In the aftermath of Game 5 of the World Series, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider responded to Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell’s assertions regarding his pitching performance. Snell described himself as “unlucky” after allowing five earned runs during the game, marking his second consecutive start with such a result.
Blake Snell’s Performance Analysis
Snell’s struggles began early, as he conceded two solo home runs with his first three pitches. The Blue Jays capitalized on his performance, adding more runs with a Dalton Varsho triple and an Ernie Clement sacrifice fly, bringing their total to three runs. In the seventh inning, Snell saw two more runners cross home plate while under his watch.
Snell’s Interpretation of the Game
- Blake Snell allowed five earned runs
- Conceded two home runs in the first three pitches
- Blames luck for his performance
Following the game, Snell stated, “I’m not one to make excuses or anything close to that, but just pretty unlucky.” He cited a lack of success against a strong Blue Jays lineup and mentioned specific players who capitalized on his mistakes. For instance, he acknowledged Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Davis Schneider for their impactful hits. Snell admitted, “Luck plays a part in baseball too.”
John Schneider’s Support for His Players
In response to Snell’s comments, John Schneider firmly defended his players. When asked if he had any involvement in Snell’s remarks, he stated, “No.” Schneider praised both his team and Snell’s capabilities, emphasizing their league-leading performance in hitting this season. He remarked, “Vladimir is one of the best players in the game,” and added his focus on the upcoming challenge against Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
- Dodgers scored only three runs in the last two games
- Game 6 is crucial for avoiding elimination
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound for the Dodgers
As the series shifts to Game 6, the Dodgers aim to revive their offense on the road. The game is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. PT. With the pressure mounting, Los Angeles needs to find a way to bounce back and push the series to a decisive Game 7.
