Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger catches a fly ball hit by Boston’s Ian Kinsler as teammates Kike’ Hernandez and Chris Taylor duck to stay out of his way during the sixth inning of Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday night in Boston. The Dodgers lost 4-2 and trail the best-of-seven series 2-0. Game 3 is Friday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s Andrew Benintendi, right, celebrates with Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts after scoring on a two run RBI single by J.D. Martinez during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joc Pederson warms up before Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado up before Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price throws during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Maddie Meyer, Pool)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu throws during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The moon is seen over Fenway Park before Game 2 of the World Series baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A fan gets ready for the start of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Fenway Park Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese can’t catch a foul ball hit by Boston Red Sox’s J.D. Martinez during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Ian Kinsler #5 of the Boston Red Sox is tagged out at third base by Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Ian Kinsler #5 of the Boston Red Sox is tagged out at third base by Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado tags out Boston Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler at third during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado, left, tags out Boston Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler at third base during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado tags out Boston Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler at third base on a single by Red Sox’s Jackie Bradley Jr. during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out J.D. Martinez (not pictured) #28 of the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox’s starting pitcher David Price winds up to throw during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball against the Los Angeles Dodgers game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese tags out Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese tags out Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s starting pitcher David Price walks off the mound after the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball against the Los Angeles Dodgers game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A fan gets ready for the start of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado watches his popup out to first base in front of Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez during the first inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Hyun-Jin Ryu throws during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese (25) tags out Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts on a grounder to shortstop during the first inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez watches as Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp questions home plate umpire Kerwin Danley over a third strike call during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Former Boston Red Sox players Kevin Millar, left, and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, right, run to greet each other before Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp reacts after striking out during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp reacts after striking out during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp walks past Enrique Hernandez, left, as he returns to the dugout after striking out during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts hits a double during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts hits a double in front of Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts rounds first base after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu throws during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Maddie Meyer, Pool)
Boston Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler hits a single in front of Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to drive in a run during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler hits an RBI single during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Home plate umpire Kerwin Danley watches as Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts scores on an RBI-single by =Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, left, congratulates Xander Bogaerts, right, who scored on a single by Ian Kinsler during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts is congratulated after scoring on a hit by Ian Kinsler during the second inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese runs out of room chasing a foul popup against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese hits a single off Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts can’t catch a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts can’t catch a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts can’t catch a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
A fan gets ready for the start of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers singles during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado hits a single in front of Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers singles during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI sacrifice fly during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI sacrifice fly during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese runs past Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez to score on a sacrifice fly by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese (25) is congratulated after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Matt Kemp (27) during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ David Freese (25) is congratulated after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Matt Kemp (27) during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig hits a single off Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price, left, to drive in a run during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig hits an RBI single during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig hits an RBI-single during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig hits an RBI single during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado runs past Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price to score on an RBI-single by Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Machado is congratulated after scoring on a hit by Yasiel Puig during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price walks off the infield after allowing two runs during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price speaks to home plate umpire Kerwin Danley after the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts reacts after striking out during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. At right is home plate umpire Kerwin Danley. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts reacts after being called out on strike during the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers strikes out in front of Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Christian Vazquez hits a single off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, bottom, during the fifth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts hits a single in front of Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes during the fifth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts hits a single during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is removed from the game during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu talks to catcher Austin Barnes during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The ball skips past Boston Red Sox batter Andrew Benintendi, left, and Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes on a pitch by Los Angeles Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, front, during the fifth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, right, leaves the mound after being pulled by manager Dave Roberts during the fifth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ryan Madson throws during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Boston Red Sox’s Steve Pearce gets out of the way of a pitch by Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ryan Madson during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryan Madson reacts after walking Boston Red Sox’s Steve Pearce with bases loaded to score Christian Vazquez during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez hits a single to drive in two runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s J.D. Martinez hits a two run RBI single during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Andrew Benintendi #16 is congratulated by his teammate Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox after scoring a fifth inning run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez claps at first base after hitting a single to drive in two runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Ryan Madson #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after walking the batter during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Mookie Betts #50 and Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate each scoring a run on a hit by teammate J.D. Martinez (not pictured) during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox’s Andrew Benintendi is congratulated after scoring on a hit by J.D. Martinez during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Mookie Betts #50 and Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate each scoring a run on a hit by teammate J.D. Martinez (not pictured) during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Ryan Madson reacts after allowing the Red Sox to score three two-out runs during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Fenway Park in Boston. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Chris Taylor lays down a bunt to third base, but was thrown out during the sixth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger catches the ball as teammates Chris Taylor and Kike’ Hernandez duck to stay out of the way on a ball hit by Boston’s Ian Kinsler during the sixth inning of Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday night in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger catches a fly ball by Boston Red Sox’s Ian Kinsler in between Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor during the sixth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s starting pitcher David Price walks off the mound after the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball against the Los Angeles Dodgers game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, left, gives starting pitcher David Price a hand at the end of the middle of the sixth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Joe Kelly throws during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Fans sing “Sweet Caroline” during the eighth inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda throws during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Hyun-Jin Ryu throws during the first inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda grimaces while pitching during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts watches his double to the left field wall off Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenta Maeda, front, during the seventh inning in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts runs the bases after hitting a double during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts hits a double during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts celebrates his double next to Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Chris Taylor waits for a pitcher change during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Boston Red Sox’s Nathan Eovaldi throws during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Pedro Baez throws during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger makes a sliding catch on a ball hit by Boston Red Sox’s J.D. Martinez during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger makes a sliding catch on a ball hit by Boston Red Sox’s J.D. Martinez during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel heads from the bullpen to pitch in the top of the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the World Series baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boston Red Sox’s Craig Kimbrel throws during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Boston Red Sox’s Craig Kimbrel throws during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox’s Craig Kimbrel throws during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A Red Sox fan cheers during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the World Series baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
BOSTON — Experience teaches you that nothing good happens after 2 a.m. The same seems to apply after two outs against the Boston Red Sox this postseason.
