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Dodgers Look for Timely Hitting in Series Finale vs. Red Sox
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who had trouble with offensive consistency earlier in the season, have recently found their groove in clutch hitting. As they face the Boston Red Sox in the series finale on Sunday night, the Dodgers aim to complete a three-game sweep at home.
Dodgers’ Recent Performances
Clutch Hitting
The Dodgers have come through in the clutch to secure victories in the first two games of the series.
Friday’s Game:
- Freddie Freeman: Hit a grand slam in the eighth inning, leading to a 4-1 win despite the team only having two hits over the first seven innings.
Saturday’s Game:
- Enrique Hernandez: Hit a game-tying home run in the ninth and followed it up with a game-tying single in the 10th inning.
- Will Smith: Secured a 7-6 win with a game-ending RBI single in the 11th inning.
“We played two really tough games, and I think these tougher games are the ones that say a lot about a team,” Hernandez said. “Hopefully, these are the types of games that we need to take off as a team and not look back.”
Pitching Matchup
Los Angeles Dodgers
James Paxton (7-2, 4.38 ERA):
- Season Overview: Paxton, despite injury challenges, has been crucial for the Dodgers.
- Recent Performance: Has a 7.13 ERA in his last four starts, but the team won three of those games.
- Career vs. Red Sox: 6-1 with a 3.41 ERA in 10 starts.
The Dodgers’ rotation is also set to get a boost with Tyler Glasnow (back tightness) returning on Wednesday and Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) set to make his season debut on Thursday.
“If they need me now, I’ll be ready,” Kershaw told the Los Angeles Times.
Boston Red Sox
Kutter Crawford (6-7, 3.04 ERA):
- Season Highlights: Crawford has excelled on the road with a 2.35 ERA in nine starts.
- Recent Performance: 3-0 with a 0.45 ERA in three July starts, including two consecutive scoreless outings.
- Manager’s Praise: Alex Cora highlighted Crawford’s consistency and effectiveness, stating, “Just posting every five days and giving us a chance to win.”
Crawford’s previous start against the Dodgers last season resulted in a no-decision, allowing two runs on four hits over five innings.
Red Sox’s Challenges
Despite strong starts from Nick Pivetta and Brayan Bello, the Red Sox bullpen has faltered late in games.
Key Players:
- Jarren Duran: Homered on Friday and hit a two-run double on Saturday.
- Tyler O’Neill: Hit two home runs on Saturday, including a go-ahead two-run homer in the 10th inning before the Dodgers’ comeback.
Game Implications
The Dodgers seek to maintain their clutch hitting and secure a sweep, while the Red Sox aim to overcome late-game struggles and salvage the series.
Conclusion
The Dodgers, led by timely hitting and key pitching from James Paxton, aim to complete a sweep against the Boston Red Sox. With Kutter Crawford taking the mound for Boston, the game promises to be a competitive and thrilling finale to the series.
