Dodgers avoid elimination thanks to Tyler Glasnow’s impressive late-game performance

Dodgers Survive Elimination, Force Game 7

The reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, found themselves on the edge of elimination entering Friday night’s game. In a surprising decision, they brought in Tyler Glasnow, who was originally scheduled to pitch on Sunday, to close out the game in the ninth inning. This bold move paid off, as Glasnow came in with two Toronto Blue Jays runners on base and managed to secure three outs with just three pitches, sealing the game and pushing for a Game 7.

This dramatic finish included the Dodgers turning what could have been a game-tying hit into a thrilling double play. Following the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to shuffle the batting lineup once more for Game 6.

Shortstop Mookie Betts, who moved up in the order after a loss in Game 5, took on the cleanup spot against Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Guzman. It’s worth noting that Betts hadn’t batted lower than fourth since the 2017 AL Division Series against Houston—a significant change for him. In his previous outing, he batted in the first or second position, marking a noticeable shift in his role.

Entering Game 6, Betts had struggled at the plate, hitting only 3-for-23 without any RBIs or extra-base hits. However, he made a notable impact in this game, contributing with a two-run hit in the third inning.

On the mound, Dodgers’ starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto showed less precision than in his earlier complete game. While he allowed three runs to George Springer, who made his return to the lineup after injury, he managed to pitch six innings without further damage.

After the game, manager Roberts shared his rationale for bringing Glasnow into relief, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “This is do-or-die. You have to leave everything alone and pick up all the pieces,” he relayed. Roberts selected Glasnow due to his ability to create swings and misses, stating it was a calculated risk.

For Game 7, the Blue Jays will send Max Scherzer to the mound, who also pitched in the previous Game 7 of the World Series back in 2019 when the Washington Nationals secured the title.

The Dodgers are chasing their second consecutive championship, something not achieved since the New York Yankees did it from 1998 to 2000. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are looking to end their championship drought since winning their last World Series in 1993.