Closing time proved elusive for the Dodgers again in Game 2 of the World Series at Fenway Park. The Red Sox scored all of their runs after there were two outs in an inning – three back-breakers in the fifth inning – and handed the Dodgers a 4-2 loss Wednesday night.
The series now moves to Dodger Stadium with the Dodgers chilled to the bone by the cold, damp New England fall and down two games to none. Games 3, 4 and 5 are scheduled for L.A. – but the Dodgers will have to snuff out the Red Sox’s two-out magic if they are going to extend the series that far.
Forty-three of the 54 previous teams that won the first two games went on to win the World Series (including 16 of the past 17). But the Dodgers have come back from 2-0 deficits three times in their history – 1981 against the Yankees, 1965 against the Twins and 1955 again against the Yankees.
“We’re heading home, bottom line,” Dodgers first baseman David Freese said. “I think we’ve got Walk(er Buehler) on the mound. Give him the rock and let’s go. We need it to be 2-1.
“We understand that Game 3 is a necessity – just like Game 2.”
With the Game 2 win, 38 of the Red Sox’s 68 runs in 11 postseason games have scored with two outs in an inning. They are batting a remarkable .363 (33 for 91) overall with runners in scoring position.
The Dodgers can’t keep up with that. They have gone 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position in the first two games of the series and an equally remarkable (in its own way) 18 for 94 (.191) overall this postseason – numbers more suited for a losing streak in June than a run to a World Series title.
“It has to be tough,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of the effect those two-out rallies have on the opposition. “We talked about it before we started (the postseason) – get the leadoff guy out, don’t give up two-out hits or runners. We’ve been doing that to the opposition.
“Putting the ball in play in those situations is very important. I said it a few days ago and I’ll say it again. We live in an era that .210 with 30 home runs and 70 RBIs is acceptable. It’s a good season. We don’t believe that. There’s certain situations that a strikeout is not just an out. We put them in play and they did again tonight and that’s why we won the game.”
The Dodgers did get their clutch engaged in the fourth inning against Sox starter David Price. A two-out RBI single by Yasiel Puig gave them their first lead of the Series, 2-1.
They warmed themselves around that for all of an inning.
The Dodgers’ attempts to call Hyun-Jin Ryu “a big-game pitcher” seemed reminiscent of Tommy Lasorda hanging the nickname “Bulldog” on Orel Hershiser – born out of a desire to make reality fit the label.
For four innings it worked. Ryu allowed one run in the second inning – on a two-out RBI single by Ian Kinsler. Things could have gotten worse that inning but Chris Taylor threw out Kinsler from left field when he tried to go first to third on another two-out hit by Jackie Bradley Jr.
Ryu retired eight of the next nine Red Sox batters – including the first two in the fifth inning and was one strike away from getting out of the inning.
As the clock struck two, things escalated. No. 9 hitter Christian Vazquez singled on a 1-and-2 pitch. Mookie Betts bounced a single through the middle and Andrew Benintendi worked Ryu for eight pitches, drawing a walk to load the bases.
“We just didn’t finish them,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said. “We got to where we wanted to be. Obviously, you’re going to try to be a little finer with runners in scoring position. We just couldn’t get it done.”
Looking to defuse the situation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cut the wrong wire. He brought in Ryan Madson.
“Madson has been our guy for quite some time and he’s pitched out of big spots there,” Roberts said. “I just felt I really liked him against (Steve) Pearce. In that spot, he’s done it time and time again for us. The last couple of nights, it hasn’t worked out.”
During the NLDS and NLCS rounds, Madson entered games with a total of seven runners on base. He stranded all but one (including a bases-loaded situation in Game 4 against the Braves).
Roberts has gone to him in each of the first two games of the World Series with a total of five runners on base. All five have scored.
“It’s kind of a crapshoot with inherited runners,” Madson said. “You can be real good at it for a long time. Then a bloop hit or a walk like tonight – it’s not automatic.”
Indeed. Madson walked Pearce on five pitches, forcing in the tying run and bringing J.D. Martinez to the plate.
Before the game, Madson described the danger of pitching to Martinez as akin to being “in a pit with a rattlesnake and one bad move you’ll get bit.” He struck him out with the bases loaded in the fifth inning of Game 1.
This time, it was once bitten, twice scored – Martinez took an inside fastball and dumped it into right field, driving in two runs.
“I beat him,” Madson said of the pitch. “He didn’t hit it good. I beat him, but he was strong enough to put it in a good spot out there in the outfield.”
It might not have been Martinez’s best swing, but it was the decisive one in this game.
“They’re really good at that,” Matt Kemp said. “I think they’ve scored most of their runs this series with two outs (nine of 12). They’re getting guys on base and getting those big hits when they need him.
“We’ve got to try to do the same thing. We had the bases loaded. We had a chance to have a bigger inning than we did. We kind of didn’t take advantage of that. … We had our chances.”
Not after that fourth inning, they didn’t. Puig’s hit was the Dodgers’ last of the game. When Barnes struck out to end the fourth inning, that was the first of 16 consecutive Dodgers retired by Price and the Sox bullpen, stepping on the Dodgers’ necks.
The Sox have now won eight of their last nine World Series games at Fenway Park. There might not be another this fall.
“Sale’s nasty, Price is nasty. There’s just nasty pitching left and right,” Freese said. “You’ve gotta find a way to scratch and claw and get it done. They’re doing that job right now.
“Almost 110 wins. They know what they’re doing. That’s it.”
