Dodgers' patient approach paying off in NLCS
Lineup draws 9 walks in Game 2 win over Cubs
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers' offensive philosophy in the postseason has been simple: Keep the line moving.
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Through two games of the National League Championship Series presented by Camping World, the Dodgers have been successful at spoiling pitches and wearing down Chicago's pitching staff. The patience pushed Los Angeles to a 4-1 win on Sunday night and to a 2-0 lead over the Cubs in the NLCS.
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The Dodgers have seen 332 pitches and have been walked 13 times in the series, including nine free passes on Sunday.
"I think there's a focus in our lineup," said catcher Austin Barnes.
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The nine walks were the most in a Dodgers postseason game since the club had 11 in Game 4 of the 1974 NLCS vs. Pittsburgh. And Cubs pitchers haven't been able to get the lineup to chase much in the series, recording 23 swinging strikes and only 12 strikeouts.
"There are a lot of conversations that we have as far as at-bat quality and not chasing slug," manager Dave Roberts said. "Just trying to put a good at-bat together and try to take a good swing on a good pitch. So it's a clear, consistent message, and the players are just following through."
Their slow-and-steady mentality paid off in the ninth with the score tied, 1-1. Yasiel Puig drew a four-pitch walk -- his third of the game -- from lefty Brian Duensing. Chris Taylor later battled with John Lackey with six pitches to draw a walk.
The baton was passed to Justin Turner, the Dodgers' All-Star third baseman and most reliable hitter. What happened next will be etched in Los Angeles sports history.
"Small ball to get the inning going," said first baseman Cody Bellinger.
Turner launched a three-run walk-off homer on the 29-year anniversary of Kirk Gibson's walk-off home run in the 1988 World Series.
Their grind-it-out approach had paid off.
"It's been about putting together tough [at-bats] and passing the baton," Turner said, "and getting to the next guy, and tonight it was just my turn."