Dodgers in Trouble, But They've Overcome 0-2 Series Deficits Before

I'm not happy about it, obviously, but I would't count out any team down 0-2 in a best-of-seven series.

At LAT:

The Dodgers' 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday put the team in a bad position in their best-of-seven National League Championship Series and sent their fans reeling on social media. In the hours after the loss, so-called fans took to Twitter and Facebook, sending out messages of "Series over" or "Dodgers need to make some big changes."

How soon they forget.

In 1965, the Dodgers faced the Minnesota Twins in the World Series. They were heavily favored, especially since they had Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax pitching Games 1 and 2. No way they lose both those games.

But they did, losing 8-2 and 5-1 in Minnesota.

Game 3 was set for Dodger Stadium, but the Twins were pitching noted Dodgers-killer Camilo Pascual, so a 3-0 series deficit seemed likely. If there had been social media then, the reaction would have been similar to the reaction Sunday. Up next this time, the Dodgers face Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright.

So, Dodgers fans, pay attention to this history lesson: In Game 3, 1965, Claude Osteen shut out the Twins, 4-0. Drysdale and Koufax then won Games 4 and 5, and the Dodgers won Game 7 in Minnesota, 2-0, to win the Series. Koufax pitched a three-hit shutout on two days' rest in the clincher and was named Series MVP.

Big deal, though, right? Its happening once doesn't mean much.

Well, it happened three other times.

In the 1981 National League division series, with their two best pitchers, Fernando Valenzuela and Jerry Reuss starting, the Dodgers lost Games 1 and 2 in Houston. They won the next three at Dodger Stadium to win the best-of-five series.

In the 1981 World Series, the Dodgers lost the first two games in New York before sweeping the next four from the Yankees to win the title.

Still more examples at the link.

No matter, Ima be holding my breath through most of the game tomorrow, only gulping some oxygen to say a prayer.

More, "Dodgers' offense remains in hiding, Cards win 1-0 on unearned run."

See also Bill Plaschke, "Dodgers' title hopes take a one-two punch in St. Louis."