MidValleySports.Com

By Those Deferred BenchWarmers

The Dodgers offense looked anemic to start the weekend, scoring only one run the first 19 innings of the series (and being shut out for the first 17), before cashing in on their opportunities on Sunday. The vibes are much better heading into this week’s tilt with the Padres.

The Week in Review
Headline for the Weekend: Dodgers Start Road Trip in Slow Fashion

Results: The Dodgers were shutout on Friday, despite having 10 hits (1 for 13 with RISP will do that to you). They managed a run in the ninth on Saturday to tie the game, but quickly surrendered a walkoff hit. Sunday was a throwback of sorts, as Clayton Kershaw again ended a Dodger losing streak with 5 strong innings to get his first win of the year. 

Pitching Analysis: The pitchers of consequence were solid this series. Excusing Justin Wrobleski (6 innings, 4 earned runs), no Dodger pitcher gave up more than a run except Ben Casparius, who hurt himself with a throwing error in Saturday’s 2-1 loss. Anthony Banda, Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott, and Michael Kopech all worked scoreless innings in relief. The true starters really showed up against the Cardinals, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossing six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and Clayton Kershaw pitching five innings of one run ball and seven strikeouts. 
  
Hitting Analysis: Not much to analyze the first two games, as the Dodgers simply could not get the clutch hits necessary to bring in runs. They were a putrid 1 for 25 with runners in scoring position the first two games… and that one hit didn’t even produce a run. In fact, their only run scored came on a strikeout! Did the Dodgers solve their RISP woes on Sunday to score seven runs? 

In a word, no. They were 3 for 14 (making it 4 for 39 this weekend!), with Tommy Edman coming in clutch against his former team (2 for 2, 3 RBI) and Hye-seong “I need to play more” Kim hitting a triple to drive in two more. 

The good news is Mookie Betts may have found his footing this weekend, as he batted .500 against the Cards (7 for 14) including a homerun. This also includes the bizarre replay review in the top of the second on Sunday, in which Betts was clearly safe for a hit and RBI, despite the replay review stating the play stood as originally called. 

Takeaway for the Week: This has been a feeling for us awhile, and it’s not groundbreaking, but the Dodgers ability to cash in on RISP opportunities will be the difference this October. The more success they see during the summer, the easier it will be to pass the baton. The more series like this one, the more guys will likely press more with more pressure, resulting in less than ideal results. 

Burning Question (And Attempted Answer): What do we make of the Dodgers so far this year? 
We’re not yet at the halfway point, but getting there. There are a couple of interesting stats: Since starting 8-0, the Dodgers are 31-27. Over their last 33 games, they are 16-17. 

Looking at the big picture though, the Dodgers are without 60% of their rotation, and 3 of the 4 backend pieces of the bullpen have missed time. Offensively, 2 of the big 3 have missed time. These are not excuses by any stretch, just simple observations. 

With all the issues the Dodgers have faced and have, they are still first place in the NL West, and less than four games back of the best record in baseball. And, get this… they’ve scored the most runs in baseball. 

So are we worried? Nope, not yet!

Next Series’ Preview
Matchups: The Dodgers head to San Diego for the first time this season, with first place in the NL West on the line. 

Analysis: The Padres know what it is like to be down a pitcher, as Yu Darvish has yet to pitch this season for them. The rotation has been solid for them so far though, but the Dodgers do miss the two starters that are giving up the least earned runs so far this season, Nick Pivetta takes the mound for the Padres to start the series, who has been solid all year. Dylan Cease has struggled this year, but should revel in the chance to shut down the Dodgers.