The Dodgers Manager, Dave Roberts, made some key moves in the middle of a decisive NLDS Game 4 that have left a lot of fans scratching their heads.
After giving up a run in the bottom of the 3rd inning, Dave Roberts pulled starter, Rich Hill, and brought in former starter, Kenta Maeda. Maeda got the last out by getting Howie Kendrick to ground out to third. Maeda continued to roll in the fourth inning and it was pretty obvious to most Dodger fans that Kenta was dealing – striking out Zimmerman and Suzuki, giving up a single on a dribbler down 3rd to a speedy Trea Turner and then getting Scherzer to line out to center field.
When he starts off like that, Maeda has a history of being a very dominant pitcher that can go deep into games.
The issue at hand was after a dominant fourth, AJ Pollock took his spot in the line up to pinch hit. Up to this point, Pollock was 0 for his last 11 at bats, so the decision to go with Pollock here was already questioned all over social media with the veterans Freese, Martin and Kiké sitting on the bench.
Now, Julio Urias comes in and gives up a single to Trea Turner, a sacrifice single by Eaton, single to Rendon, single to Howie Kendrick. Pedro Baez then comes in and gives up a 3 run home run to Ryan Zimmerman on a fastball above the zone.
The Nats lead 5-1 the game was pretty much decided right here with Max Scherzer dominating the Dodger bats.
Dave Roberts was asked after the game what his decision process was:
Dave Roberts recaps Rich Hill's 2.2 IP and the bullpen decisions in tonight's #Dodgers Game 4 loss. pic.twitter.com/4xhfCdsJIV
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 8, 2019
“Consider recent usage with Kenta and going multiples yesterday and to get him to go 1+ tonight . . loved him right there . . .
And now you’re talking about Julio. You’re trying to get one inning out of it in that part of the order . . . handedness doesn’t matter. we’ve used Julio in that situation!” – Dave Roberts
What did you think of the move? Was it more over-management of the game or Julio Urias not performing when called upon?
Could be a little bit of both, but let us know what you think in the comments below.
