Houston Astros vs La Dodgers Picks and Predictions July 28th 2024

Astros Bullpen Shines in Series Against Dodgers Amid Key Player Absences

The Houston Astros are on the cusp of sweeping their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, largely thanks to a standout performance from their bullpen. In a nail-biting 7-6 walk-off win on Saturday, five Astros relievers combined to secure the victory, showcasing their pivotal role as the series heads into its final game.

Astros’ Bullpen: The Key to Victory

The Astros’ bullpen has been a game-changer in this series, allowing just two runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings. Right-handers Tayler Scott and Bryan Abreu have been particularly clutch, helping the team secure back-to-back wins. Manager Joe Espada praised their efforts, saying,

Starting Pitchers for the Finale

The final game of the series will feature two rookie right-handers: Spencer Arrighetti for the Astros and River Ryan for the Dodgers.

Spencer Arrighetti (4-8, 5.65 ERA): Arrighetti has struggled recently, with no wins in his last four starts and a 5.57 ERA. However, he showed promise earlier in the season, including a seven-inning shutout performance against the Colorado Rockies in June. Sunday’s game will be his first start against the Dodgers, providing a chance to turn things around.

River Ryan (0-0, 0.00 ERA): In his second career start, Ryan shined in his debut against the San Francisco Giants, allowing only one unearned run over 5 1/3 innings. His impressive minor league stats, including a 2.22 ERA, suggest he could be a key player as the Dodgers aim to avoid a sweep.

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Dodgers’ Challenges and Lineup Changes

The Dodgers are currently dealing with significant lineup challenges due to key player absences. All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman is on the family emergency list, and stars Mookie Betts and Max Muncy are also sidelined with injuries. These absences have impacted the Dodgers’ lineup, which recently struggled to hold onto a 5-0 lead, ultimately losing to the Astros.

Despite these challenges, players like Shohei Ohtani and Cavan Biggio have stepped up, with Ohtani hitting his 32nd home run of the season on Saturday. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the difficulties of filling the void left by their star players.

Game Preview and Series Implications

This final game carries significant weight for both teams. A sweep would solidify the Astros’ lead in their division, while for the Dodgers, it’s an opportunity to regain momentum in the National League West, where their lead over the San Diego Padres has shrunk to 5 1/2 games.

As the series wraps up, fans can anticipate a competitive and intense game, with both teams hungry for a crucial win.