, and 3 runs (or fewer) in six of their last 10 games.
– According to ESPN Stats & Info, starting with Game 4 of the Division Series the Rays have hit .230 (or below) in 10 consecutive
games, extending the longest such streak in postseason history.
– The Rays are batting .189 (14-for-74) with RISP this postseason, including .160 (8-for-50) in the last 10 games…in Game 1, Mike Brosseau’s RBI single snapped the club’s 0-for-16 drought with RISP.
– The Rays are 6-1 this postseason when scoring first, after going a
major-league-best 25-6 (.806) when doing so in the reg. season.
POWER BALL—70.0 pct. (42 of 60) of the Rays runs this postseason have
come on home runs, compared to 41.5 pct. (120 of 289) during the regular
season…this was 71.9 pct. entering the World Series, the highest rate alltime ahead of the 1971 Pirates (58.3 pct.)…the Rays have hit 26 HR in 15
postseason games, including multiple homers in nine of their 15 games…
the Rays have increased their HR/G from 1.33 during the regular season
to 1.73 in the postseason, but their R/G has dropped from 4.82 to 4.00.
– Teams are 32-4 this postseason when they outhomer their opponent—but the Rays have won once when outhomered and lost
twice when outhomering their opponent…the Rays are 6-2 when
they outhomer their opponent and 6-3 when hitting 2 HR (or more),
after going 20-2 and 20-4, respectively, in the regular season.
NOT THE RAYS WAY—The Rays allowed 8 runs in Game 1, their 2ndmost this postseason behind Game 1 of the ALDS vs. NYY (9)—a series the
Rays came back to win…the Rays have allowed 8 runs (or more) twice this
postseason, something they didn’t do at all in the final 39 games of the
regular season…they have allowed 23 HR, including at least 1 HR in 13 of
their last 14 games…73.9 pct. (17 of 23) of their homers allowed have been
solo, and 56.1 pct. (32 of 57) of their runs allowed have come on homers.
– The Rays have pitched to a 3.70 ERA (131.1-IP, 54-ER) in the postseason…they have yielded 2 runs (or fewer) in seven of their 9 wins.
– Combining regular season and postseason, the Rays have a majorleague-record 13 different pitchers with a save and are 36-1, 33-0
and 40-0 when leading after 6, 7 and 8 innings, respectively.
– Since July 28, 2019, the Rays have won 63 straight games when
leading after 7 innings, the longest active streak in the majors.
THE GREAT RANDINO—Randy Arozarena hit .321 (9-for-28) with 4 HR
and 6 RBI in the League Championship
Series and became the first rookie position player to be named Most Valuable
Player of a LCS or the World Series…in
Game 7, his 2-run homer in the 1st inning was his seventh of the postseason,
passing Evan Longoria (6) in 2008 for
the most by a rookie in a single postseason…his 7 HR are tied with B.J. Upton
in 2008 for most in a single postseason
in Rays history, and rank 2nd in team
history all-time behind Evan Longoria
(9)…in Game 7, he became the first Rays rookie to homer in a “winner
take all” game and became the first major league rookie with a go-ahead
homer in a Game 7 since FLA Miguel Cabrera in the 2003 NLCS at CHC.
– He leads all players this postseason in runs (14, tied), hits (21), extrabase hits (11) and total bases (47)…his 21 hits, 11 XBH and 47 total
bases are all the most in a single postseason in club history…he is
2 runs shy of tying the club record, set by B.J. Upton (16) in 2008.
– He is 1 hit shy of tying NYY Derek Jeter in 1996 for the most by a
rookie in a single postseason…he is the first rookie in major league
history with four 3-hit games in a single postseason…this ties a
postseason record for 3-hit games (regardless of rookie status).
MINOR MATTERS—The Rays are the sixth team to rank No. 1 in Baseball
America’s preseason Organizational Talent Rankings and advance to the
World Series that same year…they are attempting to become the third
team to win the World Series when ranked No. 1 in these rankings…special thanks to J.J. Cooper of Baseball America for the research…the Rays
joined the 2013 Cardinals, 2008 Rays, 1999 Braves, 1995 Braves (won
World Series) and 1993 Blue Jays (won World Series)…Baseball America
debuted their Organizational Talent Rankings in 1984…their current Top
100 list includes seven Rays and is bookended by a pair of Rays, with INF
Wander Franco at No. 1 overall and OF Randy Arozarena at No. 100.
UPCOMING PROBABLE PITCHERS & BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Upcoming Games Time (ET) Probable Starting Pitchers (Rays vs. Opp.) TV & Radio
Thurs., 10/22 vs. LAD 8:08 p.m. RH Charlie Morton (3-0, 0.57) vs. RH Walker Buehler (1-0, 1.89) FOX, ESPN Radio, WDAE 95.3 FM/620 AM, WGES 680 AM
TONIGHT’S GAME 2 STARTER: LH BLAKE SNELL (2-2, 3.20 ERA)
LAST START—In Game 6 of the League Championship Series vs. HOU, was charged 2 runs in 4 IP and took his second loss of the postseason…needed 42 pitches to complete his first 2 IP, allowing 1 hit and 3 BB, but induced an inning-ending SO/CS in the 1st inning and 5-4-3 GDP in the 2nd to avoid any damage…went 1-2-3 in the 3rd, then stranded a leadoff single in the 4th…allowed a walk and single to start the 5th before being replaced, and Diego Castillo allowed both runners to score on a 2-run single to George Springer…his line: L, 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 4 SO, 1 WP, 82 pit., 45 str.
– Marked his shortest start since Aug 7 vs. NYY (3 IP)…spanning regular season
and postseason, snapped a streak of 11 consecutive starts of 5 IP (or more).
POSTSEASON—Is 2-3 with a 2.88 ERA (25-IP, 8-ER) in seven career postseason apps (5 starts), including a 3.20 ERA (19.2-IP, 7-ER) in 4 starts this postseason…has allowed 1 hit in 9 AB with RISP this postseason, yielding an infield single that didn’t produce a run to HOU Aledmys Díaz in Game 1 of the ALCS…his avg. fastball velocity this
postseason is 95.6 mph, according to StatCast, 5th-fastest by a left-handed pitcher in a single postseason (min. 100 fastballs) since pitch velocities are available (2008).
– After recording 18 swings-and-misses in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series vs.
TOR, has recorded a combined 25 swings-and-misses in his 3 starts since.
