World Series Diary: Rooting for the Dodgers as an SF Giants Fan

World Series Diaries: Rooting for the Dodgers as an SF Giants fan
Part 1

Pregame

The game is about to begin, and Stand by Me by Ben E. King plays over a highlight reel of the series up to this point. I have admittedly been pulling for the Dodgers but from a distance. Now, with Joe Buck and John Smoltz doing their final pregame setup, it admittedly feels weirder.

As much as I would have hated it, I’m starting to wish the Houston Astros had pulled out the AL pennant. I actually like many of the players on the Rays, and it would be a lot easier if I could root against the Astros. Alas, I’ll have to handle rooting against a lot of the fun Rays for Kershaw’s success.

Oh god. Ken Rosenthal just discussed “who will finish the game” for the Dodgers, and it just hit me. I am relying on Dave Roberts’ decision-making with the Dodgers bullpen…

Kershaw better throw a complete game.

World Series Game 5 First Pitch

Mookie Betts is fun. I like him a lot. I was one of those SF Giants fans holding out hope he’d reach free agency and they could sign him. At least I get to root for him this series like he’s on my team.

I would like him more if he hadn’t just swung at ball four twice.

*Betts doubles two pitches later*

I see…

I will never question Mookie again.

*Corey Seager hits an RBI-single*

This is a lot easier than any Giants game I’ve ever watched.

Seriously, how does anyone ever hit Tyler Glasnow? After a season of Giants starters almost entirely sitting in the low-90s with iffy breaking balls and offspeed pitches, his stuff is just so aesthetically pleasing. Big-league hitters are incredible.

*Seager advances to second on a wild pitch*

That was a really aggressive baserunning decision. He’s called safe, but live it looked like he was out. They’re showing a replay now, and I think he’s out, but I’ll be surprised if it’s overturned.

Max Muncy really has some incredible at-bats. It’s nice to have him on my side after watching him frustrate Giants pitchers for the last couple of years. Glasnow’s stuff is nasty, but his curveball is missing up A LOT. I’m hoping someone sits on one.

*Seager advances to third on another errant pitch, Muncy walks, and Cody Bellinger singles Seager home*

Bellinger with some magic wandoo on that RBI single. Should’ve been a routine groundout, but the shift worked against the Rays, and the Dodgers lead 2-0. That’ll probably be it since I wouldn’t say I like this matchup for Taylor. I know he singled and walked in this matchup in Game 1, but Taylor’s platoon splits are dramatic, and Glasnow’s stuff doesn’t fit him well.

*Taylor swings at a curveball in the dirt for strike three to end the inning*