Kenley Jansen was in the midst of a dominant stretch when he surrendered a game-winning home run to Anthony Rizzo on Saturday night. The Chicago Cubs’ comeback win spoiled what was a terrific performance by Walker Buehler and ensured the Los Angeles Dodgers would not sweep the series.
The blown save was Jansen’s third this season and first since allowing a walk-off grand slam to Hunter Renfroe on May 5. Renfroe’s blast to the upper deck in left field at Petco Park denied the Dodgers a three-game sweep.
Jansen studied his mechanics and righted the ship from there, converting all eight save opportunities, throwing 10.1 scoreless innings and holding opponents to a .114/.162/.229 batting line over 10 appearances before squandering a lead on Rizzo’s home run.
Jansen said after the Dodgers’ loss he struggled to secure much feel for his command. Jansen accepted full blame for the result and made it clear to manager Dave Roberts he wanted an opportunity to pitch in Sunday’s series finale, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times
“After what happened [Saturday], knowing the season series is over, I really wanted one more chance to face these guys in the same situation,” Jansen said. “It definitely felt good. I just had to calm down all the noise, all the general managers out there, and focus on helping my team win.”
Roberts granted Jansen his wish, calling on the closer after the Dodgers took a 3-2 lead on Russell Martin’s RBI single in the eighth inning. The appearance marked a third time this season Jansen was pitching a third consecutive day.
During the first stretch, facing the Cincinnati Reds (one game) and Milwaukee Brewers (two) from April 17-19, he allowed two runs (one earned) over three innings pitched. Jansen recorded a save in each game and finished the three-day stretch with a scoreless ninth inning.
Then facing the Padres from May 3-5, Jansen threw one scoreless inning to earn a save in each of the first two appearances, then surrendered the grand slam to Renfroe with two outs in the third game.
His appearance on Father’s Day began in ominous fashion as Albert Almora Jr. led off with a single and Jason Heyward worked a walk.
A soft groundout to the right side of the infield advanced both runners, then Jansen fielded a high chopper to his left and threw home in time for an out. Alex Verdugo wrapped up the Dodgers’ 3-2 win with a diving catch in a sinking line drive.
The save was Jansen’s third of the series and 21st this season. He hasn’t yet been able to replicate his dominance and consistency from 2017, but remains committed to finding it as the Dodgers seek to capture their first World Series since 1988.
