Trash cans beware.
Los Angeles’ starting pitcher Walker Buehler took out his frustrations in —or, more aptly, on — the dugout after San Diego tacked him for six runs during the second inning of his NLDS Game 3 outing Tuesday.
The six-run inning led to disaster for at least one trash can, which the broadcast caught the pitcher chucking against the bench in the dugout. Buehler’s teammates dared not approach.
That horrible six-spot would prove to be the difference as the Padres defeated the Dodgers, 6-5, to grab a 2-1 series lead.
It wasn’t all Buehler’s fault. Then again, neither was it the trash can’s.
The Dodger’s starter tossed 12 pitches in a perfect first inning before allowing his first hit of the game — a single to Manny Machado — in the top of the second.
It all then went south on a controversial play.
What could have been a double-play ball instead resulted in an error when Machado veered into the path of Freddie Freeman’s throw, giving the Padres runners on the corners while trailing, 1-0.
Shortstop Miguel Rojas then hesitated on a grounder from Xander Bogaerts and failed to record an out on a run-scoring fielder’s choice, and the Padres later used a two-run double rom David Peralta and a two-run homer by Fernando Tatis Jr. to grab their 6-1 lead.
Buehler then snapped after the inning mercifully ended, first slamming his glove into the trash can before grabbing the trash can for further fireworks.
Perhaps the outburst actually helped calm the righty with Buehler rebounding to complete five innings and not allow any more runs, although the damage had already been done.
It added yet another low moment for the former ace in his return from Tommy John surgery following a career-worst 5.38 ERA in the regular season his contract year.
The Dodgers now have to win Wednesday in San Diego to force a Game 5 back in Los Angeles and first pitch is scheduled for 9:08 p.m. ET.
