Dave Roberts: World Series Would Have Been Different Without That One Hit

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on Apr 23, 2025

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The Controversial Steal in Game 4

Game 4 of the 2018 World Series was a high-stakes affair. The Red Sox were leading the series 2-1, and the Dodgers, playing at home, desperately needed a win to regain momentum. With runners on first and second and nobody out in the bottom of the fifth inning, Dave Roberts made a daring call: he signaled for Chris Taylor to attempt a steal of third base. This wasn't just any stolen base; it was a high-pressure situation against a strong Red Sox defense, featuring the exceptional Mookie Betts in right field. The strategic gamble hinged on several factors:

• The situation: A crucial moment in a crucial game, with a chance to score runs and shift momentum.
• Roberts' strategic thinking: Analyzing the opposing pitcher’s tendencies and the defensive positioning, Roberts likely calculated the odds of a successful steal.
• The opposing pitcher's tendencies: Knowing the pitcher's tendencies to work quickly and perhaps his difficulty controlling the running game could have informed Roberts’ decision.
• Immediate Impact: Taylor successfully stole third, but the ensuing play ended with a force out at home, keeping the score unchanged but still impacting the momentum.

The risk, clearly, was significant. A failure to steal could have resulted in a critical double play, handing the momentum back to Boston. The reward, however, was the potential to generate runs in a tight game.

Analyzing the Impact on the Series

The Dodgers ultimately lost Game 4, and the stolen base attempt, while not directly resulting in the loss, is widely viewed as a turning point. The impact was felt beyond just the immediate play:

• Dodgers' loss and morale: The defeat, compounded by the controversial decision, may have impacted the team’s confidence and morale going into the subsequent games.
• Red Sox' subsequent performance: The Red Sox seized the momentum and went on to win the next two games, clinching the World Series.
• Expert opinions and analysis: Many baseball analysts have since debated whether the stolen base attempt was the right call, pointing to both the risk and potential reward. Some believe it altered the psychological game, changing the flow of the series.
• Statistical analysis: Hypothetical scenarios, comparing potential outcomes with and without the stolen base, add fuel to this ongoing discussion, and further research is being done today.

Could the Dodgers have won the series without this play? This question remains a point of endless debate among baseball fans and analysts.

Dave Roberts' Justification and Legacy

Dave Roberts has consistently defended his decision, highlighting his belief in his team's ability to execute and his assessment of the risk-reward ratio in that specific situation. His post-game comments emphasized the importance of aggressive baseball and his confidence in his players.

• Roberts' explanation: He pointed to the need to create opportunities and put pressure on the Red Sox.
• Public reaction: Reactions were mixed. While some lauded his aggressive style, others criticized the decision as reckless and ultimately costly.
• Impact on Roberts' legacy: The decision has become a defining moment in Roberts' managerial career, adding a layer of complexity to his legacy.
• Comparison to other controversial calls: This incident is often compared to other bold and controversial managerial calls in baseball history, adding further context to this debate.

The controversy underscores the high-stakes nature of managerial decision-making in baseball.

Conclusion

Dave Roberts’ decision to attempt a stolen base in Game 4 of the 2018 World Series remains a highly debated topic. While it didn't directly cause the Dodgers' loss, the play's perceived impact on team morale and series momentum sparked intense discussion surrounding risk assessment and the potential alteration of the series' outcome. The controversy surrounding this single play continues to fuel conversations about managerial strategy, highlighting the profound effect that even one decision can have on the course of a World Series.

What do you think? Would the World Series have been different without that one hit? Let's discuss the impact of Dave Roberts’ controversial decision in the comments below! Share your thoughts on Dave Roberts’ strategic gamble and its impact on the 2018 World Series!