After watching his star closer stumble the previous night, manager Dave Roberts chose a different course in the ninth inning in Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday.
Blake Treinen was chosen to get the final three outs and succeeded, earning the save in the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over the Rays. The veteran right-hander allowed a leadoff single to Manuel Margot, but then retired the next three batters.
On Saturday, Kenley Jansen surrendered two runs in the ninth inning in the Dodgers’ 8-7 loss. Roberts indicated he was more comfortable using Treinen for a third straight day than Jansen, who had also pitched in consecutive games.
“It’s the biggest stage, the biggest game of my career,” Treinen said. “[The Rays] have been so tough late on our guys and our guys have grinded so hard and pitched really well.
“In the playoffs, we forget how hard and locked in people are because it’s do or die. That meant a lot to me personally because this team has invested a lot in me. It’s gratifying.”
Blake Snell was preparing for the possibility he would pitch the 10th inning when the Rays completed their wild comeback Saturday against the Dodgers in Game 4.
“We’re in the bullpen celebrating, going crazy,” Snell said Sunday.
The Rays ace will now wait until Tuesday’s Game 6 before throwing a pitch. Snell will be on full rest and looking to continue his solid postseason, which includes a 3.33 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in his five starts.
The lefty came within an out of claiming the Game 2 victory. On that night he pitched 4 ²/₃ innings and allowed two earned runs on two hits with four walks and nine strikeouts.
“Either way, it’s going to be a big game [Tuesday],” Snell said before the game. “It’s going to be a game we need to win, so however I want to look at it or make it look it’s going to be the same. We need to win that game.”
Snell was asked about the challenge of facing this talented Dodgers lineup for the second time in less than a week.
“It’s tough because they are going to make adjustments, they have seen me,” Snell said. “I am going to have my game plan and they are going to have their game plan. I am going to stick with it and if I need to make adjustments throughout the game I will.”
Roberts tabbed Tony Gonsolin as his starting pitcher for Game 6.