– In Game 1 of the League Championship Series, recorded the win after yielding 1 run in 5 IP…in Game 1 of the Division Series vs. NYY, took the loss after
allowing 4 runs, including a club postseason-record-tying 3 HR, in 5 IP…in
Game 1 of the Wild Card Series vs. TOR, did not allow a hit until a leadoff
single in the 6th inning…was the first left-handed pitcher in major league history to record 9 SO (or more) and yield 1 hit (or fewer) in a postseason game.
vs. DODGERS—Will be making his second career start against the Dodgers…his only previous start against them came on Sep 17, 2019 at Dodger Stadium, when he returned from the 10-day IL (loose bodies in left elbow) and made his first start since July 21 vs. CWS…retired all 6 BF, including four via strikeout.
– Is 8-4 with a 2.07 ERA (91.1-IP, 21-ER) in 16 career interleague starts, the 3rd-best interleague ERA in the majors since 2016 behind WAS Max
Scherzer (1.92) and LAD Clayton Kershaw (2.02)…has yielded 2 runs (or fewer) in 13 of 16 starts, 1 run (or fewer) in 10 starts and 0 runs in 8 starts.
2020 IN REVIEW—Made 11 starts, tied with Glasnow for the team lead…yielded 3 runs (or fewer) in 10 of 11 starts and 2 runs (or fewer) in seven of 11.
– His avg. fastball velocity, according to FanGraphs, was 95.1 mph, 6th in the AL…min. 50 IP, his 11.34 SO/9 IP ratio ranked 5th in the AL…struck out
31.0 pct. (63 of 203) of batters faced, best among lefties in the majors…walked 8.9 pct. (18 of 203) of batters faced, the lowest rate of his career.
-Allowed 10 HR for a 1.80 HR/9 IP ratio, 5th-highest in the AL (min. 50 IP), after yielding 14 HR in 107 IP in 2019…29.4 pct. of his fly balls were homers, according to FanGraphs, the highest rate in the majors…allowed multiple homers in four of his 11 starts…yielded 3 HR against lefties.
– Ranks among the top five in club history with 648 SO (5th), 3.24 ERA (2nd to David Price, 3.18), .223 opp avg. (1st) and .583 winning pct. (3rd).
SEEKING LENGTH—Averaged just over 4.1 IP per start, using his first 3 starts as a continuation of the summer camp build up…went 2 IP, 3 IP and 3 IP
in his first 3 starts, then recorded between 15-17 outs in each of his final 8 starts of the regular season…only faced 23 batters the third time through the
lineup…has gone fewer than 6 IP in 14 consecutive regular-season starts beginning on Sep 17, 2019 at LAD, when he returned from arthroscopic surgery
to remove loose bodies from his left elbow…was one of six pitchers in the majors to make at least 10 starts and go fewer than 6 IP in all of them.
ON THE OFFSPEED—Held opponents to a .132 avg. (5-for-38) in at-bats ending with his curveball, 5th in the AL (min. 25 AB), according to StatCast…61.8
pct. (34 of 55) of swings against his curveball were misses, the best rate of his career on any pitch…opponents hit .033 (1-for-30) with 17 SO in at-bats ending
with his slider…his combined .088 opp avg. (6-for-68) in at-bats ending with breaking balls was 3rd in the majors (min. 50 AB).
Tampa Bay Rays (40-20, 9-6) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (43-17, 10-3)
LHP Blake Snell (2-2, 3.20) vs. RHP Tony Gonsolin (0-1, 9.95)
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 | 7:08 p.m. CT | Globe Life Field | Arlington, TX
World Series – Game 2
TV: FOX | Radio: AM 570 (Eng.); 1020 AM (Span.), ESPN Radio, AM 1540 (Kor.)
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS: The Dodgers jumped out to an early 2-0
lead and then scored four more runs in the bottom of the fifth to run
away with Game 1 of the World Series, 8-3, on Tuesday night. The
Dodgers walked seven times and recorded 10 hits as they won their
fourth straight postseason contest. In their last four postseason
games, the Dodgers have outscored the opposition, 22-10, and have
not allowed more than three runs in any of those games. In the 2020
postseason, the Dodgers have scored 3+ runs in 11 of their 13 games
while allowing 3 runs or less in nine of their 13 contests. The World
Series continues tonight with Game 2 at 7:08 p.m. CT before the two
teams enjoy an off day tomorrow and return to action on Friday night
with potentially three straight contests from Friday to Sunday.
Clayton Kershaw delivered in the third Game 1 World
Series start of his career, tossing 6.0 innings, allowing one
run (solo homer) and striking out eight batters. With his
strikeout of Willy Adames in the fifth inning, he passed
John Smoltz for second on the all-time postseason strikeout
list and became the second player in MLB history to record
200+ strikeouts, joining Justin Verlander (205). He is now
2-2 with a 4.68 ERA (17 ER/32.2 IP) and 35 strikeouts in
six World Series games (five starts).
Cody Bellinger socked another homer and put the Dodgers
on the board early, giving them a 2-0 lead in the fourth
inning. He became the second player in MLB history to
record a go-ahead home run in Game 7 of the LCS and hit
a homer in Game 1 of the World Series in the same year,
joining David Ortiz (2004).
The Dodgers are in their 21st World Series in franchise
history and the 12th Fall Classic appearance since moving
to Los Angeles in 1958. They now have the second most
WS appearances in MLB history, trailing only the New
York Yankees (40).
M-V-SEAGS: Corey Seager was named the 2020 NLCS MVP on
Sunday night after going 9-for-29 with five homers and 11 RBI.
Seager set NLCS records in both homers and RBI and his seven
extra-base hits are tied with Javy Lopez (1996) for the all-time NLCS
record. The native of North Carolina’s 26 total bases are the second
most all-time in an NLCS and second most to Albert Pujols, who had
28 in 2004 vs. Houston.
The infielder began his World Series campaign with three
walks and a run scored on Tuesday. It was the first time in
his career that he has drawn three walks in a postseason
game and only the fourth time in any game.
Seager finished one home run shy from tying the record for
home runs in any Postseason series, which is held by the
Rangers’ Nelson Cruz (6 in the 2011 ALCS vs. Detroit). He
is one of eight players all-time to reach at least five homers
and 11 RBI in a single Postseason. His six home runs and
15 RBI this postseason are both Dodger records for homers
and RBI in a single Postseason.
In Game 3 of the NLCS, Seager became the second player
in Postseason history to collect an RBI in five consecutive
at-bats (last two of Game 2 and first three of Game 3),
joining Carlos Beltran (2004). Last week, it was announced
that Seager was one of seven National League finalists for
the Hank Aaron Award, given to the most outstanding
regular season offensive performer in each league.
POSTSEASON POWER: Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts each
homered on Tuesday night and the Dodgers are now third in the
Majors in postseason homers with 20, trailing the Rays (26) and
Astros (22). Betts clubbed his first postseason homer in Dodger Blue
while Bellinger inched his way closer to Hall of Famer Duke
Snider’s record for Dodger Postseason home runs. The list: Snider
(11), Steve Garvey (10), Justin Turner (10), Corey Seager (9),
Max Muncy (8), Joc Pederson (8), Kiké Hernández (8), Cody
Bellinger (8) and Adrían González (7).
