Patrick Corbin gets lit up as dam finally breaks on Nationals’ anti-bullpen strategy
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![Game 3 Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger and Enrique Hernandez celebrate after the final out.]()
1 of 163![Game 3 Kenley Jansen and Russell Martin celebrate after the final out.]()
2 of 163![Game 3 Russell Martin rounds the bases after hitting a two-run homer in the ninth.]()
3 of 163![Game 3 Nationals reliever Hunter Strickland reacts after giving up a two-run homer in the ninth.]()
4 of 163![Game 3 Juan Soto reacts after striking out in the eighth.]()
5 of 163![Game 3 Juan Soto misses out on a double hit in the seventh inning.]()
6 of 163![Game 3 Dodgers lefty Adam Kolarek pitches in the eighth]()
7 of 163![Game 3 Howie Kendrick is tagged out between second and third base in the sixth inning.]()
8 of 163![Game 3 Justin Turner hits a three-run homer in the sixth.]()
9 of 163![Game 3 Justin Turner hits a three-run homer in the sixth.]()
10 of 163![Game 3 Dodgers players celebrate after scoring a run in the sixth.]()
11 of 163![Game 3 Nationals manager Dave Martinez removes Patrick Corbin in the sixth.]()
12 of 163![Game 3 The Dodgers dugout welcomes Cody Bellinger back after Russell Martin's two-run double in the sixth.]()
13 of 163![Game 3 Patrick Corbin reacts after the Dodgers took a 5-2 lead in the sixth.]()
14 of 163![Game 3 Chris Taylor scores a run in the sixth inning.]()
15 of 163![Game 3 Cody Bellinger advances to third on a single by pinch-hitter David Freese in the sixth.]()
16 of 163![Game 3 Michael A. Taylor slides safely into second base in the fifth inning.]()
17 of 163![Game 3 Max Muncy celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth.]()
18 of 163![Game 3 Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger celebrate Mauncy's solo homer in the fifth.]()
19 of 163![Game 3 Max Muncy connects on a solo homer in the fifth.]()
20 of 163![Game 3 Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux turns a double play in the fourth as Juan Soto Slides in.]()
21 of 163![Game 3 Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon throws to first in the fifth inning.]()
22 of 163![Game 3 Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu (99) sits in the dugout.]()
23 of 163![October 6, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) throws out Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner (7) in the third inning in game three of the 2019 NLDS playoff baseball series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports]()
24 of 163![Game 3 Adam Eaton and Juan Soto celebrate Soto's two-run homer in the first.]()
25 of 163![Game 3 Juan Soto crosses home plate after hitting a home run in the first inning.]()
26 of 163![Game 3 Dodgers pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu looks on after giving up a two-run homer in the first inning.]()
27 of 163![Game 3 Juan Soto rounds the bases after hitting a two-run homer in the first inning.]()
28 of 163![Game 3 Dodgers outfielder A.J. Pollock talks to umpire Ted Barrett after striking out to end the first inning.]()
29 of 163![Game 3 Nationals fans cheer before the start of the game.]()
30 of 163![Game 3 Dansby Swanson and Rafael Ortega celebrate after scoring the go-ahead runs in the ninth.]()
31 of 163![Game 3 The Braves dugout celebrates after taking the lead in the ninth.]()
32 of 163![Game 3 Dansby Swanson reacts after scoring in the ninth inning.]()
33 of 163![Game 3 Adam Duvall hits a two-run RBI single in the ninth to give Atlanta the lead.]()
34 of 163![Game 3 Dansby Swanson reacts after hitting a game-tying RBI double in the ninth.]()
35 of 163![Game 3 Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina walks up the line with Ronald Acuna Jr. after he was hit by a pitch in the ninth inning.]()
36 of 163![Game 3 Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson tags out Harrison Bader at third in the eighth inning.]()
37 of 163![Game 3 Braves reliever Darren O'Day pitches in the eighth.]()
38 of 163![Game 3 Adam Wainwright celebrates after a strikeout in the sixth inning.]()
39 of 163![Game 3 Adam Wainwright hugs catcher Yadier Molina as he comes out of the game in the eighth inning.]()
40 of 163![Game 3 Ozzie Albies throws to first base for an out in the fifth inning.]()
41 of 163![Game 3 An overall view of Busch Stadium.]()
42 of 163![Game 3 Marcell Ozuna slides to score a run in the second inning.]()
43 of 163![Game 3 Marcell Ozuna reacts after hitting a duoble in the second inning.]()
44 of 163![Game 3 Adam Wainwright throws a pitch in the first inning.]()
45 of 163![Game 3 Ozzie Smith throws out the first pitch at Busch Stadium.]()
46 of 163![Game 2 - Astros celebrate their 3-1 win over the Rays.]()
