LEXINGTON, Ky. — Even-money favorite Monomoy Girl blew by the leaders around the final turn and held off a challenge by 14-1 shot Valiance to win her second 1 1/8-mile Distaff at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Saturday at Keeneland Race Course. The star 5-year-old won for the 13th time in 15th races, giving…
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.