CAT CALL: Right-hander Tony Gonsolin will take the mound
tonight for his second postseason start and his third appearance in the
2020 postseason after allowing two runs on two hits in 2.0 innings
on Sunday night in Game 7 of the NLCS. In his two postseason
appearances, he is 0-1 with a 9.95 ERA (7 ER/6.1 IP) and eight
strikeouts. On the season, he went 2-2 with a 2.31 ERA (12 ER/46.2
IP) and 46 strikeouts in nine games (eight starts) this season. In his
eight starts, Gonsolin was 2-1 with a 1.94 ERA (9 ER/41.2 IP) and
43 strikeouts. In parts of two season with the Dodgers, the California
native is a combined 6-4 with a 2.60 ERA (25 ER/86.2 IP) and 83
strikeouts.
The 2018 Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year was
a combined 20-14 with a 3.33 ERA (100 ER/270.1 IP) and
315 strikeouts in four minor league seasons.
OCTOBER RED: Dodger third baseman Justin Turner went 1-
for-4 with one walk and extended his postseason on-base streak to
nine games on Tuesday. During his on-base streak, he is batting .273
(9-for-33) with three doubles, one homer and two RBI, while
reaching base 16 of his 40 plate appearances. The infielder has 72
postseason hits, which is a Dodger postseason record. The 2017 AllStar set the record in Game 3 of the NLDS vs. San Diego, surpassing
Steve Garvey (63). Turner also holds the club record for Postseason
RBI with 39 and playoff doubles with 16. In 66 career postseason
games (all with L.A.), Turner has hit .291 (72-for-247) with 10
homers, 16 doubles and an .882 OPS.
The infielder ended the season having reached base safely
in 31 consecutive games with a plate appearance, doing so
from Aug. 4-Sept. 27, the longest on-base streak of his
career (previous high: 28, 2011). It marked the second
longest streak in the Majors this year behind only Freddie
Freeman’s 33-game on-base streak from Aug. 11-Sept. 18. Among players with 150 or more AB, Turner ranked among the NL leaders in average (.307, 13th) and OBP (.400, T-9th). He reached 1,000 career hits with a second-inning double on August 11 against the Padres.
Turner was the Dodgers’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente
Award for the third time in four years (also: 2017, ’18) and
won his third-career Roy Campanella Award as the most
inspirational Dodger.
NO MAN LIKE MOOK: After signing a 12-year contract
extension that will keep him in Dodger blue through 2032 prior to
Opening Day, Mookie Betts made a bid to join Frank Robinson as
the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues. Betts ranked
among the NL leaders in hits (64, T-10th), runs (47, 4th), batting
average (.292, 16th), OBP (.366, 17th), SLG (.562, 13th), steals (10,
T-5th) and homers (16, T-3rd). Betts went 18-for-41 (.439) with
runners in scoring position, the third best mark in the Majors,
and was at his best late in games, posting a .343 (24-for70)/.370/.643 slashline from the seventh inning and later.
In Game 1 of the World Series, Betts went 2-for-4 with a
homer, two runs scored and two stolen bases and became
the first player in MLB history with two runs, two stolen
bases and a homer in a World Series game.
Betts, 28, has hit safely in 11 of 13 playoff games this year,
going 16-for-49 (.327) with six doubles, one homer and six
RBI. 15 of his 36 playoff hits have gone for extra-bases (13
doubles, two homers). The Dodgers are 10-1 in the
postseason when he records at least one hit.
On Aug. 13, he homered three times against the Padres,
joining Hall-of-Famer Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa as the
only players in MLB history with six career three-homer
games. Betts also collected career-hit No. 1,000 on Aug. 27
vs. San Francisco.
MATCHUP vs. RAYS
Regular Season All-Time vs. Rays: LA leads series, 10-7
2019: Teams Split Series, 2-2 (1-1 at Dodger Stadium)
2020 Postseason: Los Angeles leads series, 1-0
Oct. 20 vs. TB at Globe Life Field: W, 8-3 W: Kershaw L: Glasnow.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL: Dodger catcher Will Smith had a
game for the ages in Game 3 of the NLDS vs. San Diego, going 5-
for-6 with two doubles and three RBI. Smith became the first Dodger
to collect five hits in a playoff game and was also the youngest player
and first catcher in Postseason history with a five-hit contest (25
years, 194 days). In 11 games this Postseason, Smith is hitting .220
(9-for-41) with a homer, three doubles, nine RBI and four runs.
EIGHT’S NOT ENOUGH: The Dodgers went 43-17 in the 60-
game season to win their record eighth straight NL West title with
the best record in the Majors. The club’s .717 winning percentage
was the best in franchise history and marked the seventh time in club
history that the Dodgers posted the Majors’ best mark (last: 2017).
The Dodgers won a division title for the eighth straight year,
something only two other franchises have accomplished:
MLB All-Time – Most Consecutive Division Titles
Braves, 1991-2005 14
Yankees, 1998-2006 9
Dodgers, 2013-2020 8 (active streak)
Source: Stats, LLC
The Dodgers reached the World Series in each of their six
previous seasons with the best record in the Majors:
Dodgers Finishing w/MLB’s Best Record, All-time
1949 Brooklyn Dodgers (tied) 97-57 (.630) Lost WS (4-1 NYY)
1952 Brooklyn Dodgers 96-57 (.627) Lost WS (4-3 NYY)
1953 Brooklyn Dodgers 105-49 (.682) Lost WS (4-2 NYY)
1955 Brooklyn Dodgers 98-55 (.641) Won WS (4-3 vs NYY)
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers 102-60 (.630) Lost WS (4-1 Oak)
2017 Los Angeles Dodgers 104-58 (.642) Lost WS (4-3 Hou)
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers 43-17 (.717) ???
THE LONG BALL: Los Angeles led the Majors with 118 home
runs in 60 games, an average of 1.97 per game. The 1.97 homers per
game represent the top mark in MLB history, topping the 2019
Minnesota Twins (1.90). The Dodgers’ previous high came last year
when the club averaged 1.72 home runs per game.
The Dodgers blasted 57 home runs in 28 August games,
setting a National League record for most home runs in a
calendar month. The mark was previously held by the
Atlanta Braves, who hit 56 in June 2019.
AJ Pollock and Mookie Betts tied for the team lead and for
third in the National League with 16 homers. Los Angeles
homered in 49 of its 60 games and went 39-10 when hitting
at least one homer. The Dodgers were 28-8 when hitting
two or more home runs in a game.