47 of 163![Game 2 - Rays third baseman Joey Wendle is forced out as Astros second baseman Jose Altuve throws to first base.]()
48 of 163![Game 2 - Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole walks off to a standing ovation in the eighth inning.]()
49 of 163![Game 2 - Astros third baseman Alex Bregman celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run.]()
50 of 163![Game 2 - Astros third baseman Alex Bregman hits a solo home run in the fourth inning.]()
51 of 163![Game 2 - Fans try to catch the solo home run hit by Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.]()
52 of 163![Game 2 - Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell throws a pitch.]()
53 of 163![Game 2 - Astros' mascot Orbit streaks and leaps over a security guard.]()
54 of 163![Game 2 - Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell reacts after a pitch.]()
55 of 163![Game 2 - Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole follows through on a pitch,]()
56 of 163![Game 2 - Former Astros closer Billy Wagner throws out the first pitch.]()
57 of 163![Game 2 - The Astros stand on the field for the National Anthem.]()
58 of 163![Game 2 - Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres, right fielder Aaron Judge (middle), and shortstop Didi Gregorius (right) celebrate after their 8-2 win.]()
59 of 163![Game 2 - Yankees fans bang on the padding in the 9th inning.]()
60 of 163![Game 2 - Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius hits a grand slam in the third inning.]()
61 of 163![Game 2 - Twins relief pitcher Tyler Duffey reacts after giving up a grand slam to Didi Gregorius.]()
62 of 163![Game 2 - The Yankees greet Didi Gregorius at home after his grand slam.]()
63 of 163![Game 2 - York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam.]()
64 of 163![Game 2 - Twins starting pitcher Randy Dobnak is relieved in the third inning.]()
65 of 163![Game 2 - Fans rise up to cheer on their Yankees.]()
66 of 163![Game 2 - Yankees DH Edwin Encarnacion hits an RBI single in the first inning.]()
67 of 163![Game 2 - Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco is hit by a pitch thrown by Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.]()
68 of 163![Game 2 - Nationals outfielders Juan Soto, Michael A. Taylor and Adam Eaton celebrate the 4-2 victory.]()
69 of 163![Game 2 - Nationals closer Daniel Hudson celebrates the 4-2 victory.]()
70 of 163![Game 2 - Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hits a ground-rule double in the ninth inning.]()
71 of 163![Game 2 - Nationals' Max Scherzer strikes out the side in the eighth inning.]()
72 of 163![Game 2 - Dodgers' Max Muncy hits a solo home run in the seventh inning.]()
73 of 163![Game 2 - Dodgers reliever Dustin May throws a pitch in the seventh inning.]()
74 of 163![Game 2 - Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon hits a single in the fifth inning.]()
75 of 163![Game 2 - Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivers a pitch.]()
76 of 163![Game 2 - Nationals' Howie Kendrick (47) hits an RBI single in the first inning.]()
77 of 163![Game 2 - Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg thanks left fielder Juan Soto for making a catch.]()
78 of 163![Game 2 - Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after the Nationals load the bases in the first inning.]()
79 of 163![Game 2 - The umpire crew gathers before the game.]()
80 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and left fielder Cameron Maybin celebrate after beating the Twins 10-4.]()
81 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius scores in the seventh inning.]()
82 of 163![Game 1 - Brett Gardner hits a solo home run in the sixth inning to give the Yankees a 7-4 lead.]()
83 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees first baseman DJ LeMahieu hits a solo home run in the sixth inning.]()
84 of 163![Game 1 - Twins third baseman Miguel Sano touches home after a solo home run in the sixth inning.]()
85 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres hits an two-run double in the fifth inning.]()
86 of 163![Game 1 - Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco hits an RBI single in the fifth inning.]()
87 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees DH Edwin Encarnacion delivers an RBI double in the third inning.]()
88 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge dives for the ball ...]()
89 of 163![Game 1 - ... and makes the catch ...]()
90 of 163![Game 1 - ... for the out.]()
91 of 163![Game 1 - Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run.]()
92 of 163![Game 1 - Twins third baseman Miguel Sano throws out Yankees left fielder Giancarlo Stanton.]()
