‘Dugout Blues’ episode 177 – NLDS recap thus far, look ahead

On this episode of “Dugout Blues,” Jared Massey (Dodger Blue) and I recap the first two games of the Dodgers’ National League Division Series against the Nationals.

The first game was a tough win, mostly because Clayton Kershaw didn’t look like himself. He labored through five innings and allowed three runs. It really could have been worse. The bullpen was in lockdown mode and the offense did just enough to get the Dodgers the win.

Game 2 was not as good. It started off well, as Corey Seager homered for the second consecutive game. They were up 2-0 before Rich Hill saw his once brilliant start turn disappointing. If the Dodgers are to go far in these playoffs, they’re going to need more out of Kershaw and Hill.

Game 3 is later today, with Game 4 on Tuesday. Kenta Maeda will need to be on his game in this one as the Dodgers are going up against a lefty in Gio Gonzalez.

In Game 4, Kershaw will not be able to go on short rest because that would force Hill to go on short rest in Game 5. So instead of that, Julio Urias is likely to get the ball in Game 4. No pressure, kid.

On the minor-league side, Yadier Alvarez didn’t crack Baseball America’s Top 20 Midwest League Prospects, but only because he didn’t have enough innings. He would have been Top 5 if he qualified, apparently. In the California League, Yusniel Diaz, Johan Mieses and Josh Sborz all made the Top 20. Yay, prospects!

To close, an understandably light Q&A, seeing as we recorded after the game.

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Look for new episodes of “Dugout Blues” every Monday. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we’re always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you’d like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us ([email protected]) or send us messages on Twitter (@JaredJMassey or @DustinNosler). You can also “Like” the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

About Dustin Nosler

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Dustin Nosler began writing about the Dodgers in July 2009 on his blog, Feelin' Kinda Blue, and co-hosted a weekly podcast with Jared Massey called Dugout Blues. He was a contributor/editor at The Hardball Times and True Blue LA. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in digital media. While at CSUS, he worked for the student-run newspaper The State Hornet for three years, culminating with a one-year term as editor-in-chief. He resides in Stockton, California.