The Dodgers had five players reach double digit home runs
in the 60-game season, with Pollock, Betts, Corey Seager
(15, T-9
th NL), Cody Bellinger (12, T-18th NL) and Max
Muncy (12, T-18th NL) turning the trick. The five players
with 10+ home runs tied for the MLB lead with the Braves,
White Sox and Phillies.
I’M ABOUT TO RUN: The Dodgers led the Majors with a +136
run differential, 52 better than the next best team (Padres +84). Even
with the shortened 60-game season, the 2020 Dodgers’ +136 run
differential represents the ninth best mark in Los Angeles history.
Los Angeles led MLB with 349 runs scored, and ranked
second with 213 runs allowed (Indians, 1st, 209).
The Dodgers’ 5.82 runs per game were the most
in franchise history and ranked as the third most in NL
history behind only the 1996 & 2000 Colorado Rockies.
Los Angeles hitters batted .291 combined with runners in
scoring position (137-for-470), the second-bast mark in the
Majors behind the Padres (.310).
Los Angeles was not shut out all season, the only team in
the Majors to avoid that distinction. The Dodgers scored
five or more runs in 39 of their 60 games, posting a 36-3
record in those contests. The Dodgers scored 122 runs in
the seventh inning or later, the second most in the Majors
(Padres, 124), which helped L.A. register 19 comeback
wins. The club outscored the opposition 122-66 from the
seventh inning on.
SERIES BUSINESS: The Dodgers lost just one series all year – at
home vs. Colorado Sept. 4-6 – and finished the season with a 15-1-4
series record, including six series sweeps. Los Angeles opened the
season by going unbeaten its first 13 series, which is the fifth best
season-opening run in the divisional era (since 1969). The 1977
Dodgers hold the club mark with 14.
Los Angeles went unbeaten in its 10 road series, posting a
9-0-1 series record.
The Dodgers won the season series against every club they
played this year. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the
Dodgers became just the 4th team in the World Series era
(since 1903) to win at least 60% of their decisions against
every team they faced in a season and the first to do so in
101 years.
START ME UP: The Dodgers led the Majors in team ERA
(3.02), opponents’ batting average (.213) and WHIP (1.06), and
allowed just 1.10 home runs per 9.0 innings – the best mark in the
National League and second best in the Majors behind the Twins
(1.09). The Dodgers walked just 2.42 per 9.0 innings (1st, MLB) and
posted the best strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.96) in the NL.
Los Angeles starters led the NL with a 3.29 combined ERA
(101 ER/276.1 IP), limited opponents to a .219 batting
average (2nd, MLB) and posted an MLB-best 1.07 WHIP.
Clayton Kershaw led the Dodgers in wins (6), innings
(58.1) and strikeouts (62) in his 13th MLB season, going 6-
2 with a 2.16 ERA in 10 starts. Kershaw ranked among the
NL leaders (min. 55 IP) in wins (T-4
th), ERA (5th),
opponents’ batting average (.194, 5th) and WHIP (0.84, 2nd).
On Sept. 3, Kershaw reached 2,500 strikeouts by fanning
Arizona’s Nick Ahmed, becoming the third-youngest
pitcher in MLB history to reach the mark at 32 years, 168
days, behind only Nolan Ryan (31 years, 101 days) and
Walter Johnson (31 years, 197 days). He ended the season
ranked 36th on the all-time strikeout list, nine behind
Bartolo Colon.
Among rookies with 40.0 or more innings
pitched, Tony Gonsolin (2.31) and Dustin May (2.57)
ranked first and second, respectively, in ERA.
In nine games (eight starts), Gonsolin limited opponents to
a .189 batting average, allowed just two home runs, walked
seven, struck out 46 in 46.2 innings and posted a 0.84
WHIP – the fourth best mark in the Majors among pitchers
with 40.0 or more innings.
May became the first Dodger rookie to start on Opening
Day since Fernando Valenzuela replaced an injured Jerry
Reuss in 1981 and allowed just one run in 4.1 innings in a
no-decision on July 23 against the Giants. In 12 games (10
starts), he went 3-1 and ranked among the NL leaders (min.
50.0 IP) in ERA (2.57, 8th), opponents’ batting
average (.220, T-13th) and WHIP (1.09, T-12th).
OH WHAT A RELIEF: Dodger relievers posted a 2.74 ERA, the
best mark in the NL and the second best in the Majors behind only
the Athletics (2.72). The Los Angeles bullpen held opponents to a
.207 average (1st
, MLB) and posted a 1.04 WHIP, the best mark in
the big leagues. Dodger relievers issued just 2.57 walks per 9.0
innings and allowed only 0.82 HR/9.0 innings, leading the Majors in
both categories.
Four Los Angeles relievers placed among the NL’s top 20
qualifying relievers in ERA: Adam Kolarek (0.95,
3rd), Victor González (1.40, 4th), Dylan Floro (2.59, 16th)
and Jake McGee (2.66, T-19th).
The Dodgers had five relievers with a WHIP of 1.00 or
lower: Gonzalez (0.72, 4th NL), Kolarek (0.79, 6th NL),
McGee (0.84, 8th NL), Brusdar Graterol (0.86, T-9
th NL) and Pedro Báez (1.00, T-24th NL).
Dodger closer Kenley Jansen was selected as the National
League’s Reliever of the Month for July/August, going 1-0
with nine saves in 10 opportunities and posting a 1.23 ERA
(2 ER/14.2 IP). It was Jansen’s second career monthly
award (also: June 2017).
THE DOCTOR IS IN: Dave Roberts made it a perfect 5-for-5,
becoming the first manager in MLB history to lead his team to a
division title in each of his first five full seasons. Under Roberts, the
Dodgers have posted a Major League best 436-273 (.615) record
since 2016.Over the course of the unusual 60-game season, Roberts
used an amazing 56 different lineups in piloting the team to a .717
winning percentage.
BIG BOSS MAN: Dodger President of Baseball Operations
Andrew Friedman assembled his sixth division-winning club in as
many seasons after joining the Dodgers in the Fall of 2014. This year,
Friedman pulled off his biggest moves before the club played a
game, acquiring Mookie Betts in a three-way deal with the Red Sox
and Twins and then signing Betts to a 12-year contract on the eve of
the 60-game restart. Since taking over the top spot in baseball
operations, Freidman’s Dodger teams have gone 528-343 (.606)
while setting the record for most wins in Los Angeles Dodger history
in 2019 (106, franchise record) and the highest winning percentage
in club history (.717, 2020).
