Dodgers put Padres on verge of elimination with Game 2 victory
The Los Angeles Dodgers took a commanding 2-0 lead in the National League Division Series with a 6-5 win in Wednesday's Game 2 against the division-rival San Diego Padres.
Clayton Kershaw earned the win, improving to 11-11 in postseason play. After Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen entered the game in the ninth with a three-run lead, it was Joe Kelly who earned the save in dramatic fashion, issuing two walks to load the bases before getting Eric Hosmer to ground out.
The 9th inning was stressful, but Joe Kelly got it done. #GotYourBack pic.twitter.com/hFp8cfQTYL
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2020
Jansen's rough outing - he allowed two runs on three hits while retiring two - caused some consternation about his role as the Dodgers' closer moving forward: Manager Dave Roberts said postgame he's "going to think through it," according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
While the series will stay at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the Padres will act as the home team for Thursday's Game 3 and, if necessary, Game 4 on Friday. Should San Diego win both games, the Dodgers will act as the home team for a winner-take-all Game 5.
Tempers flared between the division rivals briefly during Game 2 following a remarkable catch by Cody Bellinger at the center-field wall on a would-be home run off the bat of Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Dodgers reliever Brusdar Graterol celebrated the play and then seemed to blow kisses at Manny Machado, who took exception and started yelling back. The fracas died down quickly without any ejections.
The Dodgers are seeking their fourth NLCS berth in five years after missing out on the championship round last year.
The winner of the Dodgers-Padres series will face the winner of the other NLDS matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. The Braves lead that series 2-0.
San Diego has anointed Adrian Morejon as its Game 3 starter. The 21-year-old left-hander acted as a swingman for the Padres this year, authoring a 4.66 ERA and 5.93 FIP over 19 1/3 innings, making four starts and five relief appearances.
Los Angeles has yet to announce who will oppose Morejon.