NLCS: Dodgers Take Game 3

Game 3 saw the LA Dodgers host the 2-0 Phillies. I had expected Jamie Moyer with all his experience and much better winning percentage to out match the Dodger rookie, Hiroki Kuroda; boy was I wrong!

Moyer barely made it into the second inning and had an ugly 40.5 ERA and gave up 6 hits, 6 runs, and 1 homerun. After facing a single batter in the second inning and having thrown 32 pitches, including 22 strikeouts, Moyer was yanked. Moyer was followed by a string of pitchers, with J.A. Happ giving up the only additional run in the fourth inning. The Dodgers on the other hand saw Kuroda pitch through the sixth inning with an ERA of 3.0 and giving up only 1 run. With the Phillies only chalking up one additional run in the seventh inning, the Dodgers took game three 7-2.

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And then there was the bench clearing —>>> CLICK HERE for the video!

Apparently there had been several questionable pitches in the opening two games of the series in Philadelphia which got the backs up on both sides. Carry this animosity to Dodger Stadium along with some additional questionable pitches and there only needed to be a spark. Kuroda pitching at Victorino’s head was that spark. Though the benches cleared, and Ramirez was somewhat theatrically held back and escorted to the dugout by his teammates, the bench clearing was rather mild. There were no punches and no ejections.

Tonight’s game should be interesting with the Dodgers looking to tie it up. Game 4 is slated for 8:22 PM (EST) and will be broadcast on FOX.