The idea was to save their three best (and healthy) starting pitchers for the upcoming series against the Giants at Dodger Stadium, but what they accomplished may end up saving the Dodgers bacon in the postseason – utilizing the bullpen as a combined number four or number five starter.

“It’s going to be interesting, that’s for sure,” said Dodgers bullpen coach Chuck Crim prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in which six of his relievers would be used to do the work of one starter.

…and it worked.

Right-hander Jamey Wright started the game and went two innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out three and walking two.

Next came Carlos Frias who pitched three innings allowing three runs on three hits while striking out five and walking two.

Third up was Chris Perez who retired all four Cubs batters he faced in his 1.1 innings of work – including two strikeouts. (Photo credit – Colin E Braley)

The fourth Dodger pitcher to take the mound was left-hander Paco Rodriguez who retired both batters he faced, one by strikeout.

The fifth man up was Pedro Baez who allowed one run on one hit (a home run) in his one inning of work.

Closing up shop was Kenley Jansen who allowed no runs or hits, walked one and struck out two to earn his 43rd save of the season. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Because Wright did not go the requisite five innings, he was not eligible for the win. In such instances the official scorer makes the determination who gets the win based on who the most effective pitcher of the day was. Although all six pitchers did well, Chris Perez was deemed the winning pitcher.

The six Dodger relievers allowed a combined five runs on eight hits with five walks and (are you ready for this) 13 strikeouts. The combined ERA on the day was an impressive 3.42 – excellent for any number four of five starter in the MLB.

“We pulled that one off,” said Crim after the game. “Pretty cool.”

Pretty cool indeed.