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The Dodgers quieted the New York crowd — and their calls for Chase Utley's head — by scoring three runs in the top of the second inning off Mets ace Matt Harvey. But the Mets came back with four runs in the bottom of the inning against the Dodgers' third-best starter, Brett Anderson, and the rout was on. The Mets ran up a 13-4 lead, feasting on LA relievers Alex Wood and Pedro Baez, before finishing with a 13-7 win and a 2 games to one lead in the playoff series. The Dodgers could be eliminated tomorrow night in New York with Clayton Kershaw starting. Either rookie Steven Matz or Jacob deGrom, the Mets starter who dominated the Dodgers in Game 1, will pitch for the home team.
By the way, Chase Utley was eligible to play despite being suspended for his illegal slide in Game 2. The suspension was stayed pending an appeal. Utley had a much better history against the Mets' pitcher Harvey, but Dodgers manager Don Mattingly opted to start Howie Kendrick at second base instead. (Kendrick went 0 for 3 against Harvey.) Even with three pinch hitters used in the game, the veteran Utley was never called. Hmm. Even the Mets manager was surprised that Utley did not start the game, given his success against Harvey. Ruben Tejada, the shortstop whose leg was broken in Utley's slide, came out for the pre-game introductions aided by a cane. Utley was booed lustily when he was introduced.
So now, the momentum is fully in the Mets hands and their fans have the emotional moment still ahead of a likely appearance out of the dugout by the hated Chase Utley.
Kendrick hit a home run in the ninth inning for a Dodger upside, should you need one. The 13 runs allowed is the most given ever given up by a Dodgers team in the post-season.
In Chicago, the Cubs beat the Cardinals by hitting six home runs — a record for home runs by one team in a post-season game. Like the Mets, the Cubs lead their series 2-1. If the Dodgers survive to play Game 5 in their series, it will be Thursday evening at Dodger Stadium.