Game 3 Starter – RHP Walker Buehler: 1-0, 1.89 ERA in 4 GS
2020 Postseason:
Fired 6.0 scoreless innings in his tenth postseason start against the Braves in Game 6 of
the NLCS…despite giving up seven hits, the Kentucky native struck out six and did not
issue a walk as he earned his first win of the 2020 postseason…also started Game 1, delivering 5.0 solid frames, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven and issuing five walks on 100 pitches
Tossed 4.0 innings on one-run ball in Game 1 of the Division Series vs. the Padres, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out eight…also started Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Brewers, giving up two earned runs on three hits as he delivered 4.0 frames, striking out eight and walking two while not factoring in the decision as Los Angeles routed Milwaukee, 4-2
2020 Regular Season:
Finished the season going 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA (14 ER/36.2 IP) over eight starts, limiting opponents to a .178 average (24-for-135)
Struck out 42 batters and walked just eleven during his eight appearances…posted a 0.95 WHIP and 10.31 strikeout-per-nine innings mark
Has pitched especially well at Dodger Stadium, keeping opponents to a .114/.195/.129 slashline over four games…struck out 29 batters and walked just six in those appearances
His best outing of the year occurred at Dodger Stadium against Colorado on August 21, where he tossed 6.0 innings of one-run ball, collecting a season-high 11 strikeouts while giving up only four hits…the Dodgers eventually won that matchup 5-1
Made two trips to the Injured List, both for a blister on his right hand, from Aug. 23 to Sept. 2 and again from Sept. 9 to Sept. 24….the Boys in Blue went 12-7 over that 19-game span
Career vs. Tampa Bay:
Will face the Rays for the first time in his career
Career Postseason:
Has gone 2-1 with a 2.44 ERA (15 ER/55.1 IP) in 10 postseason starts, striking out 73 batters against 21 walks and limiting opposition to a .182 batting average…also owns a 1.03 WHIP and four quality starts
Has fanned at least seven batters in nine of his ten postseason starts…according to Elias, the only other pitcher who has ever has a postseason streak that long is Randy Johnson, who produced nine straight postseason starts of seven or more strikeouts from Oct. 1997 – Nov. 3, 2001
His sole World Series appearance came against Boston in Game 3 back in 2018…fired 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits as he struck out seven without issuing a walk…did not factor in the decision as the Dodgers eventually won that marathon game, 3-2, in the 18th inning
Started twice against Atlanta in the Championship Series, giving up just one earned run over 11.0 innings to go 1-0…allowed ten hits and five walks but struck out 13 …the Dodgers went 1-1 during Buehler’s outings
In Division Series matchups, including his appearance against San Diego, the righty owns a 1-0 record over four starts, producing a 2.91 ERA (7 ER/21.2 IP) with 30 strikeouts and a .123 (9-for-73) opponent batting average
Pitched against the Milwaukee in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, throwing 4.0 innings as he gave up two runs on three hits over 73 pitches…did not factor in the decision as the Dodgers won the matchup, 4-2.
Game 2 Starter – RHP Tony Gonsolin: 0-1, 9.95 ERA in 2 G (1 GS)
2020 Postseason:
Threw from the ‘pen in Game 7 of the NLCS, tossing 2.0 innings, totaling for two earned runs, two hits, three walks, and one strikeout…made his postseason debut in Game 2, giving up five earned runs on three hits over 4.1 inning while striking out seven and walking three as he took the loss
His seven strikeouts in his first postseason appearance placed him tied for third in Dodger
history for most strikeouts in a postseason debut
2020 Regular Season:
Garnered a 2-2 record over nine games (eight starts) as he became a staple in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation this season…produced a 2.31 ERA (12 ER/46.2 IP)
accompanied with 46 strikeouts and a 0.84 WHIP
Ranks first in ERA (2.31) amongst rookies with 40.0 or more innings pitched while his counterpart Dustin May ranks second in the category with a 2.57 mark…both rookies helped Los Angeles to the top of the National League leaderboard in ERA (3.29), opponents’ batting average (.219, 2nd MLB), and 1.07 WHIP (1st MLB)
His 0.84 WHIP stands as the fourth best mark amongst pitchers with 40.0 or more innings this season
Amongst Dodger pitchers, he ranks 2nd in strikeouts (46) and 4
th in innings pitched (46.2)…gave up only seven walks and two home runs over his nine outings
Recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts on Sept. 20 against Colorado over 5.0 innings…gave up two earned runs on three hits while issuing a sole walk during that matchup
Has limited batters to a .193/.229/.289 slashline…kept lefties to a .179 average (15-for-84) and righties to a .207 average (17-for-82)
Career vs. Tampa Bay:
The 2018 Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year has faced the Rays once on Sept. 18, 2019, throwing 2.0 innings of relief while giving up two earned runs but
striking out two and walking three
Career Postseason:
Made his postseason debut against the Braves in Game 2 of the NLCS, tossing 4.1 innings as he gave up five runs on three hits…despite taking the loss, the California
native struck out seven hitters and retired the first nine batters he faced…later threw in Game 7, giving up two earned runs over 2.0 innings while walking three
Became the fourth pitcher to make his postseason debut with a start in the League Championship Series or World Series since 2008, joining Ryan Merritt (with CLE in 2016 ALCS), Jeremy Guthrie (with KC in 2014 ALCS), and Ricky Nolasco (with LAD in 2013 NLCS)
The 116th
World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
World Series Game Two Notes
Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
2020 WS RESULTS
DATE RESULT WINNING PITCHER LOSING PITCHER SAVE ATTENDANCE
Tuesday, October 20th LAD 8-3 Clayton Kershaw Tyler Glasnow — 11,388
2020 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE
GAME DAY/DATE SITE FIRST PITCH (ET/SITE) TV/RADIO
2 Wednesday, October 21st Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
Thursday, October 22nd OFF DAY
3 Friday, October 23rd Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
4 Saturday, October 24th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
5* Sunday, October 25th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
Monday, October 26th OFF DAY
6* Tuesday, October 27th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
7* Wednesday, October 28th Globe Life Field 8:09 p.m. / 7:09 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio
*If Necessary
2020 WORLD SERIES PROBABLE PITCHERS (Regular Season/Postseason)
Game 2 at Arlington: Tony Gonsolin (2-2, 2.31, 46 SO / 0-1, 9.95, 8 SO) vs. Blake Snell (4-2, 3.24, 63 SO / 2-2, 3.20, 19 SO)
Game 3 at Arlington: Walker Buehler (1-0, 3.44, 42 SO / 1-0, 1.89, 29 SO) vs. Charlie Morton (2-2, 4.74, 42 SO / 3-0, 0.57, 17 SO)
Game 4 at Arlington: TBD vs. TBD
116th WORLD SERIES
• 2020 marks the 116th renewal of the World Series
featuring the champions of the American League against
the champions of the National League. The Fall Classic
was first played in 1903, and has taken place every year
since 1904, when the National League champion New
York Giants and their manager John McGraw refused to
play the AL champs, the Boston Red Sox, and in 1994,
when the season ended on August 11th due to the players’
strike.
