LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saluted a night of redemption for Kenta Maeda on Tuesday after the Japanese pitcher played a key role in their game six victory over the Houston Astros.
Maeda was given a torrid time in Sunday’s epic game five in Houston, being blasted for a game-tying three-run homer by Jose Altuve before the Astros went on to win.
But the 29-year-old bounced back at a critical juncture of the Dodgers’ 3-1 win on Tuesday, claiming three outs in the seventh inning after relieving Tony Watson.
Among those scalps were Astros talisman Altuve, who had tormented Maeda on Sunday.
Roberts said he was delighted with how the former Hiroshima Toyo Carp hurler had responded to the disappointment of game five.
“Kenta, talking about redemption ... for Kenta to get those outs, bridge that gap, like he’s done for us in the post-season was huge,” Roberts said.
“And Kenta keeps coming up big. Especially after his last outing to respond like that, says a lot about Kenta.”
Roberts will now turn his attention to game seven on Wednesday with renewed belief in the Dodgers bullpen.
Entering the series regarded as the best bullpen in Major League Baseball, the Dodgers pitchers have been repeatedly pounded by the Astros fearsome offense.
However Tuesday’s clinical pitching display, restricting the Astros to just one home run, signalled that the Dodgers rotation may be coming good just when it matters.
On Wednesday, Roberts will be able to add to his options with star pitcher Clayton Kershaw and game four hero Alex Wood.
Roberts was reluctant to speculate on how he would use Kershaw, who had offered to play on Tuesday but was held back.
“One reason I wanted to stay away from him is so we could get him a little bit more tomorrow,” Roberts said. “When you’re talking about Clayton Kershaw, game seven, I think anything’s within reason.
“But knowing that we have Alex Wood, Clayton and everyone else available, that’s a good sign.”
Roberts meanwhile said the theme of redemption also extended to Joc Pederson, who hit a home run that extended the Dodgers lead to 3-1.
“He continues to come out with big hits,” Roberts said.
Pederson, who homered in game four, was dropped down to the minor leagues earlier this year before being recalled in time for the post-season.
“To see the fight, resiliency, the no quit, the playing for one another — we have that in our clubhouse,” Roberts said.
“So our guys aren’t afraid of the moment. And we’ve put a lot of time into this moment right here. We’re not done yet.”
Dodgers manager praises Maeda ‘redemption’
Dodgers manager praises Maeda ‘redemption’
