2021 National League Division Series Game 5: Dodgers vs. Giants, Thursday 10/13, 8:07 CT

In a perfect world, this would be Game 7 of the NLCS, the two best teams in the National League fighting it out for a place in the World Series.

Instead, it’s for the right to play the team with the fewest wins (88) of anyone to make this year’s postseason in the NLCS. One team with at least 106 wins will go home after tonight. But, that’s the way the rules are set up. Eventually, MLB will expand to 16-team leagues and matchups like this in early playoff rounds will be less likely.

This series has been pretty evenly-matched. Each team won a game in the other’s ballpark The Giants’ two wins have both been by shutout. The Dodgers’ two wins have been by blowout.

I’ll give the very slight edge to the Giants, playing at home. But, as is always the case in baseball: You never know.

Here’s all the information you’ll need for tonight’s Division Series game.

Dodgers vs. Giants, 8:07 p.m. CT. Series tied 2-2.

Corey Knebel, RHP vs. Logan Webb, RHP

Wait, what? Knebel and not Julio Urias? Here’s why:

The decision is definitely a shocker, but one the Dodgers made strictly based on strategy, according to a source, and not due to an Urías injury. Knebel will serve as the team’s opener, and Urías will likely come in after to pitch the bulk of the innings.

The Dodgers’ thinking behind the move to not start Urías is to alter the Giants’ lineup construction. San Francisco started seven righties against Urías in Game 2, but the left-hander allowed just one run over five strong innings. Interestingly enough, the Giants are 11-11 against left-handed starters in their last 22 games.

It’s an interesting move, all right. We’ll see if it works.

TV: TBS. Announcers: Brian Anderson, Ron Darling and Lauren Shehadi.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com preview

This will be the only thread for tonight’s Game 5. Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves.