SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 14: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during batting practice before game 5 of the National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on October 14, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres took Game 2 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-3. While it would be easy enough to credit the visitor, these three Dodgers fell short.
Despite a satisfactory start from Clayton Kershaw — five innings and three earned against a tough Padres lineup — Los Angeles was unable to secure Game 2 at home, and now must head on the road tied one game apiece.
As much as Dodgers fans may preach about the lack of a true “rivalry” between these two sides, the feud is growing. An appearance at Petco Park, such a place where said contention surely does exist, with much on the line will only add to the drama.
Los Angeles had plenty of chances to take Game 2, and have a real stranglehold on this series. However, they fell short in these three aspects of the game.
Dodgers most to blame: Will Smith
It’s a tough gig being Smith, who plays one of the more important positions on the diamond and is also counted upon to hit in the middle of a vaunted Dodgers lineup.
Behind home plate, Smith and the Los Angeles pitching staff failed to get on the same page all night. The Dodgers gave up five runs, and the Padres were able to run on Smith in the later innings thanks to Blake Treinen’s slow delivery.
At the plate, Smith did have a base hit, but sat between three players who all hit solo home runs. He also left four players on base, while Freddie Freeman, Trea Turner and Max Muncy did more than enough to carry their own.
Making the final out didn’t help.