Victor Gonzalez’s slick glovework yields inning-ending double play (Video)

Victor Gonzalez’s glove was his best friend on Tuesday night vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

With cat-like reflexes, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Victor Gonzalez was able to turn two.

With the Dodgers leading 8-3 in the top of the seventh inning and two runners on base, Tampa Bay Rays catcher hit a bullet right back at Gonzalez. He was able to put his glove out and catch the line drive before turning around and firing it to second baseman Enrique Hernandez to double-off third baseman Mike Brosseau at the second to end the inning with the five-run lead still intact.

Not letting the Rays back in this game is ideal for the Dodgers bullpen.

The best thing the Dodgers can do this series is when they’re up big is to not waste arms in the bullpen. Had that line drive gone up the middle and not into Gonzalez’s glove, it would have put more runs on the board for the Rays, possibly force Dodgers manager to consider bringing in another pitcher into game. Zunino was the third hitter Gonzalez faced in the top of the seventh.

Tampa Bay is too talented to be swept in this best-of-seven series. More things went right for the Dodgers on Tuesday night than did the Rays. There will be a game where the Dodgers struggle and the Rays will come out on top. It’s just part of playing postseason baseball in a high-stakes series between two outstanding ball clubs. This double play sealed the deal for the Dodgers in Game 1.

You take outs anyway you can get them in the postseason, especially of the double play variety.