Dodgers Stay Alive

October 22, 2021 3:55 am

UNDATED (AP) – The Los Angeles Dodgers are still alive in the NL Championship Series after snapping out of their hitting funk while getting an outstanding performance from six relievers.  Chris Taylor slammed three home runs and drove in six as the Dodgers clobbered the Braves, 11-2 in Game 5, sending the series back to Atlanta. Taylor belted two-run homers in the second and fifth innings before delivering a solo shot. He overshadowed teammate AJ Pollock, who provided a solo shot and a three-run blast.  Taylor had four of the Dodgers’ 17 hits, while Pollock, Trea Turner and Cody Bellinger had three apiece.  The LA bullpen limited Atlanta to three runs while striking out nine over 8 1/3 innings. Dodgers relievers allowed their team to rebound after starter Joe Kelly left with an injury in the first inning, shortly after giving up a two-run homer to Freddie Freeman.  Losing pitcher Max Fried was lifted with two out in the fifth, charged with five runs and eight hits. Game 6 is Saturday in Atlanta.