Defense wins championships.
The way the Dodgers are backing up their pitchers recently has been nothing short of amazing, with highlight play after highlight play by the infield and outfield. While the bats have been molten hot during the month of August, the Dodgers have been just as good on the defensive end.
This statement was the most prominent Saturday night in a close 3-1 victory where multiple plays were made that allowed the Dodgers to win.
In the top of the 9th, the Dodgers led 3-1 in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Jake Burger jumped ahead of Brusdar Graterol punching an opposite field base hit. After a force out at second, another runner was left on first with Jazz Chisholm Jr. up to bat.
Amed Rosario was a shortstop for the Guardians and never played second base, but with Miguel Rojas and his plus defense, the Dodgers quickly taught Rosario how to play second and it is paying off big time.
With two outs Brusdar gave up a single and both runners stole — so with two players in scoring position and two outs, Graterol no longer had a forceout anywhere other than first. Then, this happened.
Hernández and Rosario were acquired because of their bats against lefties, the amazing defense that has come with it is just the cherry on top.
Dave Roberts had nothing but praise for the amazing infield defense recently.
“What Kiké did tonight at third base was spectacular, and Rojas has been a top defender at shortstop this year,” Roberts said. “And Rosario, he’s just taking on that second-base position, and he’s just a joy to watch. He’s made some really nice plays over there.”
This kind of defense matched up with the hottest team in baseball at the plate makes a very big problem for any team to face come October.
Sitting at 76-47, the Dodgers have pretty much secured the NL West title being 11.5 games ahead of the 2nd-place San Francisco Giants. The main focus now for the Dodgers is consistent play and gearing up for a hopefully long postseason run.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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