3 days ago
Dodgers need to ensure former USC baseball star Lars Nootbaar doesn't cost them dearly
Lars Nootbaar was born and raised in Southern California. He played college baseball for USC, where he was an all-conference outfielder. Now, however, Nootbar spends his time in St. Louis, where he plays professional baseball for the Cardinals. Last week, Nootbar returned to Los Angeles as the Cardinals traveled to face the Dodgers, the team he grew up cheering for. In the first game of the series, the USC baseball alum made a massive play to help secure the win for his team.
With St. Louis leading 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Dodgers had a runner on first base and nobody out. LA shortstop Mookie Betts hit a blooper that looked as though it was going to drop into right field for a base hit. However Nootbar ran in and made an impressive diving catch for the first out of the inning.
Thanks to Nootbar's play, the Cardinals held on to win the game 3-2. St. Louis would go on to take two of three games at Dodger Stadium, making it a successful homecoming series for the former USC star.
Now the Dodgers have a challenge in front of them: They trail the San Diego Padres by one game in the National League West. They are half a game behind the Chicago Cubs for home-field advantage in a potential wild card series. One game could be all that separates the Dodgers from multiple National League competitors. The Dodgers, who have just been swept by the neighboring Los Angeles Angels, need to get right and make sure Nootbaar's play doesn't become the difference between hosting a series and going on the road, or between a wild card bye and having to play an extra round of playoff baseball.
