NLDS Game 1: Dodgers 7, Cubs 2
The Dodgers hadn't won a postseason series opener since Kirk Gibson's HR in the 1988 World Series. Shoot, they had only won one postseason GAME since that '88 Series. At least THAT monkey is off their backs. But for all the giddiness that tonight is sure to bring, the one thing that can't be forgotten is that the Dodgers are still facing a very formidable opponent (and a heavily favored one, at that). This series is a long, long way from being over. But simply by winning the first game on the road, the Dodgers have dramatically changed the complexion of the whole thing. The pressure is now on the Cubs, who almost HAVE to win tonight before heading to Los Angeles. If the Dodgers come home with a 2-0 lead, well, we could be in for a long postseason ride here. ... Wrigley Field was especially beautiful tonight, which it always is at night. They painted the tops of the dugouts, which are usually this dull white, a perfect shade of Cubs blue, which really makes them pop (I'm in the process of buying a home, so I'm learning terms like ``making it pop.'').. ... By the way, there was no shortage of second-guessing of Lou Piniella for sticking with Dempster long enough to give up that grand slam to Loney, which turned the game in the fifth inning. Dempster had walked seven batters to that point and had already thrown 102 pitches before Loney stepped in. Here was Lou's answer: ``He hadn't given up a run. He pitched himself out of trouble an inning or two before. We were concerned about his pitch count, but no, we were going to let him get himself out of trouble. Invariably, when you keep putting people on, they're going to score at times. They scored there quickly with that grand slam.'' ... By the way II, if the Dodgers win this series, it will mark the third time Joe Torre has beaten Lou Piniella in a playoff series, and I BELIEVE Piniella's team has been favored in all three. The previous times were the 2000 and 2001 ALCS. The second one was the year Piniella's Mariners won 116 regular-season games.
Yeah Tony, the Dodgers definitely had curb appeal last night. And I certainly think a well pitched game by Billingsley would almost assuredly put this series in escrow, but with Chad on virtually eight days rest, he may need his teammates to buy a point or two for him early. It's difficult to amortize this short 5-game series, but my guess is the Cubs are going to do what the Dodgers do and did last night, wait out the seller (i mean, take a lot of pitches and make Chad work). Chad is pre-qualified for the win, but not pre-approved, so he'll have to hit his spots and throw strikes all game long. After all, pitching is like... well you know, location, location, location.
The Dodgers have some equity in this series now having won Game #1, as 24 of 28 times the Game #1 winner has won the NLDS. But as Yogi once said, it ain't over 'til it's over.
Go Doyers, and happy home purchasing TJ. :)
Team, GREAT post. If I didn't know better (actually, I DON'T know better) I would think you were a real estate agent.