LOS ANGELES — In the Dodgers’ NLCS journey, consider Blake Snell as the initial sprinter, giving L.A. an early advantage in Game 1 and establishing the overall direction of the series. Yoshinobu Yamamoto assumed the second position for the Dodgers in Game 2, not only widening the lead but also boosting team morale as the series transitioned to Dodger Stadium.
On Thursday, right-hander Tyler Glasnow was entrusted with the responsibility for Game 3, with the intention of upholding the positive trend and positioning the Dodgers near another potential World Series participation. And here they stand, merely one victory away from securing their second consecutive NL pennant after defeating the Brewers, 3-1.
“Glas, he definitely strives to feel secure with his pitching mechanics,” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior commented before the game. “I believe his fundamental goal each day is to ensure his delivery feels optimal. However, standing at 6-foot-7, aligning all the necessary elements can require some adjustment, whether during bullpen warm-ups or perhaps while progressing into the second or third inning. We’ve witnessed him dominate right from the start, and we’ve also seen instances where he needs to navigate challenges.”
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The latter scenario unfolded at the commencement of Game 3, as Glasnow encountered considerable activity on the basepaths during the opening two innings. Despite navigating the first inning without incident, a second-inning triple by Caleb Durbin, succeeded by an RBI single from Jake Bauers, leveled the score at 1-1.
Glasnow’s stressful pitching conditions persisted following a throwing error he committed on a failed pickoff attempt, placing a runner on third base with one out in the second inning. However, a remarkable defensive play by third baseman Max Muncy salvaged the situation for the Dodgers’ right-hander, as Muncy intercepted a sharply hit ground ball and delivered a throw to home plate, successfully tagging out Durbin. Glasnow then induced a lineout from Jackson Chourio to conclude the inning.
With the starting pitcher already having thrown 40 pitches within the first two innings, the possibility loomed that Game 3 might slip away from the Dodgers, potentially necessitating an early departure for the right-hander and compelling L.A. to depend on its unpredictable bullpen for the majority of the remaining outs.
“I believe my rhythm was slightly off. Typically, when I’m not at my best, my hand and leg movements tend to have a different synchronization,” Glasnow expressed afterward. “I heavily relied on the sinker. I was unleashing everything I had. And it’s a pitch that, even when I’m a little late, I can still bring it back into the strike zone.”
Glasnow struggled through the initial 10 batters, but a shift occurred in the third inning, as the 32-year-old seemed to regain control. The Dodgers’ right-hander struck out all three batters on 17 pitches, effectively retiring Milwaukee’s 2-3-4 hitters: Brice Turang, William Contreras and Christian Yelich. Glasnow maintained that rhythm into the subsequent frame, recording another three strikeouts while conceding one walk. With that, he regained command.
“I believe that following that [second] inning, with [Max] making that excellent defensive play, I was able to return to the mound and simply concentrate on staying within the strike zone and securing some quick outs,” Glasnow stated. “I just think the overall athletic ability and rhythm were significantly improved.”
The Brewers failed to inflict any further damage against him, as he completed 5 2/3 innings, conceding only that single run.
“I am genuinely proud of Tyler, particularly considering his early pitch count and knowing that we still required length from him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented following his team’s triumph. “For him to maintain his composure, continue executing pitches, continue competing, and shorten the game, that’s exactly what we need from him. And he’s consistently delivered that in the last six or seven starts.”
For Glasnow, who was absent from the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series campaign due to injury, effectively passing the baton to the subsequent starter signified a personal accomplishment.
“I believe last year was challenging. When you’re in that circumstance, you simply want to support the team and be as present as possible,” he remarked. “But this year, being able to participate and contribute to the team has been incredible.”
Throughout the initial three games of this NLCS, starting pitching has been the pivotal factor for the Dodgers, propelling them to a 3-0 advantage in the series. Thus far against the Brewers, Dodgers starting pitchers have collectively thrown 22 2/3 innings, conceding only two runs and recording 25 strikeouts.
L.A.’s starting pitching is almost entirely the reason they now have the opportunity to sweep the Brewers on Friday in Game 4. The Dodgers haven’t gotten much from their offense in this series, with just three runs in Game 3. But with the starting pitching delivering each night and a rested bullpen that provided 3 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday, L.A.’s offense hasn’t needed to do any heavy lifting.
And now, with three legs of their NLCS journey completed, the Dodgers will entrust matters to their anchor, Shohei Ohtani, who is scheduled to start in Game 4 with his team poised to potentially secure a second consecutive World Series appearance.
Ohtani hasn’t been performing at his peak at the plate recently. Despite his triple in Game 3, which resulted in L.A.’s first run, the three-time MVP is batting only .158 this postseason. However, he demonstrated strength on the mound during his initial postseason start against the Phillies in the NLDS, pitching six innings and surrendering three runs while recording nine strikeouts. A comparable performance on Friday could prove sufficient to propel the Dodgers back to the World Series.
“I anticipate he will perform well tomorrow,” Roberts affirmed. “[To] be focused and exert a strong effort at the plate, as well.”
