It was the seventh inning. The Dodgers had a six-run lead. But the Mets had loaded the bases with one out, putting a strong outing by Clayton Kershaw in jeopardy. A comeback could not be tolerated. Not tonight. Enter Joe Kelly.
Over three batters, Joe Kelly worked his way out of the jam, allowing just one run to score. He forced a dribbler from Brandon Nimmo, making arguably the most athletic play of the season to nab Todd Frazier at the plate. He allowed a single to Amed Rosario, but not one that could score Pete Alonso from second. Then, with a 99-mph fastball, he induced an inning-ending groundout from J.D. Davis.
The message was clear. Even a pitcher as historically great as Clayton Kershaw can’t do it alone. He, like all of us, needs a Joe Kelly.
