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Los Angeles Dodgers: What went wrong in the World Series?

By Neil Harrington

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Los Angeles Dodgers fans react as the Houston Astros dominate the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of the World Series to take the championship on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The battle between the Dodgers and Astros lasted till game seven of the best of seven series. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Los Angeles Dodgers fans react as the Houston Astros dominate the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of the World Series to take the championship on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The battle between the Dodgers and Astros lasted till game seven of the best of seven series. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) /
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Coming into the 2017 MLB Postseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers were the heavy favorite to win it all. How did they fall short of that ultimate goal?

As the Houston Astros were celebrating inside of Dodger Stadium after winning the 2017 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers were shell-shocked, not knowing what hit them. What blindsided them was the rocket that was the Astros, a team of destiny, who proved that they not only belonged on the same field as their opponent but deserved to celebrate on it.

Clayton Kershaw took ownership for their failure in preventing the Astros from raising the Commissioner’s Trophy, blaming himself for allowing that to happen.

"“Maybe one of these days I won’t fail, we won’t fail and we’ll win one of these things.”"

The former NL MVP can’t take all the “credit”, where he had only two bad innings in three total appearances in the Fall Classic. There is plenty of blame to pass around the entire Dodger clubhouse.

Here’s what went wrong in Game 7 alone:

  • First inning: Left the bases loaded.
  • Second inning: Chris Taylor lined into an inning-ending double play.
  • Third inning: After Seager and Turner reached safely; Bellinger struck out, Yasiel Puig flew out, and Joc Pederson then struck out.
  • Fifth Inning: The Dodgers stranded two more runners
  • Sixth Inning: Andre Ethier singled home a run, but the Dodgers squander an opportunity for more runs in the process.
  • The Dodgers were a disappointing 1 for 13 with RISP, leaving ten ducks on the pound throughout the game.

Yu Darvish was the most significant problem of the game (and series) for the Dodgers, who struggled in his two starts. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts defended his starting pitcher, telling CBSSports.com, which he was not sure what to make of his pitcher’s struggles.

"“I know he wanted the baseball. I know he was prepared. I just can’t explain the results. I really can’t.”"

He also blamed the lack of production with runners on base, which was a telling tale of the game.

"“We had a couple of chances to come through. Just couldn’t get the big hit.”"

Coming back to Darvish, there was apparently more going on than just ineffective pitch selection, as the Astros apparently found another kink in his armor.

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Dave Roberts also shares much of the blame, which we’ve already gone into great detail on.

Where do the Dodgers go from here? Well, there is much to look forward to in 2018, with a core amount of the team returning the fold.

Key free agents going into the offseason:

Next: 25 Most Memorable MLB Postseason Moments

With a loaded lineup, Kershaw leading a group of aces, and Jensen as the hammer in the back-end of the bullpen, don’t’ be surprised if the Los Angeles Dodgers will be partying like it’s 1988 in 2018, breaking a 30 year World Series title drought.

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