The Los Angeles Dodgers Set an MLB Postseason Record for Most Runs Scored in an Inning

Down two games to none in the NLCS, the LA Dodgers needed to get themselves going. In game 1, they were effectively shut down by Braves starter, Max Fried. In game 2 they mounted a comeback attempt and scored 7 runs, but the Braves held on to win 8-7. In CS history, any team that leads 2-0 in the series has had a record of 28-3 in terms of winning the series, so LA would have to do a lot of digging to try and win the series. The comeback attempt in game 2 started showing some signs of promise as they scored 4 runs in the ninth inning and many of their top bats came to life. Entering game 3, they faced the Braves young pitcher, Kyle Wright, and were the away team, allowing them to bat first at the top of each inning. The Dodgers knew they had to win game 3 for any chance of winning the NL Pennant, and they came out guns blazing in the first inning.

The Dodgers rally began on a leadoff infield single by RF, Mookie Betts, who scored on the very next pitch by a double courtesy of SS, Corey Seager, to lead 1-0. DH, Justin Turner, and 1B, Max Muncy, both grounded out back-to-back and even though Wright needed 1 more out, Wright struggled to end the inning. C, Will Smith, hit another double to score Seager and make it 2-0, CF, Cody Bellinger, walked and LF, Joc Pederson, hit a 3-run home run to extend the lead to 5-0. On the very next pitch, 3B, Edwin Rios, hit a home run to dead center field to make it 6-0. After Rios’ home run, Wright walked 2B, Chris Taylor, and then exited the game after facing all 9 batters and only getting 2 outs. Grant Dayton took the mound for the Braves. Dayton struggled as well, walking Mookie Betts and then allowing an RBI single to Corey Seager to make it 7-0. After Justin Turner was hit by a pitch, the bases were loaded for Max Muncy who crushed a grand slam to cap off the inning at 11-0. Before the Braves had even batted, they were already facing an 11 run deficit. 

Unfortunately for the Braves, this is not the first time they’ve been here. They suffered the same fate last season when they gave up 10 runs in the first inning to the St. Louis Cardinals to be eliminated from the playoffs. The 10 runs the Cardinals scored set a new record for most runs scored in a single inning by a team in a postseason game. The Dodgers have now set the record at 11. The Dodgers won game 3 by a final score of 15-3, and are now only down 2-1 in the best of 7 series. Game 4 between the Dodgers and Braves is Thursday, October 15, at 8 pm EST.