GAME ONE RESULTS
• The Dodgers improved to 21-30 in Game One of a
Postseason series since 1900. They are now 3-1 this
year in Game One, only losing to the Atlanta Braves in
the NLCS but previously defeating the San Diego Padres
in the NLDS and Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card. • With the loss, the Rays are 4-7 all-time in Game 1 of a
Postseason series. They are 2-2 this year in Game 1s,
defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card and
the Houston Astros in the ALCS, and also falling to the
New York Yankees in the ALDS. • The Dodgers are now 7-14 in Game One of a World Series since 1900. LA will attempt to not replicate their
effort in 2017 in which they won Game One before
losing to the Astros in a thrilling seven-game series. The
Dodgers’ 1988 World Series championship was the last
time that the Club won Game One and went on to claim
the Commissioner’s Trophy. • Playing in their second World Series, the Rays remain winless in Game One of a Fall Classic, previously falling
to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
TAKING A 2-0 LEAD
• Fifty-six teams have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the World
Series, with 45 of those going on to win the championship
(80.4%). A team jumping out to a 2-0 lead has gone
on to win the series in each of the last 12 occurrences
(Yankees in 1998-99-2000; Arizona in 2001;Boston in
2004 and 2007; Chicago in 2005; San Francisco in 2010
and 2012; Kansas City in 2015; Boston in 2018; and
Washington last year) and 18 of the last 19 times, with
the lone exception being Atlanta in 1996. The Braves
won the first two contests at Yankee Stadium but lost the
next four games.
TIED AT 1-1
• Of the 59 times that a World Series has been tied, 1-1,
the winner of Game 2 has gone on to capture the Series
on 31 occasions (52.5%). However, that has been the
case on just four of 12 occasions since 1993, those being
Anaheim in 2002, New York in 2009, Chicago in 2016 and
Houston in 2017. The 1993 Phillies, 1997 Indians, 2003
Yankees, 2006 Tigers, 2008 Rays, 2011 Rangers, 2013
Cardinals and 2014 Royals all won Game 2 to square the
Fall Classic, but went on to lose the Series.
MOOKIE’S ONE-OF-A-KIND NIGHT
• Mookie Betts delivered a home run and two stolen bases
in last night’s victory. He became the second player in
World Series history to post such a game, joining Chase
Utley (2008 G1). • In addition, he became the first player in World Series
history to post a home run, two stolen bases and two runs
scored in a single game. It marked only the fifth such
game in Postseason history overall, joining Jose Reyes
(2006 NLCS G6), Reggie Sanders (1995 NLDS G2), Bert
Campaneris (1973 ALCS G2) and Tommie Agee (1969
NLCS G2).
• Betts became the third Dodgers player (fourth time) to
nab two bases in a Fall Classic contest, joining Davey
Lopes (1981 G4 and 1974 G3) and Willie Davis (1965
G5).
• With two stolen bases and a walk during LA’s explosive
fifth inning, Mookie joined Hall of Famer Babe Ruth as
the only players in World Series history to record such
an inning.
• The Dodgers stole three bases in the fifth inning tonight,
marking the seventh time that has been done in a World
Series game, and the first since the New York Giants in
Game Six of the 1912 World Series.
BELL(D)INGER
• Cody Bellinger clubbed a two-run home run in the
bottom of the fourth inning tonight to give LA its first
lead of the ballgame. The round-tripper was the eighth
of his Postseason career, matching his teammates Max
Muncy, Joc Pederson and Kike Hernández for fifth-most
in franchise history. Hall of Famer Duke Snider (11) holds
the Club record and is trailed by Steve Garvey (10) and
Cody’s teammates Justin Turner (10) and Corey Seager
(10).
• Bellinger has now clubbed four home runs during the
2020 Postseason, tied for third-most in franchise history
for a single Postseason. He trails Seager, who has
launched six homers during this year’s playoff run, and
Davey Lopes (5 HR, 1978).
• In addition, the homer was his fourth career go-ahead
Postseason round-tripper, tying Snider and Seager for
second-most in Dodgers lore. Turner holds the record
with five such home runs. Bellinger also became the
second player in Postseason history to club a go-ahead
homer in Game Seven of an LCS and Game One of a
Fall Classic, joining David Ortiz (2004).
MV-POWER
• According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cody Bellinger
and Mookie Betts became the fifth pair of former MVP
winners on the same team to both homer in a World
Series game. The explosive duo joined Barry Bonds and
Jeff Kent (2002); Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson
(1977), Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson (1966),
and Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris (1964).
CLUB 200
• With eight strikeouts last night, Clayton Kershaw became
just the second pitcher in Postseason history to register
200 career strikeouts, joining Justin Verlander. Verlander
holds the Postseason record with 205 career punchouts.
Kershaw (201) surpassed Hall of Famer John Smoltz
(199) for second-most all-time.
• Kershaw’s outing with eight punchouts and one walk
allowed was the eighth such outing in World Series
history by a Dodgers hurler, and the first since he did it
in Game One of the 2017 Fall Classic. Prior to Kershaw,
it was accomplished by Burt Hooton (1977 G2) and Don
Newcombe (1949 G1), and Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax
(1965 G5, 1965 G2, 1963 G4) and Don Drysdale (1963
G3).
• In addition, the start was Kershaw’s ninth career
Postseason outing in which he tossed at least 6.0 innings
without allowing more than one walk or a single earned
run, the most of any pitcher in Baseball history.
• The outing was also his sixth Postseason start in which
he went at least 6.0 innings with eight-or-more punchouts
while not allowing more than one earned run, joining
Justin Verlander (8), Josh Beckett (6) and Curt Schilling
(6) as the only hurlers in history to post six-or-more such
starts.
UNIQUE IN THE LOSS
• Tyler Glasnow registered eight strikeouts in the losing
effort last night, establishing a franchise record for the
most strikeouts in a Fall Classic contest.
• Glasnow became the sixth pitcher in World Series history
to tally at least eight strikeouts while pitching fewer than
5.0 innings, joining Justin Verlander (2006 G1), Jason
Schmidt (2002 G5), Bob Welch (1988 G3), Roger Craig
(1964 G4) and Ryne Duren (1958 G6).
• He became the 11th pitcher in World Series history to
record at least eight strikeouts and six walks in an outing,
and the first since Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in Game 2
of the 1980 Fall Classic.
• Glasnow became the third pitcher in history to have a
World Series outing in which he permitted at least six
runs on three hits-or-fewer, joining Guy Bush (1932 G1)
and Todd Stottlemyre (1993 G4).
• In addition, Tyler’s 112 pitches were the most by a Rays
pitcher in any game since July 7, 2108 when tomorrow’s
Game Two starter Blake Snell also threw 112. The
112-pitch outing also set a career high for Glasnow.
