Dodgers: AJ Pollock’s showboat after 3-run blast sums up Game 5 beatdown of Braves

Chris Taylor stole the spotlight, but don’t forget it was AJ Pollock who got the first runs on the board and then officially slammed the door shut on the Atlanta Braves in the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ Game 5 victory to stay alive in the NLCS.

Trailing 2-0 early, Pollock’s solo homer in the bottom of the second inning broke the ice and opened the door for Taylor’s first homer of the night, which gave LA a 3-2 lead.

Taylor would hit two more and drive in six runs for the game of a lifetime. He went 4-for-5 with three runs scored as well.

Pollock? A modest 3-for-5 with three runs scored, two homers and four RBI … and the pimp job of the postseason.

AJ Pollock’s showboat summed up the Dodgers’ domination of the Braves in Game 5 of the NLCS.

Let’s get a closer look:

Should’ve just walked off the field and straight to the plane headed for Atlanta. What a way to steal back the momentum before Games 6 and 7 on the road. The Dodgers at least have the advantage of playing somewhat carefree since the pressure is no longer on them, while the Braves have last year’s blown 3-1 NLCS lead in the back of their minds.

Braves reliever Jacob Webb tossed one inning and allowed four earned runs on four hits. We’re not sure manager Brian Snitker can trot him out against the Dodgers again this postseason. Atlanta needed just three outs to exit this 7-2 loss with dignity, but 11-2? Demoralizing.

And here comes Max Scherzer in Game 6!

But it won’t be easy. Don’t expect Justin Turner back. Max Muncy isn’t coming through those doors. Walker Buehler, Julio Urías and Scherzer are all taxed. The bullpen hasn’t exactly had it easy, either.

You know what helps a tired, battered team, though? A little bit of swag. And who thought it’d come from the oft-injured 33-year-old veteran in Pollock? Time to do something with this momentum, Dodgers.

Dodgers can’t make same mistake twice with Chris Taylor after NLCS Game 5

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Chris Taylor had a monster performance in NLCS Game 5 against the Atlanta Braves to boost his free agent stock.