MLB Roundup 10/17: Dodgers win a classic to tie NLCS

Dodgers eek out 13-inning win in Game 4 of the NLCS

After the Brewers took Game Three of the NLCS in L.A. on Monday, the Dodgers were looking to get that win back and even up the series yet again on their home turf. As has been the case for most of this series, they had the starting pitching advantage, but it didn’t matter. The Dodgers did strike first in this game, scoring in the opening frame on an RBI single from Brian Dozier off Gio Gonzalez. The Brewers lefty actually ended up twisting his ankle, and he’d only throw the one inning. This meant Milwaukee would have to rely on its bullpen for the rest of this game, which was a long one. The Brewers bullpen continued to look great, though, and six relievers combined for a whopping 11 scoreless innings. Meanwhile, on the other side, old friend Rich Hill was pitching well for the Dodgers and he allowed just one run in the fifth on a double from Domingo Santana. Other than that, it was all pitching and the score remained 1-1 as they headed into extras. There was some drama in the tenth when Manny Machado — who’s having himself a series for the wrong reasons — clipped Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar when running out a ground ball. They got into it, benches cleared, but nothing happened from there. Finally, in the bottom of the 13th, Machado reached on a base hit, moved to second on a wild pitch and came around to score on a Cody Bellinger single. That was ball game, and the Dodgers won a wild extra-inning affair to tie that series up.

You can get the Dodgers perspective on that game here, and the Brewers side of things here.

Angels opt out of lease in Anaheim

Earlier in the day on Tuesday, we got some potentially big news out of Southern California. The Angels have played at Angel Stadium in Anaheim since 1966 — it blew my mind when I learned they’ve been playing there this long — but that may be changing soon. On Tuesday, they opted out of their lease for their longtime home. Now, this isn’t necessarily a big move just yet. All this really means is that they are essentially going year-to-year on their lease for now instead of locking into another ten years. It’s clear that they want to get a new stadium, but California has proven to be one of the few places in the country that will resist using public money to fund billionaire’s stadiums. The Angels realize this, and it puts them in a tough spot. Chances are, this ends up meaning little and they will likely work something out at some point to stay in that area at the very least. However, keep an eye on this situation. There’s at least an outside possibility they look at relocation, and destinations like Portland, Montreal, Charlotte and Vegas will enter the discussion. That’s a ways down the road, though, and again, unlikely.

Jeter axes the Home Run Sculpture

Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, but Derek Jeter has made another controversial decision in running the Marlins. No, he hasn’t traded any stars (yet) but he is moving the infamous Home Run Sculpture outside the park. Ultimately, does this really matter? Of course not. But, in a much realer sense, it super matters. The Home Run Sculpture is obviously ridiculous, but that’s the charm. Marlins fans don’t have much to be proud of, but they could rely on the monstrosity for pride. Now what do they have? Marlins Man? For shame, Derek. For shame.