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Walker Buehler, former Vanderbilt standout, records save to deliver World Series for Los Angeles Dodgers
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Walker Buehler is now a 2-time World Series champion. The former Vanderbilt standout joined a small club by recording the final outs for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night against the New York Yankees.
Buehler helped the Dodgers get to 3-0 by pitching 5 shutout innings of 2-hit ball on Monday night, striking out 5 while walking just 2 of his 18 batters faced. On Wednesday night, Dodger skipper Dave Roberts turned to Buehler to get the final 3 outs of Game 5. Buehler retired the Yankees in order, securing the 7-6 Los Angeles win to end the series 4-1.
WALKER BUEHLER CLOSES IT OUT! #CHAMPS pic.twitter.com/1S2242udt6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 31, 2024
By recording a win and a save in a postseason series, Buehler has joined an exclusive club.
Win as SP & save in same postseason series, since saves official (1969):
2024 WS Walker Buehler
2022 NLCS Ranger Suárez
2016 NLDS Clayton Kershaw
2014 WS Madison Bumgarner (2 wins)
1999 NLDS Kevin Millwood
1988 NLCS Orel Hershiser
1974 WS Catfish Hunter
1972 WS Jack Billingham— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 31, 2024
Few would have predicted Buehler would play such an important role in the World Series. Returning from a 2022 injury that led to his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler posted his roughest regular-season numbers in 2024. In 16 starts, Buehler was 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA over 75.1 innings.
Buehler wasn’t a certainty to make the Dodgers’ postseason roster, but he proved Roberts right in a big way by tossing 6 shutout innings in the World Series. Buehler has spent his entire pro career with the Dodgers, winning his first World Series ring with the club in 2020.
Congrats to our very own @VandyBoys Walker Buehler on winning the WORLD SERIES!! We are SO proud and happy for you! https://t.co/fZHBOjUjXB
— Candice Storey Lee (@VandyAD) October 31, 2024
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
