MLB Playoffs: Dodgers vs Brewers NLCS Game 2 Thread

The MLB playoffs are in full effect following an exciting game 1 of the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers.

For each 2018 postseason matchup, there will be a game thread on Call To The Pen that will feature comments from members of our writing team!  This is our game thread for Game 2 of the LAD vs MIL NLCS matchup!  These game threads will be put up for each game individually from the start of the MLB playoffs and continuing through the end of the World Series!

The Dodgers will try to rebound from a disappointing game 1 loss by sending their top pitcher to the mound for game 2. As blasphemous as that may sound, Hyun-Jin Ryu has been among the best in MLB since his return from the disabled list in early August.

The left-hander has started nine games (not including the postseason) during that span with a 1.88 earned run average. He allowed 11 earned runs with 55 strikeouts and just five walks since his return and has been as good as any pitcher in baseball.

The good news for the Brewers is that Ryu has surrendered six home runs during that time. If Ryu struggles to keep the ball in the park the Los Angeles Dodgers will be hard pressed to stay alive in this year’s MLB playoffs.

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Ryu was impressive during his start in game 1 of the NLDS against the Braves giving Dodgers fans a reason to believe that this team won’t fall behind 0-2 in this series. He had eight strikeouts and zero walks while surrendering no runs across six spectacular innings against Atlanta. L.A. will need more of the same in order to get themselves back into this series. Here’s a look at the Dodgers starting lineup:

1. Chris Taylor, CF

2. Justin Turner, 3B

3. David Freese, 1B

4. Manny Machado, SS

5. Matt Kemp, LF

6. Enrique Hernandez, 2B

7. Yasiel Puig, RF

8. Austin Barnes, C

9. Hyun-Jin Ryu, P

Two takeaways from the Dodgers lineup

The first thing I noticed was Austin Barnes being inserted behind the plate. Following a dismal performance by Yasmani Grandal during game 1, L.A. has no choice but to bench the struggling Grandal. Grandal committed multiple errors and had multiple passed balls and was the root of the problem for L.A. during game 1.

In a move to boost the offensive output, L.A. is going with Yasiel Puig to start game 2 after starting him on the bench for game 1. Although Puig has fared better against righties (.297/.357/.564) than lefties (.209/.268/.360) during this season, the Dodgers need his bat if they’re going to even this series up before heading to the west coast on Monday.

Looking at the Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers will counter with their own left-handed starter as Wade Miley will toe the rubber for the Crew. Miley has been a breath of fresh air for Milwaukee and looks to build upon the success he has enjoyed during this season.

Miley wasn’t part of the Opening Day roster for the Brewers. However, he has been arguably their most reliable starting pitcher throughout the seasons second-half. The 31-year-old started just 16 games for the Brewers during the regular season finishing 5-2 with a 2.57 earned run average.

Although his numbers don’t jump off of the page as much as Ryu, Miley played a big role in helping Milwaukee reach this point. He finished the season with a 3.18 earned run average allowing 18 earned runs over his final 10 starts of this season.

Miley’s strong second-half surge coupled with a bullpen that was among the best in MLB is a big reason the Brewers have made it this far in the MLB playoffs. However, the Crew will need Miley’s A-game for them to keep the pressure on L.A. and take a commanding two-game lead.

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, they’ll need Miley to log more than the two innings Gio Gonzalez pitched during game 1. Josh Hader is presumably unavailable for today’s game after pitching three innings last night and that takes away the game’s top reliever for the Brew Crew. Here’s a look at the Brewers starting lineup:
1. Lorenzo Cain, CF
2. Christian Yelich, RF
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Jesus Aguilar, 1B
5. Mike Moustakas, 3B
6. Travis Shaw, 2B
7. Erik Kratz, C
8. Orlando Arcia, SS
9. Wade Miley, LHP

Two takeaways from the Brewers lineup

Erik Kratz is back behind the plate for Milwaukee after a strong showing in the NLDS. Kratz is enjoying his first taste of postseason action during his career and is making the most of it. He had five hits in eight at-bats with two big runs batted in during the NLDS and the Brewers will hope for more of the same.

The other change for the Crew comes with Travis Shaw getting the nod at the keystone instead of Hernán Pérez. Although Pérez is superior defensively, Shaw brings more thump with the lumber and Milwaukee will need to put up some runs early to have a chance to take control of this series.

If game 1 is any indicator, this is going to be an exciting series. However, if the Dodgers fall behind the Brewers two games to start the series they’ll have a hard time getting to the World Series.

Members from our writing team will be here during the game to talk about the action during game 2.  Feel free to click the comment button below to join in on the conversation!  We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the game!