MLB action on Wednesday witnessed a tightly contested National League Wildcard game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Throughout the match, fans across the world knew it would take something special to settle the tie.
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Notably, in the bottom of the ninth innings, Chris Taylor showed up in style to send the Dodgers and their fans into delirium.
Chris Taylor seals victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers with a clutch home run
While the Cardinals clinched a wildcard spot relatively early, the Dodgers were in contention for the NL West division title until the last day of the regular season. However, the San Francisco Giants beat the San Diego Padres in their last match, sending the Dodgers into the NL Wildcard game. Due to their superior 106-56 record, they had a home advantage for the wildcard game.
The Cardinals made a bright start in yesterday’s game, taking a 1-0 lead in the first innings itself. The Dodgers needed to wait till the fourth innings to level the scores, with Justin Turner smashing a solo home run. Neither team managed to score in the next four innings, as they entered the ninth inning tied at 1-1.
After scoring three outs in the top of the ninth inning, the Dodgers walked in, attempt to win the game. However, the Cardinals scored two outs, which brought Cody Bellinger to the plate. Bellinger quickly occupied first base, bringing Taylor up to the home plate.
With everything on the line, the 31-year-old outfielder smashed a pitch from Alex Reyes into the stands on the left side of the field to send the Dodger Stadium into euphoria.
BRING ON THE NLDS! #WALKOFF pic.twitter.com/Za2Tge069U
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 7, 2021
Taylor’s run around the diamond became a procession as the fans cheered their hero’s walk-off. At the home plate, his teammates celebrated wildly, as the 31-year-old tossed his helmet in the air.
Tie game, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, season on the line
Legendary walk-off 🤯#WildCard #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/RwZ3cDjh2B— Chad Rykhoek (@chadunocinco) October 7, 2021
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The Dodgers will face the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS
With their victory over the Cardinals, the Dodgers progressed to the National League Division Series. There, they will face the San Francisco Giants, who had the best record in this regular season of 107-55.
This rivalry will pan out in a best-of-five series as the reigning World Series champions face arguably their toughest test in the postseason. The series will begin in Oracle Park on Friday, October 8th.
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