93 of 163![Game 1 - Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco hits a solo home run in the first inning.]()
94 of 163![Game 1 - The Yankees stand for the national anthem.]()
95 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is introduced.]()
96 of 163![Game 1 - Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge waits for his turn during batting practice.]()
97 of 163![Game 2 Adam Duvall celebrates his pinch-hit two-run homer in the seventh inning in the dugout.]()
98 of 163![Game 2 Adam Duvall celebrates his pinch-hit two-run homer in the seventh inning.]()
99 of 163![Game 2 Kolten Wong throws to third base to pick off Nick Markakis to end the fourth.]()
100 of 163![Game 2 Nick Markakis rounds second base in the fourth inning.]()
101 of 163![Game 2 Ronald Acua Jr. fields a ball in center field in the fourth inning.]()
102 of 163![Game 2 Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman fields a throw in the second inning.]()
103 of 163![Game 2 Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies runs out an infield single in the first inning.]()
104 of 163![Game 2 St. Louis' Paul Goldschmidt reacts after striking out.]()
105 of 163![Game 2 Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson looks on during the second inning.]()
106 of 163![Game 2 Quavo throws out the first pitch before the game in Atlanta.]()
107 of 163![Game 1 Astros closer Roberto Osuna flips the ball to first base for an out in the ninth inning.]()
108 of 163![Game 1 Josh Reddick reacts after striking out in the bottom of the eighth.]()
109 of 163![Game 1 Joey Wendle scores a run in the eighth inning.]()
110 of 163![Game 1 Rays infielder Eric Sogard is greeted in the dugout after scoring in the eighth inning.]()
111 of 163![Game 1 Austin Meadows reacts after hitting an RBI double in the eighth.]()
112 of 163![Game 1 Yordan Alvarez reacts after scoring on Yuli Gurriel's ground-rule double in the seventh.]()
113 of 163![Game 1 Alex Bregman rounds third to score in the seventh inning.]()
114 of 163![Game 1 Yordan Alvarez hits an RBI double in the seventh.]()
115 of 163![Game 1 Justin Verlander reacts after a strikeout to end the seventh inning.]()
116 of 163![Game 1 Houston's George Springer breaks his bat on a groundout in the sixth inning.]()
117 of 163![Game 1 Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe drops a fly ball hit by Yuli Gurriel in the fifth inning, allowing two runs to score.]()
118 of 163![Game 1 Jose Altuve, right, celebrates his fifth-inning homer with teammate Josh Reddick.]()
119 of 163![Game 1 Rays manager Kevin Cash removes starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow in the fifth.]()
120 of 163![Game 1 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve rounds the bases after his two-run homer in the fifth.]()
121 of 163![Game 1 Astros second baseman Jose Altuve connects on a two-run homer in the fifth.]()
122 of 163![Game 1 Tampa's Brandon Lowe dives back to first base on a pickoff attempt in the fifth.]()
123 of 163![Game 1 The ALDS logo on first base.]()
124 of 163![Game 1 Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier catches a fly ball in the fourth inning.]()
125 of 163![Game 1 George Springer steals second base as shortstop Willy Adames fields the throw in the third inning.]()
126 of 163![Game 1 Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe throws to first in the third inning, unable to get Michael Brantley on an infield single.]()
127 of 163![Game 1 Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel hits an infield single in the second inning.]()
128 of 163![Game 1 Astros right fielder Josh Reddick catches a fly ball in the second inning.]()
129 of 163![Game 1 Rays starter Tyler Glasnow throws a pitch in the first inning.]()
130 of 163![Game 1 Justin Verlander walks back to the dugout after a strikeout to end the first inning.]()
131 of 163![Game 1 Astros players are introduced prior to the game.]()
132 of 163![Game 1 Astros players look on from the dugout before the game.]()
133 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner and Enrique Hernandez celebrate after their 6-0 win.]()
134 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers rookie Gavin Lux rounds the bases after a solo home run in the eighth inning.]()
135 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson rounds the bases off a solo home run in the eighth inning.]()
136 of 163![Game 1 - Nationals relief pitcher Fernando Rodney reacts after allowing a two-run single by Max Muncy in the seventh inning.]()
137 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers right fielder Chris Taylor is tagged out by Nationals catcher Yan Gomes in the fifth inning.]()
