After Biggest Loss of the Year, Dodgers Get Another Shot at D-backs
One day in the wake of getting through their most unbalanced rout of the time, the Los Angeles Dodgers will hope to return quickly in the finale of a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday in Phoenix.
The Diamondbacks are going for the gold split subsequent to releasing a 17-hit onslaught in a 14-3 defeat of the Dodgers on Sunday. Randal Grichuk’s three-run homer covered an eight-run second inning, while Eugenio Suarez additionally homered and contributed two RBIs. With the triumph, Arizona (77-60) snapped a three-game long string of failures and moved inside five rounds of the primary spot Dodgers (82-55) in the National League West.
Dodgers Rest Stars in Early Blowout
The Dodgers, who had won the first two games of the series, found themselves in an early hole on Sunday. Manager Dave Roberts decided to pull key players Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Teoscar Hernandez from the game after the Dodgers trailed 8-0 going into the bottom of the third inning. The decision was part of an effort to conserve the bullpen, as rookie starter Justin Wrobleski was left in to absorb much of the damage, allowing 10 runs on 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings.
“We got put into a tough spot today, then you’re just trying to find a way to salvage pitching,” Roberts said. “I think the positive is we’re back to full strength for tomorrow with a chance to win the series.”
Diamondbacks Respond with Focus and Determination
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was encouraged by his team’s focus and execution in what he described as a crucial game for the Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes.
“I’m not saying it was a must-win game, but it was a very, very important game,” Lovullo said. “We know the standings, we’re following it …. but what impresses me most is our ability to block that out and execute and win the game.”
Pitching Matchup: Flaherty vs. Rodriguez
The Dodgers will turn to right-hander Jack Flaherty (10-6, 3.07 ERA) to start the series finale. Flaherty, who has gone 3-1 with a 3.49 ERA in five starts since being acquired from the Detroit Tigers, is coming off a performance where he allowed three runs over six innings in a 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. Despite the loss, Flaherty felt positive about his outing.
“Overall, just two pitches that I’d really like back,” Flaherty said. “Just continuing to find ways to get outs. Gotta get deeper.”
Flaherty has a career record of 1-2 with a 4.41 ERA in six starts against the Diamondbacks. However, he did secure a win in Phoenix on May 18 while with Detroit, allowing just two runs over six innings.
The Diamondbacks will counter with left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 5.06 ERA), who will make his fifth beginning of the time subsequent to missing the greater part of the year with a shoulder injury. Rodriguez is falling off a no-choice in his last beginning, where he surrendered five runs more than 5 1/3 innings against the New York Mets on Wednesday. Notwithstanding his battles, Rodriguez has shown flashes of his old structure and will be hoping to assist the Diamondbacks with getting a parted in the series.
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Key Players to Watch
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez has delighted in progress against Rodriguez before, going 8-for-21 (.381) with three homers against the lefty. In the mean time, the Diamondbacks will screen the situation with left defender Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who left Sunday’s down with left calf snugness and is viewed as everyday.
Arizona’s right defender Corbin Carroll has been a reliable power in the setup, arriving at base securely in 40 back to back begins, an establishment record. Carroll’s solid play has been key for the Diamondbacks as they proceed with their push for a playoff spot.
“I’m just trying to do something to help the team win every day, that’s been the goal,” Carroll said. “Being back in the space where I’m able to do that right now, or just giving myself a better chance to do that, it’s felt rewarding.”
What’s at Stake
The Dodgers will hope to recuperate from their most exceedingly terrible loss of the time and take the series from the Diamondbacks as they keep on engaging for the best position in the National League. For the Diamondbacks, Monday’s down presents a valuable chance to remain inside striking distance of the Dodgers in the NL West and pick up speed as they head into the last stretch of the time.