Eventually, Tony La Russa’s going to do something that doesn’t work.
World Series Game 1: St. Louis Bullpen Perfect In 8th, Still 3-2
Maybe later tonight, even.
So far, though?
To start the top of the eighth, La Russa summoned Octavio Dotel from the bullpen, and Dotel got Ian Kinsler on a grounder to the mound and struck out Elvis Andrus on three pitches. Andrus didn't swing at even one of them. Dotel has now pitched in eight postseason games, and he's been perfect in seven of them.
With Josh Hamilton coming up, just one swing away from tying the game, La Russa patted Dotel on his bottom and waited for Arthur Rhodes to arrive from the bullpen. Rhodes, of course, began this season with the Rangers and is going to pick up a World Series ring regardless of who wins this thing.
Rhodes fell behind 3-and-1, but battled back and retired Hamilton on a routine fly to center field.
So it's still Cardinals 3, Rangers 2 and Jason Motte's going to enter in the ninth with three right-handed hitters coming up. At least all three of them can really hit. This might still be interesting, despite La Russa's best efforts.
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