138 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda follows through with a high leg kick.]()
139 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler is pumped in the first inning.]()
140 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers fans are ready.]()
141 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager follows through on a swing for a single in the fourth inning.]()
142 of 163![Game 1 - Dodgers part owner Billie Jean King (left) sits with former pitcher Sandy Koufax (bottom right) and part owner Magic Johnson.]()
143 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong and left fielder Marcell Ozuna celebrate their 7-6 win.]()
144 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong hits a two-run RBI double in the ninth inning.]()
145 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna is fired up after hitting a two-run RBI double in the ninth inning.]()
146 of 163![Game 1 - Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson makes a throw to first base.]()
147 of 163![Game 1 - Braves catcher Francisco Cervelli tags out Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong in the eighth inning.]()
148 of 163![Game 1 - Braves hitter Francisco Cervelli reacts after being called for a check swing.]()
149 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt hits a home run in the eighth inning.]()
150 of 163![Game 1 - Braves left fielder Nick Markakis is unable to make a diving catch on a ball.]()
151 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals center fielder Harrison Bader hits a single against in the fifth inning.]()
152 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals starting pitcher Miles Mikolas gives himself a cheer after hitting a ground rule double.]()
153 of 163![Game 1 - Braves left fielder Nick Markakis watches a ground rule double by Miles Mikolas land in the stands.]()
154 of 163![Game 1 - Braves catcher Brian McCann hits a double in the second inning.]()
155 of 163![Game 1 - Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. blows a bubble during his at bat.]()
156 of 163![Game 1 - Braves starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel throws a pitch.]()
157 of 163![Game 1 - Players stand for the national anthem.]()
158 of 163![Game 1 - Braves center fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is introduced before game.]()
159 of 163![Game 1 - Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna prepares for the game.]()
160 of 163![Game 1 - Former Braves player Chipper Jones throws out a ceremonial first pitch.]()
161 of 163![Game 1 - Foam fingers are put into cup holders in seats at SunTrust Park.]()
162 of 163![Game 1 - The NLDS logo is painted on the grass at SunTrust Park.]()
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WASHINGTON — The playoffs are a time to push everything – and everyone – to the limit.
The Washington Nationals found out what happens when things get pushed past that in their 10-4 loss Sunday night in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
With a bullpen that ranked last in the NL with a 5.66 ERA during the regular season, manager Dave Martinez had success in Game 2 bringing in starter Max Scherzer for a scoreless eighth inning as a bridge to closer Daniel Hudson.
The strategy worked to perfection as the Nationals earned a split of the first two games of the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I don’t think people understand how difficult what Max did the other night really is,†Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle said. “That would be something Max would do – set unrealistic expectations for everybody else.â€
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As they returned home, the Nationals hoped to get a solid start from Anibal Sanchez, so Martinez could have Game 1 starter Patrick Corbin – who allowed one earned run in six innings three days earlier – come out of the bullpen.
Sanchez did his job, holding the Dodgers to one run in five innings as Washington grabbed a 2-1 lead.
Enter Corbin, who hadn’t pitched in relief since Sept. 29, 2017, as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. But this was a playoff game and the Nationals had an opportunity to take control of their series against the 106-win Dodgers.
“We were at a good spot in the lineup where we thought Corbin could get through it,†Martinez said. “And his stuff was good, he’s throwing 94 (mph), slider was good.â€
The left-hander came close to getting out of the sixth inning unscathed. But two-out, two-run doubles by Russell Martin and Kike Hernandez – both with two strikes – proved to be his undoing as the Dodgers broke the game open.
Corbin said he felt good on the mound, but his slider just didn’t have the break it usually has.