CREAM OF THE CROP
• This year’s Fall Classic features Clubs with the best
overall record from each league for the first time since
the Cardinals and Red Sox in 2013. Overall, it marks the
13th such matchup since 1969.
Year AL Team Record NL Team Record
2020 Tampa Bay 40-20 LA Dodgers 43-17
2013 Boston 97-65 St. Louis 97-65
1999 NY Yankees 98-64 Atlanta 103-59
1995 Cleveland 100-44 Atlanta 90-54
1992 Toronto 96-66 Atlanta 98-64
1986 Boston 108-54 NY Mets 108-54
1982 Milwaukee 95-67 St. Louis 92-70
1979 Baltimore 102-57 Pittsburgh 98-64
1978 NY Yankees 100-63 LA Dodgers 95-67
1976 NY Yankees 97-62 Cincinnati 102-60
1971 Baltimore 101-57 Pittsburgh 97-65
1970 Baltimore 108-54 Cincinnati 102-60
1969 Baltimore 109-53 NY Mets 100-62
• Should the Dodgers claim this year’s Commissioner’s
Trophy, they would become just the seventh World Series
winner in the Wild Card Era to also have posted the best
regular season record in the Majors. This was previously
accomplished by the 2018 Red Sox; the 2016 Cubs; the
2013 Red Sox; the 2009 Yankees; the 2007 Red Sox;
and the 1998 Yankees.
THE MANAGERS
Kevin Cash is in his sixth full season with the Rays, and is
making his first appearance in the Fall Classic.
• Cash has guided the Rays to a 454-416 (.522) record
during his six years at the helm.
• Cash became the fifth manager in Rays history and is
already the second-longest tenured behind only Joe
Maddon (2006-14).
Across Baseball, is the third-longest tenured manager
with his current team behind Oakland’s Bob Melvin (9)
and Cleveland’s Terry Francona (8). • Finished third in 2018 and 2019 AL Manager of the Year
voting. Was behind Rocco Baldelli (MIN) and Aaron
Boone (NYY) in 2019, and Bob Melvin (OAK) and Alex
Cora (BOS) in 2018. • At age-41 during the 2019 season, became the youngest
AL East manger to lead his team to the Postseason
since 1995, when Buck Showalter of the Yankees (age
39) and Kevin Kennedy of the Red Sox (age 41) both
accomplished the feat. • Played eight seasons at the Major League level across
stints with the Blue Jays (2002-04), Rays (2005), Red
Sox (2007-08), Yankees (2009), Astros (2010) and Red
Sox (2010).
Dave Roberts is in his fifth season as manager of the
Dodgers, and has made an appearance in each Postseason
as skipper.
• Roberts piloted the Dodgers to a 436-273 (.615) record
across his five seasons at the helm. • Prior to being named manager of the Club in 2016,
Roberts lost his lone game as interim manager of the San
Diego Padres in 2015. • Is the first manager in Baseball history to guide the
Dodgers to the Postseason in each of his first five
seasons with the Club. • Roberts’ Dodgers won a franchise-record 106 game
during the 2019 season. • In his first season as manager in 2016, was named
NL Manager of the Year, joining Hall of Famer Tommy
Lasorda (1983, 88) as the only managers in Club history
to win the award since its inception in 1983. • Across 10 Major League seasons, played for the Indians
(1999-2001), Dodgers (2002-04), Red Sox (2004),
Padres (2005-06) and Giants (2007-08).
GAME TWO STARTERS
GONSOLIN: Has made just two career Postseason
appearances, both occurring during this current playoff run.
Lost his lone decision, while posting eight strikeouts, six
walks and a 9.95 ERA over 6.1 innings pitched.
• Gonsolin started Game Two of the NLCS vs. Atlanta (7-8
loss) and made a relief appearance in Game Seven of
the NLCS vs. Atlanta (4-3 win). • Tony’s seven strikeout-performance in his first career
Postseason appearance in Game Two of the NLCS
matched Walker Buehler for the third-most in a playoff
debut in franchise history, trailing Don Newcombe (11
SO, 1949 WS G1) and Tim Belcher (10 SO, 1988 NLCS
G2). • During the regular season, Gonsolin posted a 2-2 record
with 46 punchouts, seven walks, 32 hits and a 2.31 ERA
across nine appearances (including eight starts) and
46.2 innings. • Across his first five starts of the 2020 campaign, recorded
a 0.76 ERA and 25:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 23.2
innings pitched. • Has made one career appearance against the Rays,
throwing 2.0 innings of relief on September 18, 2019.
Surrendered two earned runs while notching two
strikeouts and three walks. • No Rays player currently on their World Series roster has logged more than one at-bat against Gonsolin, nor
has any registered a hit. Joey Wendle, Hunter Renfroe,
Manuel Margot and Nate Lowe are all 0-for-1 (.000).
Austin Meadows, Ji-Man Choi and Willy Adames each
drew a walk in their lone appearances against Tony.
SNELL: Across seven career Postseason appearances,
including five starts, Blake is 2-3 with 26 strikeouts, 10 walks
and a 2.88 ERA over 25.0 innings pitched.
• Has made four starts during the 2020 Postseason, going
2-2 with a 3.20 ERA and a 19:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio
across 19.2 innings of work. Has surrendered four home
runs and 16 hits.
• Snell started Game One of the AL Wild Card vs. Toronto
(3-1 win); Game One of the ALDS vs. NY Yankees (3-9
loss); Game One of the ALCS vs. Houston (2-1 win); and
Game Six of the ALCS vs. Houston (4-7 loss).
• During the regular season, Snell delivered a 4-2 record
with 63 punchouts, 18 walks, 42 hits and a 3.24 ERA over
11 starts and 50.0 innings.
• Posted his strongest month of the 2020 campaign in
August, winning each of his three decisions with a 2.66
ERA in five starts. Collected 28 strikeouts while allowing
16 hits over 23.2 innings of action.
• Has made one career start against the Dodgers. On
September 17, 2019, retired all six batters he faced with
four strikeouts after returning from the Injured List.
• Mookie Betts has logged the most career at-bats against
Snell, batting 7-for-23 (.304) with two doubles, a home
run and six RBI. Chris Taylor, AJ Pollock, Max Muncy,
Cody Bellinger and Kike Hernández are all 0-for-1 (.000).
FAMILIAR TERRITORY
• The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their 21st NL Pennant
in franchise history, the most of any NL Club and secondmost all-time behind the Yankees (40).
• The Dodgers became just the second team since 1969
to represent the NL in the World Series three times
across four Postseasons (2017-18, 2020), joining the
Atlanta Braves, who earned four NL Pennants across five
Postseasons from 1991-96 (excluding 1993).
