Dodgers Dominate
The Los Angeles Dodgers were in command of the series since their 9-5 win in Game 1. Ever since Justin Turner’s home run in that game, the Dodgers dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks. They won Game 2 8-5 and Game 3 3-1, and they never seemed to struggle at all during the series. The Winner of the Cubs vs. Nationals series is going to have a very difficult time stopping this team that is clicking in all cylinders again.
Silencing the Doubters
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After going 12-17 in the month of September and having to deal with a lot of criticism, the Dodgers have regained their form and look like the team that won 104 games this year. Many experts had the Dodgers getting upset in the NLDS due to their postseason disappointments and their month of September. For now, they have silenced their doubters.
The Dodgers Pitching
The Dodger pitching staff got the job done in the first two games, but really excelled in Game 3, allowing just one run against a tough Diamondback lineup. The acquisition of Yu Darvish propelled the Dodgers in this game to finish the series. The bullpen was solid, going a combined 13 and 2/3 innings and allowing just 3 earned runs in the process. If the other pitchers besides Clayton Kershaw can pitch the way that they did against the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers could go to the World Series and win it.
The Dodgers Hitting
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Ironically, the Dodgers ended the series the same way it began: with a home run. Their hitting was on fire all series scoring 20 runs in the three game series against a pitching staff that ranked in the top five in pitching ERA. Turner and Yasiel Puig hit over .450 and Cody Bellinger was the Game 3 hero, scoring all three runs and making a couple fine plays. The Dodger lineup is getting hot at the right time.
Who is the MVP of the Series?
Puig was the MVP, dominating the whole series. Turner and Bellinger had their moments in this series, but Puig was the consistent player that sparked the Los Angeles Dodgers in this series.
What’s Next for the Arizona Diamondback
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Obviously getting swept is not a great way to end a season, but this was a team that lost over 90 games a season ago, and they made it to the NLDS. The had a better record then some of the other division winners, which points to something to look forward to in the future.
Conclusion
Even though the Dodgers dominated from the start, the Diamondbacks have a bright future ahead of them. As for the Dodgers, if Puig, Turner, and Bellinger continue to be hot, the Dodgers the Cubs or Nationals better watch out.