New York, NY – In a pivotal Game 4 of the World Series, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced a tough decision as his team fell behind and the margin narrowed. The choice between using top relievers to potentially stage a comeback or saving them for the next game was a crucial one, with the Dodgers still holding a 3-1 series lead over the New York Yankees. Ultimately, Roberts opted to preserve his best arms for future matchups, resulting in an 11-4 loss on Tuesday night.
After burning through high-leverage relievers in Game 3 to secure a victory, the Dodgers turned to lesser-known pitchers Ben Casparius and Landon Knack in Game 4. While these relievers kept the game close, allowing only two runs through seven innings, the decision not to deploy their top arms backfired in the later innings, with Brent Honeywell giving up five runs in the eighth, leading to a lopsided defeat.
Despite the temptation to chase a victory, Roberts stood by his decision to prioritize the long-term strategy rather than risk exhausting his bullpen in an attempt to win Game 4. Freddie Freeman’s early two-run homer set the tone for the Dodgers, but struggles on the mound allowed the Yankees to seize control and secure a crucial victory to stay alive in the series.
Looking ahead to Game 5, the Dodgers will regroup with a fresh bullpen, hoping to make strategic adjustments to close out the series. With the return to Los Angeles looming, the team is poised to make key pitching decisions to stave off a determined Yankees squad and secure a World Series title.
Roberts emphasized the importance of managing the bullpen effectively, highlighting the depth and readiness of his pitching staff as they aim to bounce back in the next game. With the series still within reach, the Dodgers remain focused on executing their game plan and making the most of their remaining opportunities to clinch the championship.