2. 2014 NLDS Bullpen Implodes
In 2014 boasting a solid pitching staff and one of the best closers in baseball inKenley 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 outClayton Kershawin the seventh inning erasing a 6-2 deficit into a 7-6 lead. Relieving Kershaw,Pedro Baezproceeded 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 relieverJ.P. Howellgave up a game-tying two-run home run toMatt Carpenter. The Dodgers were saved by a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth byMatt Kempas 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 relieverScott Elbertgave 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.
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