RELATIVE NEWCOMERS
• The Tampa Bay Rays are appearing in just their second
World Series in franchise history. In their lone appearance
in 2008, the Rays were defeated by the Phillies in five
games.
COMING IN HOT
• The Dodgers won three consecutive games while facing
elimination to win the NLCS, marking the second time
that the Clubs has accomplished the feat during a
Postseason series. During the 1981 NLDS against the
Houston Astros, the Dodgers won three straight after
falling behind two game-to-none in the best-of-five series.
• The Dodgers became the eighth team in Postseason
history to accomplish the feat in a best-of-seven LCS
series, joining the 2012 Giants; the 2007 Red Sox; the
2004 Red Sox (4); the 2003 Marlins; the 1996 Braves;
the 1986 Red Sox; and the 1985 Royals.
TAKING THE LONG ROUTE
• This year’s ALCS marked just the second in Major League
history to feature a decisive Game 7 after one Club held a
3-0 series lead. The 2004 ALCS was the only other such
occurrence, which saw the Boston Red Sox complete the
series comeback against the New York Yankees en route
to their World Series crown.
• Following a sweep of the Blue Jays, the Rays required five
games to defeat the Yankees in the ALDS and all seven
games against the Astros to advance to the Fall Classic.
Game Two Notes – Wednesday, October 21, 2020
The Rays became the ninth Club in Postseason history to
play a “winner-take-all” game in both the Division Series
and Championship Series, joining the 2017 Yankees; the
2012 Giants; the 2012 Cardinals; the 2004 Astros; the
2003 Cubs; the 2003 Red Sox; the 1981 Dodgers; and
the 1981 Expos.
TITLE TOWN(S) USA
• Both cities of Los Angeles and Tampa Bay enter the 2020
Fall Classic having already secured a championship
in one of the other ‘Big Four’ professional sports. The
Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat to claim
the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy, while the Tampa Bay
Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars to garner the Stanley
Cup. • Should the Dodgers emerge victorious from this year’s
Fall Classic, it would mark the first time since 1988
that Los Angeles enjoyed a pair of champions in the
same year. The City of LA became the first and still is
only city to have the NBA champion and World Series
champion in the same year. It is worth noting that in
2002, the Anaheim Angels and Lakers also both won
their respective championships. • Tampa Bay is vying to become just the third city in history
to have a World Series champion and Stanley Cup
champion in the same year. The feat was accomplished
by New York twice – first in 1928 with the New York
Yankees and New York Rangers, and again in 1933 with
the New York Giants and New York Rangers.
COAST TO COAST
• For the fifth time since Major League Baseball began the
six-division format in 1994, the Fall Classic is featuring
teams from the NL West and the AL East. • The Red Sox defeated the Dodgers in 2018; the Red
Sox defeated the Rockies in 2007; the Diamondbacks
defeated the Yankees in 2001; and the Yankees defeated
the Padres in 1998.
BEEN HERE BEFORE
Of the 56 players that were on the Dodgers and Rays LCS
rosters, 18 have previous World Series experience, including
17 from the Dodgers.
• Los Angeles: Pedro Báez (2018 Dodgers), Austin Barnes
(2017-18 Dodgers), Cody Bellinger (2017-18 Dodgers),
Mookie Betts (2018 Red Sox), Walker Buehler (2018
Dodgers), Dylan Floro (2018 Dodgers), Kiké Hernández
(2017-18 Dodgers), Kenley Jansen (2017-18 Dodgers),
Joe Kelly (2013 Cardinals, 2018 Red Sox), Clayton
Kershaw (2017-18 Dodgers), Max Muncy (2018 Dodgers),
Joc Pederson (2017-18 Dodgers), Corey Seager (2017
Dodgers), Chris Taylor (2017-18 Dodgers), Justin Turner
(2017-18 Dodgers), Julio Urías (2018 Dodgers), Alex
Wood (2017-18 Dodgers) • Tampa Bay: Charlie Morton (2017 Astros)
ALL AROUND THE WORLD
• According to each Club’s WS rosters, the teams combine
for 15 foreign-born players. The 15 players hail from the
Dominican Republic (four – Willy Adames, Pedro Báez,
Diego Castillo, Manuel Margot); Puerto Rico (three – Kiké
Hernández, Michael Perez, Edwin Ríos); Cuba (two –
Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz); Mexico (two – Victor
González, Julio Urías); Curaçao (one – Kenley Jansen);
Japan (one – Yoshitomo Tsutsugo); South Korea (one – JiMan Choi); and Venezuela (one – Brusdar Graterol).
WORLD SERIES UMPIRES
• Bill Miller will serve as primary Crew Chief for the umpires
in the 2020 World Series, and this will be the fourth Fall
Classic for Miller (2010, 13, 17). Miller, who will be
off for Game Two, will be joined by (with Game Two
Assignments and number of World Series appearances,
including 2020) Laz Diaz (RF, third), Chris Guccione (1B,
second), Marvin Hudson (2B, second), Jerry Meals (3B,
second), Mark Carlson (LF, second) and Todd Tichenor
(HP, first). Meals will serve as the crew chief in Game Two
of the World Series. The Replay Official during the World
Series will be Major League Umpire Adrian Johnson, who
will be assisted by Major League Umpire David Rackley.
MLB is deeply saddened by the passing of 34-year Major
League Umpire Derryl Cousins at the age of 74. The
Californian worked nearly 4,500 games and three World
Series (1988, 1999, 2005) and was behind the plate for White
Sox clincher in 2005.
OCTOBER 21st IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Today in Baseball history, several notable feats:
• In 1973, The Oakland A’s capture their second
consecutive World Championship with a 5-2 win over the
New York Mets in Game 7 as Reggie Jackson and Bert
Campaneris both hit key two-run home runs for Oakland.
• In 1975, Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hits one of
the most memorable home runs in Major League history
with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning
of Game 6 at Fenway Park to force a seventh game
against the Cincinnati Reds.
• In 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies win their first World
Series in their 98-year history, defeating the Kansas
City Royals 4-1 in Game 6 at Veterans Stadium. Phillies
hurler Steve Carlton holds the Royals to just four hits
over seven innings of work.
• In 2000, the New York Yankees defeat the New York
Mets in Game 1 of the Subway Series in the four-hour,
51-minute thriller, the longest World Series game ever
played to that point. José Vizcaino’s two-out single in the
12th inning gives the Yankees a 4-3 win and their 13th
consecutive Fall Classic victory.
• In 2006, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Anthony Reyes
defeats Detroit Tigers hurler Justin Verlander in the first
World Series game started by two rookie pitchers. Reyes
allows just two runs and four hits with five strikeouts over
eight innings in the 7-2 win.
Game Two Notes – Wednesday, October 21, 2020
The view from left field 