“It’s probably something out of the norm for him, but tip your cap to him,†said catcher Yan Gomes. “These guys take the ball whenever they can. It was the right situation to put him in there.â€
Corbin’s final line was rather ugly: Two-thirds of an inning, four hits, two walks, six earned runs.
“We were hoping to get two (innings) out of him, but his limit was going to be about 35 pitches,†Martinez said.
Despite being down 2-1 in the series, the Nationals are still in decent position with Scherzer on the mound in Game 4 on Monday and Stephen Strasburg in line to start a winner-take-all Game 5 in L.A.
But to get there, they’ll probably need to call on Corbin again at some point to help neutralize the Dodgers’ barrage of left-handed hitters – which includes Joc Pederson, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager.
During the regular season, Corbin held lefty hitters to a .190/.260/.248 slash line in 137 at-bats. The only other southpaw on the Nationals’ NLDS roster is Doolittle, who generally doesn’t pitch more than an inning at a time.
Corbin wants another chance, so his season doesn’t have to end on such a down note.
“It just stinks,†Corbin said. “I feel like I let these guys down.â€
Martinez certainly hasn’t lost confidence in a pitcher the Nationals signed to a six-year, $140 million contract last winter.
“I trust Pat. He’s been unbelievable all year,†Martinez said. “And I would do it again. I really would.
“He looked me in the eye after he came out and says, I’ll be ready tomorrow. So that’s the kind of guys we got on this team.â€
Posted!
![Fans interfere with Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts trying to catch a ball hit by Houston Astros' Jose Altuve during the first inning in Game 4 the 2018 ALCS. Altuve was called out on account of fan interference.]()
1 of 11![Baltimore Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco stretches for the ball as young fan Jeffrey Maier hauls it in during Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS against the New York Yankees. The hit was ruled a home run, tying the ball game 4-4 in the eighth inning.]()
2 of 11![Chicago Cubs left fielder Moises Alou's arm is shown reaching into the stands unsuccessfully for a foul ball along with fan Steve Bartman, wearing headphones, glasses and Cubs hat, during the eighth inning against the Florida Marlins in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS in Chicago. No fan interference was called and the Marlins went on to score eight runs in the inning, en route to a victory.]()
3 of 11![St. Louis Cardinals pinch hitter Allen Craig is tripped up by Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks while trying to run to home plate in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the 2013 World Series at Busch Stadium. Craig scored the winning run after obstruction was called on Middlebrooks.]()
4 of 11![Colorado Rockies' Matt Holliday slides to score the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Jamey Carroll off San Diego Padres relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman in the 13th inning of the Rockies' 9-8 victory in a 2007 wild-card tiebreaker game in Denver. Replays appeared to show he didn't touch the plate.]()
5 of 11![Umpire Don Denkinger, looks on as St. Cardinals pitcher Todd Worrell, stretches out to catch the ball as Kansas City Royals batter Jorge Orta steps on the base during the ninth inning in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series. Denkinger ruled Orta safe and the Royals went on to win the game and eventually the World Series.]()
6 of 11![New York Mets' Ruben Tejada is hit by a slide by the Los Angeles Dodgers' Chase Utley in the seventh inning in an attempt to turn a double play in Game 2 of the 2015 NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Utley was not called for interference on the play as the Dodgers went on to win.]()
7 of 11![New York Yankees second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, right, reaches out to tag Boston Red Sox Jose Offerman in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the 1999 ALCS at Fenway Park. Offerman was called out on the phantom tag.]()
8 of 11![Reggie Jackson (Right) in a screen grab from Game 4 of the 1978 World Series. Jackson froze in the bathpath and deflected a ball from Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell to Steve Garvey. The Yankees slugger was not called for interference.]()
9 of 11![Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons hit a high pop up to left field that fell in between Cardinals fielders Pete Kozma and Matt Holliday in a 2012 NL wild-card game. The bases were momentarily loaded, until left field umpire Sam Holbrook ruled that Simmons was out on account of an infield fly.]()
10 of 11![Boston catcher Carlton Fisk, left, argues with first base umpire Dick Stello that he was interfered with when Cincinnati batter Dick Stello brushed him at home plate as he threw to second trying to force out runner Cesar Geronimo, who eventually scored the winning run in the tenth inning of Game 3 the 1975 World Series.]()
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