Pujols gets back to his best in game against Giants
Prior to Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, first baseman Albert Pujols had only singled in every game against the Los Angeles Dodgers and his slump had come since Game 4 in the Divisional Series against the Giants.
Even the Dominican had been looking bad in his at-bats and many questioned manager Dave Roberts’ decision (like many others) to insist on a man heading into his 42nd year.
In their defense, the defending champs have been constantly plagued by injuries, the latest being that of leadoff man Justin Turner, who could be out for the remainder of the team’s season.
But it was a do-or-die game for the Dodgers and the Dominican pitcher made use of all his experience and quality with the lumber to be key in the victory.
Yes, the hero of the game was undoubtedly Chris Taylor with his historic 3 home run night, which according to MLB Stats makes him the second player in the postseason to connect a trio of home runs, at least 4 hits and 6 RBIs in a game. The other one? Albert Pujols in Game 3 of the 2011 World Series.
Also noteworthy was A.J. Pollock’s two homers and four RBIs, making the pair the first in MLB history to hit five homers in a postseason game.
And in the midst of all this came a Pujols who looked calmer and more patient at the plate and in his first at-bat, on a 3-ball, 2-strike count against Max Fried, hit a single to left field that preceded Taylor’s first homer.
In the bottom of the fifth, after 7 pitches he got a transfer and again Taylor towed him in with a 415-foot homer to center field.
In the process “The Machine” became the oldest player (41 years, 278 days) to reach at least 3 bases in a postseason game since compatriot Julio Cesar Franco did it in 2003 at 45 years and 42 days.
While the Dodgers may not need the superstar Pujols who will no longer return, they will appreciate having a veteran bat who can create dangerous situations against a Braves team looking to avoid a repeat of 2020 Championship Series history.
