The 2017 MLB World Series has turned to a best-of-three format, as the Dodgers won convincing in Saturday night’s game (Sunday AEDT) with a 6 – 2 victory to make the current tally two games apiece.
The World Series has been mainly a pitchers’ duel. Three of L.A.’s six runs from last night came from a ninth inning three-run homer of the bat of Joc Pederson.
Up until the seventh inning, both starting pitchers were making batters appear hapless.
Alex Wood started for the Dodgers and held the Astros hitless through five and two-thirds innings. He was pulled from the game by Dodger Manager Dave Roberts after giving up a two-out home run to Houston’s George Springer.
Charlie Morton started for the Astros. He lasted six and one third innings, scattering three hits across those innings and walking none in a masterful performance.
The Astros’ undoing came in the top of the ninth when closer Ken Giles gave up a base hit to Corey Seager. A base on balls to Justin Turner followed. Next was a double off the bat of Cody Bellinger, which resulted in Giles being pulled for Joe Musgrove. He allowed a run to score on a sacrifice fly, which put the Dodgers up 3 – 1, and then threw the home run ball to Joc Pederson, who was playing the Designated Hitter role for games played in an American League park.
In the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen got two quick out before Alex Bregman homered.
In four games, the two teams have combined for 14 homers.
Sunday night’s (Monday AEDT) should be another pitching duel par excellance, as Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw will take the hill for his team and Dallas Keuchel will start for the Astros.
Regardless of the outcome of game five, the World Series will move back to L.A. for game six and if the Series stays true to form, another pitiching duel and low-scoring affair,
