2020 NLCS: The Dodgers advance to the World Series for the 3rd time in 4 years

By Fredo Cervantes

    The Dodgers are going to the World Series for the 21st time in franchise history after trailing 3-1 in the NLCS against the Braves.

Dustin May, rookie pitcher for the Dodgers was given the start today for Game 7 of the NLCS as he found out a few hours before first pitch as he just started a few days ago as well. The Braves jumped on the Dodgers early on as they ended up getting multiple runners on base but only brought in 1 run to give them an 1-0 lead behind Ozuna’s big RBI single.

Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts made the decision to take Dustin May out after one inning and then brought in Tony Gonsolin to pitch in the second inning which he gave up a solo home run to give the Braves a 2-0 lead in Game 7.

MOOKIE AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/SlSttMLcVj

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 19, 2020

The Dodgers seem to be in business in the bottom half of the second but ended up leaving men on second and third with Chris Taylor striking out to end the inning. Braves pitcher Ian Anderson has been getting in some trouble in both innings but has found a way not to allow two runs to maintain full control of the Dodgers.

Clayton Kershaw should have started this game #Dodgers

— Fredo (@FredoCervantes) October 19, 2020

I would’ve like to see Clayton Kershaw, future hall of famer, start in this game. The pressure that this game has for the 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers is heavy enough to put it on the shoulders of Kershaw and let him take the Dodgers to the World Series. If Kershaw would have gotten the start, he would’ve had the opportunity to rewrite his postseason history but no, manager Dave Roberts decided to put his season and not only season but his job on the hands of a rookie in Game 7 of the NLCS.

Will Smith comes in clutch with a two run RBI single in the bottom of the third with two outs as Justin Turner and Max Muncy come in to score as the Dodgers tied up the game. Right after Cody Bellinger walks as the Dodgers had runners on first and second with two outs and A.J Pollock at bat with the game on the line but he flies out to center to end the 3rd inning.

Not your typical double play, but one the @Dodgers needed. 😱 #NLCS pic.twitter.com/0mgrqRF9Xa

— MLB (@MLB) October 19, 2020

Coming into the fourth inning the Braves got another run from an RBI single by third baseman Austin Riley then the Braves has a base running mistake which got out at home and another out at third in the same play for an unusual double play to get the Dodgers out of a hole they were getting into.

As the game was going on, many thoughts and scenarios play out, if the Braves win this game it will be an upset and if the Dodgers win, Of course the better team and most expensive team does what they were supposed to do. You realized as the game was going that this was going to be a close game all the way to the end.

KIKÉ, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS. pic.twitter.com/NQaELWU3IA

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 19, 2020

Kike Hernandez came in to pinch hit for the Dodgers as they were trailing by one run late in the game and he hits a home run off Braves pitcher Minter in the bottom of the six to tie up the game for the Dodgers here in the NLCS. While both teams continue to battle as Freddie Freeman hits a deep ball which was just inches of leaving the field for a home run until Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts steals another home run with another amazing catch.

The moment Cody Bellinger became the Game 7 hero for the @Dodgers? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Q7Md5tpdcy

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) October 19, 2020

In the bottom of the 7th with the Game on the line, Cody Bellinger comes up with the biggest swing of his life as he hits the most unique home run as he stared down the Dodgers bench and gave the Dodgers a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 7th. As the Dodgers took a one run lead, it was now time to get the right pitcher to close this game with the last six outs of this Game 7.

Dodgers bring in Julio Urias to try and save this game and take the Dodgers to it’s third World Series in four years. Julio came in and closed down the last three innings of Game 7 as the Dodgers only allowed three hits in the whole game against the Braves. They didn’t have what it takes to close a series especially when you are leading the series 3-1. We need to highlight that part of the Game with the Braves only having three hits and those hits all came before the 3rd inning as they when hit less in the last six innings of the game.

Julio Urias is the second reliever to close out a winner-take-all game with at least 3 no-hit innings.

The other? Pedro Martinez in Game 5 of the 1999 ALDS, when he threw 6 no-hit innings. pic.twitter.com/cFcSPiSuSI

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 19, 2020

Dodgers SS Corey Seager gets awarded the NLCS MVP as he helps the Dodgers come back from a 3-1 deficit against a young Braves team. This will be the Dodgers 21st World Series appearance in MLB history.

The Dodgers defeat the Braves 4-3 in Game 7 to advance to the 2020 World Series as the will face the Tampa Bay Rays with Game 1 beginning on Tuesday 8ET/5PT on FOX.

Follow InTheFrontRow Writer Fredo Cervantes on

Instagram: @FredoCervantes and Twitter: @FredoCervantes