Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco Giants Picks and Predictions July 22nd 2024

Homer-happy Dodgers welcome rival Giants

The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off a series of remarkable performances, are gearing up to face their historic rivals, the San Francisco Giants, in a four-game series. With the momentum of a powerful offensive display that included six home runs, the Dodgers are poised for a thrilling showdown. This article explores the recent successes, standout players, and critical challenges both teams will encounter in this high-stakes rivalry.

Dodgers’ Recent Performance

A Home Run Extravaganza

The Dodgers’ recent three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox culminated in a spectacular 9-6 victory, marked by a season-high six home runs. Shohei Ohtani led the charge with a jaw-dropping 473-foot blast, exemplifying his extraordinary power. Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez also contributed home runs, continuing their consistent performances this season.

Contributions from Unexpected Sources

While Ohtani, Freeman, and Hernandez have been reliable power hitters, the Dodgers also saw significant contributions from Austin Barnes, Gavin Lux, and Jason Heyward. Barnes hit his first home run of the season, Lux bounced back strong after a challenging first half, and Heyward marked his return from the injured list with a homer.

“It’s nice and it makes pitching a lot easier when you get runs like that. You get six home runs in a game, you better win that game,” Barnes remarked, highlighting the team’s offensive prowess.

Challenges Ahead for the Dodgers

Pitching Concerns

Despite their offensive fireworks, the Dodgers face some pitching challenges. Closer Evan Phillips struggled in the ninth inning, allowing the tying run to reach the plate before being pulled. Additionally, shortstop Miguel Rojas exited the game with a forearm strain, adding to the team’s injury concerns.

New Talent on the Mound

To bolster their pitching rotation, the Dodgers will debut right-hander River Ryan on Monday. Ryan, who boasts a 2.22 ERA in eight minor league starts this season, will help bridge the gap until Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw return from the injured list later in the week.

Giants’ Struggles and Strengths

Rocky Road Trip

The San Francisco Giants arrive in Los Angeles after a tough series against the Colorado Rockies, where they lost two of three games. However, they avoided a sweep with a 3-2 victory on Sunday, thanks to home runs from Jorge Soler and Tyler Fitzgerald.

Pitching Power

Left-hander Blake Snell will take the mound for the Giants. Snell has shown promise since returning from a left groin strain, not allowing a run in his last two starts, spanning 12 innings. His standout performance on July 14 saw him pitch six perfect innings against the Minnesota Twins before giving up a single in the seventh.

“That’s what you get when you get a Blake Snell that’s healthy, especially towards the second half of the season. That’s when he’s really, really good,” Giants manager Bob Melvin noted, expressing confidence in Snell’s abilities.

Snell himself acknowledged the season’s challenges, stating, “This year was weird. … There’s a lot there that made it a slow start, but I feel good. I’m just going to continue getting better.”

Snell’s History Against the Dodgers

Snell has a notable history against the Dodgers, including a memorable outing in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite a dominant performance, striking out nine over 5 1/3 scoreless innings, Snell was controversially pulled with a 1-0 lead, and the Dodgers went on to win the game and the championship.

Key Matchups to Watch

Power Hitters vs. Snell

The Dodgers’ powerful lineup will face a tough test against Snell, who has a lifetime 2-2 record and a 2.59 ERA in 13 regular-season starts against Los Angeles. The battle between Snell and hitters like Ohtani and Freeman will be crucial in determining the series’ outcome.

Rookie Debut

River Ryan’s major league debut adds an element of excitement. His performance under the pressure of a rivalry game will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Conclusion

The Dodgers and Giants rivalry never fails to deliver drama and excitement, and this upcoming series promises to be no different. With the Dodgers’ recent surge in power hitting and the Giants looking to rebound from a rocky road trip, the stage is set for an intense showdown. Keep an eye on key players like Ohtani, Freeman, and Snell as they play pivotal roles in this classic rivalry.

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