Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak Selections — April 16
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks and will head down to San Diego to face the Padres.
Well, at least the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t get swept.
The Dodgers took home a 7-2 victory, on Jackie Robinson Day, in the final game of a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After two staggered series including the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics, the Dodgers will play six consecutive games before an off-day Thursday. Then, a three-game set at home against the Washington Nationals.
However, at least as far as this post is considered, we are focused on our Beat the Streak selections. One of us is still perfect while another is still looking to start another streak.
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Sunday’s picks:
On Sunday, Sarah Maninger selected someone that did not even get a plate appearance: catcher Yasmani Grandal. Thus, her streak sat right where it already is (we will get to that later).
On the other hand, my selection, Corey Seager, went 1-4 in the contest. Going 1-4 or 1-5 has been what Seager does pretty much on a daily basis. Although that is not promising and should improve as the season goes along, it was more than enough to continue my perfect streak since we started the series.
Sarah’s pick (Current streak: 0): Cody Bellinger
WHY:
My pick for tonight is Cody Bellinger. He’s hit two homers this season but has yet to make a strong, offensive impact. That’s not on him, as it’s only mid-April.
I don’t want to be the kind of fan, and the kind of writer, that puts unrealistic expectations on Bellinger because of his historic rookie season, but I also think that it’s up to him to prove that last year wasn’t just a lucky one.
He’s the kind of player that is capable of hitting anywhere from 30-45 homers a season. He’s a slugger, as well as a great defender at first. Bellinger has hit 6 homers against the Padres, the most off of any opponent. Bellinger is ready, and up to the task, of boosting the Dodgers’ offense above that of the Padres.
Which Dodger do YOU have getting a hit against the Padres on Monday? Let us know by responding with #DodgersBTS!
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Jason’s pick (Current streak: 5): Matt Kemp
If it is not broken, don’t fix it. My strategy for this series has been all about averages; pick a player that gets one hit at least every six or seven at-bats that went 0-4 the game prior. One of the best hitters for the Dodgers this season has been Matt Kemp, and what do you know, he went 0-3 in Sunday’s contest.
Kemp is a risky pick using this method considering that his hitting can often be a rollercoaster. However, dating back to Saturday, Kemp has not gotten a hit in his last four at-bats. Thus far this season he is hitting .300. Chances are that he will not go eight or nine straight at-bats without getting a hit.
Next: Who should the Dodgers call up with Forsythe out?
It also helps that the Dodgers are matching up against a southpaw in Robbie Erlin. Kemp has never faced Erlin in his career, however, he owns a .283 batting average at Petco Park. This is Kemp’s first game back in San Diego as a member of the Dodgers, so I am sure he has something he wants to prove.