LET'S PLAY SEVEN!
Dodgers force winner-take-all game as epic series will get a fitting end
LOS ANGELES — Hollywood endings are the best. Baseball has earned a Game 7.
With a 3-1 victory over the Astros and Justin Verlander Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers have set themselves up for their first World Series title in 29 years.
The Astros have never won a World Series.
“Never been a part of a [World Series] Game 7,’’ Dave Roberts said after the win. “This is when you’re a young kid and you’re kind of trying to play through all the heroes and heroics and talking about a Game 7 in the World Series, and here we are.’’
Roberts was greeted in the hallway by Tommy Lasorda, the last Dodgers manager to win a World Series, back in 1988. The gruff Lasorda lives in the hardscrabble world of reality.
“You haven’t done [expletive] until you win tomorrow,’’ Lasorda told Roberts, who let out a laugh. There you have it. This win was dramatic, and there can’t be a Game 7 without the Dodgers winning Game 6. Lasorda is right, though; Game 7 is what it’s all about.
On Halloween night the Dodgers made it happen and the World Series is tied at 3-3. Before the game Roberts said he would not bring in closer Kenley Jansen for a six-out save, so naturally he did just that — trick or treat.
Verlander went into the sixth with a 1-0 lead but could not hold it, falling behind 2-1.
The rally started with an Austin Barnes single. Then Chase Utley, who is usually a thorn in the pitcher’s side, was hit in the foot, the 207th time in his career he has been plunked.
That brought up leadoff hitter Chris Taylor, and Verlander got ahead, but left a fastball up and Taylor lashed it to right for a double, scoring Barnes and putting Utley at third.
A sacrifice fly to right by Corey Seager scored Utley to put the Dodgers on top, 2-1. Verlander had lost the lead.
Joc Pederson, who was sent to the minors this season to rework his swing — as he said, “Learn how to hit” — lifted an opposite-field home run in the seventh. “Pay me’’ he shouted in celebration, a reference to a bet he had with a teammate, most likely Justin Turner, to hit the ball the other way.
Turner declined to talk about the bet.
“I’ve kind of been struggling all year, trying to use the whole field,” Pederson said. “So people are trying to get me encouraged to using the whole field. I’m not very good at it. So it was relieving to, I guess, to hit the ball the other way.’’
Game 7 will feature Yu Darvish against Lance McCullers Jr. Wednesday night (FOX, 8:20 p.m.) at Dodger Stadium.
The Astros had to win two elimination games against the Yankees in the ALCS, but that was home at Minute Maid Park. This is different.
“If you carry any baggage into Game 7 of the World Series, then you’re certainly misguided with your attention,’’ manager A.J. Hinch said of his Astros. “We will come as positive as ever, ready to play. It is what looks to be one of the most exhilarating games that we’re ever going to be a part of. Who can guarantee that you’re going to be in Game 7 ever again.
“Come ready to play. Have your best attitude, have your best opportunity.’’ That’s the dream Game 7 formula. Pederson was joined by his older brother Champ, who was born with Down syndrome and is with the Dodgers every step of the way.
“He keeps me humble and just makes he realize that it’s just a baseball game and there’s a lot more to life, too,’’ Joc said. “He always has a smile on his face, even through stressful situations. So, yeah, I’m thankful to have him in my life.’’
Champ believes in his brother and the Dodgers.
“They will find a way,’’ Champ said. “They will get where they need to be at, that’s them, my guys.’’
Game 7 promises to make memories.