Before Game 5 of the NLCS, Bill Shaikin of The Times quoted Dave Roberts as saying, “There’s a sense of urgency.” It doesn’t appear that Roberts’ rules were followed, as the Dodgers’ brain trust allowed Jack Flaherty to give up eight runs in just three innings.

Yes, the Dodgers’ starting pitching staff has been decimated, but the relievers have been outstanding and should have been called up much sooner. This was reminiscent of the Dodgers pitting Chan Ho Park against Fernando Tatis for the second time (in the third inning) in April 1999, and Tatis hit two grand slams. Hopefully the Dodgers win one of the next possible two games against the Mets and advance to the World Series, but anything can happen.

Ken Veldman
Tarzana

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With Jack Flaherty pitching, I expected the Dodgers to win Game 5, so I was going to email you that good pitching wins championships, but the Dodgers went on to lose 12-6, so now I have to wait for that ruling.

Vaughn Hardenberg
Westwood