Takeaways from the most exciting game in World Series history

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In what was perhaps the most exciting game in World Series history, the Astros defeated the Dodgers 13-12 in 10 innings to go up 3-2 in the Series. There was a tremendous amount of back and forth in the game. Rather than give a blow by blow of the game, I'm just going to give a few takeaways from it.

It keeps happening

I've been somewhat of a Clayton Kershaw apologist when it comes to his post season performance. After he gave up a four run lead last night, I find it hard to do. Maybe his lack of post season success is getting into his head, or maybe he's just gassed by the end of the season, but something isn't adding up. Kershaw has pitched 118 playoff innings and has an ERA of 4.50. Not terrible, but not what you'd expect from the best pitcher in baseball. Kershaw has a WHIP of 1.102 and a strikeout rate of 10.3 per 9 innings, but has been touched for a record setting 8 home runs this post season. I've got no real defense for him at this point.

Overshadowed by Kershaw

Dallas Keuchel wasn't ace like himself, going only 3.2 innings, giving up 4 runs, 3 earned. The Astros acquisition of Justin Verlander looks huge now. Out of all the starters on both staffs, I trust Verlander the most. I picked the Astros to win the Series in 6 games. With Verlander on the hill in game 6, I like the Astros chances.

Maddonitis is contagious

Dave Roberts has apparently morphed into Joe Maddon this world series. His overuse of the of his bullpen is catching up to him. It seems like most managers get caught up in going to their pens early in post season play. The longer their team goes in the playoffs, the more that shows up. Last year Maddon fried Aroldis Chapman throughout the playoffs. By game 7, Chapman was out of gas. Terry Francona did the same thing with Andrew Miller with similar results.

Symptoms of Maddonitis include...

This season Roberts has ridden Kenley Jansen to the point where Jansen has gone from untouchable to hittable. What he's done to Brandon Marrow is even worse. Morrow has appeared in all five World Series games, and 12 games total in this season's playoffs. He has been outstanding with the exception of last night when he gave up 4 runs while not recording an out. I appreciate Morrow's willingness to take the ball, but Roberts should never have used him last night.

Morrow is someone I think the Cubs may target this offseason. Morrow may be devalued based on his overuse this postseason. Chapman had shoulder inflammation and wasn't has effective in 2017. I hope Marrow doesn't have a similar fate.

Little Big Man

By the way, Jose Altuve clubbed a three run homer to tie the game at 7. That's what a MVP does. Altuve reminds me of the Dustin Hoffman character, Little Big Man. The guy is amazing.

A Cubs thought

The success the Astros have had a against the Dodgers pen magnifies the Cubs poor approach at the plate. While the Dodgers pen is worn down now, the Cubs hitters made them look like hall of famers by swinging at everything in the park. No wonder Theo Epstein is frustrated and the Cubs have a new hitting coach.

This has got to stop

And finally, I don't know if everything really is bigger in Texas, but plate umpire, Bill Miller's strike zone was. It was ridiculous. Even Eric Gregg would have said he needed to to tighten it up. Miller made a good argument for electronic balls and strikes.