TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (1-1) vs. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (1-1) WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 1 2 3 FINAL TAMPA BAY 1 2 2 5 TORONTO 0 1 2 3
SCORING NOTES
Michael Bunting scored for Toronto at 7:47 of the second period. Bunting recorded his first goal of the playoffs. Bunting appeared in his first career NHL playoff game.
Mitch Marner scored for the Maple Leafs at 11:53 of the third period. Marner recorded his second goal of the playoffs. This marks the first occasion of his Stanley Cup Playoffs career where he has scored in back-to-back games. Marner also posted the primary assist on Bunting’s goal. Marner recorded his third assist of the playoffs.
Alexander Kerfoot scored shorthanded for Toronto 15:43 of the third period. Kerfoot recorded his first goal of the playoffs and the first shorthanded goal of his NHL playoff career.
Auston Matthews registered the secondary assist on Bunting’s goal and the secondary assist on Marner’s goal. Matthews has posted three assists through his last two playoff games. Matthews recorded the third multi-assist outing of his NHL playoff career.
Jake Muzzin recorded the primary assist on Marner’s goal. Muzzin posted his first assist of the playoffs. Muzzin has posted a point in back-to-back games (1G, 1A).
TJ Brodie registered the primary assist on Kerfoot’s shorthanded goal. Brodie posted his first assist of the playoffs. GOALTENDER NOTES
Jack Campbell stopped 29 of 34 shots in tonight’s loss. SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
The Maple Leafs were 0-for-4 on the power play and 4-for-7 on the penalty kill tonight.
Toronto has scored shorthanded in back-to-back playoff games. OF NOTE…
Michael Bunting scored in his first career NHL playoff game. Per NHL Stats, Bunting became the fourth Maple Leafs rookie in the past 30 years to score in their playoff debut, joining Mitchell Marner (Game 1 of 2017 R1), Adam Mair (Game 3 of 1999 CSF) and Mark Kolesar (Game 3 of 1996 CQF).
TJ Brodie was on the ice for a team-high 17 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5.
David Kämpf finished the game with a team-high 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 63.16 percent 12 for, 7 against). SHOTS ON GOAL (5-on-5 in brackets) 1st 2nd 3rd TOTAL TAMPA BAY 9 (5) 14 (8) 11 (8) 34 (21) TORONTO 13 (6) 8 (7) 13 (9) 34 (22) SHOT ATTEMPTS (5-on-5 in brackets) 1st 2nd 3rd TOTAL TAMPA BAY 17 (12) 22 (14) 14 (10) 53 (36) TORONTO 29 (15) 17 (16) 19 (9) 65 (40) MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS Shots 6 (Marner) Shot Attempts 9 (Marner, Matthews) Face-off Wins 10 (Kämpf) Face-off Win Percentage 100% (Kerfoot – 3 won, 0 lost) Hits 5 (Muzzin, Lyubushkin) Blocked Shots 2 (Muzzin, Brodie) Takeaways 2 (Kerfoot, Matthews) TOI 23:28 (Marner) Power Play TOI 6:30 (Matthews) Shorthanded TOI 5:51 (Muzzin) Shifts 27 (Muzzin, Liljegren, Rielly, Giordano, Brodie) 5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage 63.16% (Kämpf – 12 for, 7 against) UPCOMING GAMES: Friday, May 6, 7:30 pm, Toronto at Tampa Bay Sunday, May 8, 7:00 pm, Toronto at Tampa Bay Tuesday, May 10, TBD, Toronto vs. Tampa Bay Thursday, May 12, TBD, Toronto at Tampa Bay* Saturday, May 14, TBD, Toronto vs. Tampa Bay* *if necessary Stats reflect official NHL stats at the time of distribution. Please consult official NHL game sheets (links above) to confirm no statistical changes were made. For Maple Leafs notes, transcripts, audio clips and media guides, please visit MapleLeafs.com/pressbox. POSTGAME QUOTES: HEAD COACH SHELDON KEEFE On Tampa Bay’s pushback: “I thought that they would play better, that’s more of the team that we prepared for. I think it’s obviously the difference of the game is special teams. At five-on-five it’s a pretty even hockey game, but their power play was better and we took too many penalties.” JOHN TAVARES On tonight’s game: “I think in the second half of the game, especially after we made it 2-1, I don’t think we grabbed the game as well as they did. Obviously being shorthanded as much as we were, especially when we got down it was hard to really get our game going and find our way back into it. So a couple opportunities off the rush for them that they capitalized on, and obviously with that many power plays and the players they have on their power play that puts a lot of stress on Soup and our penalty kill so we have to be more disciplined. We came out pretty well, I think we had a pretty good start to the period, obviously tough break there on the first goal against but in saying that in playoffs not everything is going to go your way you have to overcome some things like that and I just think we weren’t able to get our game going just because of how many times we were shorthanded today.” MITCH MARNER On tonight’s game: “We took too many penalties and gave their power play so many opportunities that eventually they’re going to score, they’ve got a lot of skill over there and a lot of guys who can make plays. We were giving up a lot of opportunities on the power play and we just got to make sure we stay out of the box and make sure we’re playing five-on-five.
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 […]
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
1.1 1 1 1 0-0 2 1 0 5 19/12
The view from left field 