Dodgers: Takeaways from a game one victory in the NLDS

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 03: Kenta Maeda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in relief during the seventh inning of game one of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Dodger bullpen shines and gets off to a strong start

Entering the postseason, most Dodger fans were worried about the club’s bullpen. In game one the bullpen was excellent combining for three innings while allowing just one hit. The pen also struck out five Nationals while not allowing a single walk. Adam Kolarek got things started in the seventh inning and struck out Juan Soto on three pitches while holding a 2-0 lead.

Kenta Maeda followed Kolarek and pitched 1 2/3 innings while not allowing a single hit and struck out two. Kenta also pitched very efficiently throwing just 19 pitches and that could make him available for a shorter outing in game two if he is needed. Not only was Maeda sharp but his fastball played up out of the pen reaching 94 miles per hour.

Joe Kelly finished up the game by pitching a scoreless ninth inning. Kelly did allow a double but he was able to strand Trea Turner at third base to end the game. Joe looked postseason ready after missing most of September with a lower body injury that was never disclosed. Kelly hit 100 MPH on the gun and froze Juan Soto on a 98 MPH two-seam fastball to end the game.

The Dodgers did not use Pedro Baez, Julio Urias, or Kenley Jansen in game one which will bode well for game two.

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