Dodgers: Ranking the worst NLDS moments in Dodger history

2. 2014 NLDS Bullpen Implodes

In 2014 boasting a solid pitching staff and one of the best closers in baseball in Kenley Jansen. The problem for the Dodgers was actually getting the ball to Jansen, as the Dodgers bullpen was the team’s biggest weakness most of the year.

The series against the St. Louis Cardinals followed the same scenario for the Dodgers. In the first three games the Dodgers bullpen gave up a home run in the seventh inning or later and not surprisingly the Dodgers lost the series as result.

In game one the Cardinals knocked out Clayton Kershaw in the seventh inning erasing a 6-2 deficit into a 7-6 lead. Relieving Kershaw, Pedro Baez proceeded to give up a three-run home run making the score 10-6. The Dodgers would lose 10-9 meaning Baez home run provided the winning margin.

In Game two the Dodgers were leading the game in the eighth inning 2-0 when reliever J.P. Howell gave up a game-tying two-run home run to Matt Carpenter. The Dodgers were saved by a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth by Matt Kemp as the Dodgers won 3-2.

In Game three in St. Louis the Dodgers tied the game at 1-all in the sixth inning, in the seventh though reliever Scott Elbert gave up a two-run go-ahead home run to Kolten Wong providing the winning 3-1 margin.

Three games, three late home runs and one bad bullpen meant the end of the series for the Boys in Blue.