Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In this recent run of Dodger greatness, the messy 2018 team will always have a place in my heart. The struggles in the first half were monumental. At one point the Dodgers were nine games under .500 and languishing in fourth place. It looked like a case of World Series Hangover indeed. But then, through the summer, something changed.The team took off on a torrid comeback nipping at the first place Colorado Rockies’ heels throughout July and August. The two squads traded blows in September, but on the last weekend of the season, the Dodgers required a sweep of the rival Giants to force an epic game 163.
On October 1, 2018, back at Chavez Ravine, rookie Walker Buehler got the ball for the biggest start of his life. And he was brilliant. Big Game Buehler was born. He pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out three. Buehler’s dominance set the tone early and stifled the Rockies’ offense, preventing them from gaining any momentum.
The Dodgers’ offense broke through in the fourth inning. Max Muncy drew a one-out walk, and Manny Machado followed with a single. Cody Bellinger then delivered a crucial two-run home run to right field off Rockies starter German Marquez, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. This homer energized the Dodger Stadium crowd and provided a cushion for Buehler and the bullpen.
In the fifth inning, the Dodgers extended their lead. Buehler himself contributed with a bat, sort of, by drawing a walk. Chris Taylor followed with a double, putting runners on second and third. Justin Turner then drove in Buehler with a sacrifice fly, making it 3-0. Marquez was subsequently replaced by reliever Scott Oberg, but the Dodgers weren’t done. Max Muncy hit a two-run home run, his 35th of the season, pushing the lead to 5-0.
The Rockies’ offense remained silent until the ninth inning. The Dodgers brought in closer Kenley Jansen to secure the victory. However, the Rockies made a late push. Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story hit back-to-back solo home runs, cutting the Dodgers’ lead to 5-2. Despite the brief scare, Jansen settled down and retired the next three batters to end the game, sealing the division title for Los Angeles.
The victory secured the Dodgers’ spot in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Atlanta Braves, while the Rockies were sent to the National League Wild Card Game to face the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers’ win in Game 163 highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, key factors that contributed to their success throughout the 2018 season.
Offensively, the Dodgers were led by Bellinger and Muncy, whose timely home runs provided the necessary support for Buehler’s gem. Defensively, the Dodgers were sharp, with notable plays that maintained their lead and prevented the Rockies from mounting any significant threats until the ninth inning.
Overall, Game 163 was a showcase of the Dodgers’ depth, talent, and poise. Walker Buehler’s exceptional pitching performance, combined with the timely hitting of Bellinger and Muncy, underscored the Dodgers’ strength as a team and their determination to continue their streak of division titles. The victory was a testament to their season-long efforts and set the stage for their postseason run.
The Dodgers went on to have a great playoff run that climaxed with a huges series win over Milwaukee in the NLCS, arguably a better team that year. Perhaps the less said about the World Series that year the better, but it was a great little run by a team that just refused to finish second. And we all had Walker Buehler to thank for that.
Dude’s a stud. He’ll be a stud again. Just you wait.
