Dodgers: 4 NLCS blunders that led to Braves winning the World Series

2. Dave Roberts’ Game 2 Pitching Decisions

Come on guys, we wouldn’t be writing a long article like this and let manager Dave Roberts off scot-free. Admittedly, we still do not think he deserves the shoulder most of the blame for this series, but looking back on how things transpired in Game 2, it’s hard not to at least question what he was doing.

There is now some defense for Roberts, who initially was believed to have prematurely removed Max Scherzer from his start. It was later discovered Scherzer had to be taken out because his arm was dead.

Anyway, Scherzer’s exit forced the Dodgers to go deep into the bullpen. LA held a 4-2 lead and needed just six outs, though. They were so close.

Then Roberts went to lefty Julio Urías. OK, this strategy has historically worked … when Urías wasn’t a full-time starter, though. He was also more than 100 innings over his career-high mark. Is this really the guy that was needed for this spot? Not only was he exhausted, but he was no longer a mystery to opposing lineups in these sorts of situations. In fact, the Braves saw him twice in 2021 and plenty in last year’s postseason. This was nothing new for them.

They tattooed Urías for two runs on three hits in an inning pitched. The game was now tied, 4-4. Brusdar Graterol would put the game-winning run on base and Kenley Jansen allowed the hit to get it across.

Blake Treinen got out of the seventh inning on just nine pitches. He couldn’t start off the eighth before a polarizing decision on Urías was made? We’re just asking …

Then again, the Dodgers went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position in this one, which is the only reason this is even a discussion.