World Series Game 6: Dodgers solve Verlander to force Game 7

The Los Angeles Dodgers managed to hold on in Game 6 of the 2017 World Series to defeat the Houston Astros 3-1 and force a Game 7.

The Dodgers refused to go gentle into that good night with a clutch 3-1 win over the Houston Astros. With the win, the two teams are tied 3-3 in the series and will play for the 2017 World Series title in Game 7 on Wednesday.

Despite an early lead for the Astros, the Dodgers battled back to take the lead and their bullpen worked to preserve that lead through the end of the game. While Houston’s pitching seemed to break down, the Dodgers’ bullpen only got stronger as the game went on.

It was a scoreless game until the top of the 3rd when Houston’s George Springer sent a blast to right center field on a 89.5 MPH fastball. His solo shot put the Astros on the board 1-0.

The Dodgers took their time, wearing down Justin Verlander, and in the bottom of the 6th inning a Chris Taylor double scored Austin Barnes for the tie, followed by a Corey Seager sac fly that scored Chase Utley to go ahead. The Dodgers ended the inning leading 2-1 over the Astros.

Joc Pederson added a solo shot in the bottom of the 7th to make it 3-1.

Rich Hill came out early, only throwing 4.2 innings after allowing four hits and just one earned run. He finished with five strikeouts on the night. Justin Verlander, by contrast, went six innings and allowed three hits, two earned runs and finished the night with nine strikeouts — but also earned his first loss as a member of the Astros at a most inopportune time.

Highlights

Three Stars

George Springer, CF, Astros: George Springer has had a home run in three straight World Series games. His home run in Game 6 put the Astros on the board first.

Joc Pederson, LF, Dodgers: Like Springer, Pederson has been doing well in the World Series. Tonight’s home run was his second in the World Series, and he gave the Dodgers some much-needed breathing room.

Dodgers bullpen: The Dodgers blew through their bullpen in Game 5, but Game 6 was another story. After manager Dave Roberts pulled Rich Hill early, it was up to the bullpen to keep the Astros off the board — and they did. They rose to the occasion and lived to play in Game 7 as a result.

Next: 50 Best Teams Never To Win The World Series

Next game

With the series tied at three games each, the World Series moves on to Game 7. The Dodgers and Astros will face off one more time on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET to determine the winner of the Fall Classic. As of this writing, the Game 7 starting pitchers have not been identified, but it is expected to be Yu Darvish for the Dodgers facing Lance McCullers for the Astros.