The MLB Playoff Standings are evening out as the Los Angeles Dodgers are just one game away from tying the NLCS after their offense came through and their pitching continued to be dominant. This time it was Hyun-Jin Ryu giving his all in Game 3, leading the Dodgers to a 3-0 victory and getting them their first win of the 2013 NLCS.
Ryu was lights out, bettering his performance in his second start against the Cardinals in 2013. He went seven innings, allowing just three hits (all singles), totaling just four runners as he also walked one batter. Ryu also finished the game with four strikeouts, totaling owning the Cardinals in Game 3. During the regular season, Ryu also went seven innings without allowing an earned run. It was a great performance following his start against the Braves in the NLDS where he gave up four earned runs in just three innings pitched.
The Dodgers' offense also awakened after Hanley Ramirez made his way back to the lineup despite having a hairline fracture on his left ribs. He made the difference, going 2-4, finishing with an RBI that came in the bottom of the eighth. The insurance run was more than enough as Kenley Jansen closed things out for the Dodgers.
Yasiel Puig also woke up, smacking, what he thought was a home run over the short porch in right field. Instead, the ball took a weird bounce off the wall and Puig took the chance to take third base, driving in Adrian Gonzalez, who had an RBI double and scored the Dodgers' second run of the game. Mark Ellis also finished the game with two hits and Puig also broke out of his funk, adding a single later in the game.
On Tuesday, it will be Ricky Nolasco, who will make his first playoff start of the season, facing Lance Lynn.
The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers will play their Game 3 from Comerica Park. They were idle today. Tuesday's starters for this game will be John Lackey and Justin Verlander.
Here's a look at the MLB Playoff Standings after this NLCS Game 3.
Los Angeles Dodgers 1
St. Louis Cardinals 2
Detroit Tigers 1
Boston Red Sox 1