Dodgers 15, Giants 0: Rich Hill throws 7 shutout as bats explode to force NL West tiebreaker

Going into the final game of the 2018 season, the Dodgers had a chance to win the division if they got help from the Nationals against the Rockies, but either way they controlled their own destiny in the NL West against the Giants. They definitely came to play today, as stellar pitching paired with fireworks from the bats made this one a laugher early on, and the Dodgers prevailed 15-0.

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The bats exploded in Game 162 for the Dodgers, finishing the year with 14 runs on 15 hits, including five doubles, a triple, and dongs from Brian Dozier and Max Muncy. They also walked five times and got a hit by pitch, all while striking out just four times.

Meanwhile, Rich Hill made sure the bats didn’t even need to do that much. He cruised through seven shutout innings on just 75 pitches, striking out seven batters, walking none, and allowing only two singles.

JT Chargois took over for him in the 8th, getting a 1-2-3 frame with two strikeouts. Julio Urias finished things in the 9th, striking out two in a 1-2-3 frame, and touching 95 mph.

Tomorrow is gonna be something.

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The Dodgers finish up 2018 at 91-71 … at least in 162 games. The Rockies thumped the Nationals as well, meaning the NL West finishes in a tie, and Game 163 will be played to determine who wears the NL West crown.

As for who gets that game, one could argue for going to the pen game and saving Walker Buehler, but I think starting him makes the most sense.

https://twitter.com/ChadMoriyama/status/1046515639555317760

We shall see.

Update

They did it.

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"A highly rational Internet troll." - Los Angeles Times