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Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak selections — May 25

By Sarah Maninger

SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 30: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a grand slam during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on June 30, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 30: Austin Barnes #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a grand slam during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on June 30, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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Tonight, a red-hot Dodgers team will begin a 3-game set against the rival Padres, sending Ross Stripling to the mound against Clayton Richard.

Well, Dodger Nation, the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be back to normal. I’m a generally superstitious person, but will make an exception to say this; this team has been playing stellar baseball this past week and my oh my has it been a joy to watch.

Since the last time the Dodgers lost 2 in a row, or 2 games, for that matter (May 16th in Miami) they’ve scored 32 runs. The only game they’ve lost in that span was Monday’s game against Colorado, in which they lost 2-1. They’ve won 5 of their last 6, including a sweep of the NL East powerhouse Nationals.

So, as the Dodgers start a series against their division rival, Jason and I tell you who we think will get a knock for the Dodgers and, hopefully, lead the charge in another epic weekend of baseball at Chavez Ravine.

Jason’s pick: Current Streak: 1: Matt Kemp

Ride the hot streak while you can. Matt Kemp has been the best hitter on the Los Angeles Dodgers and took home player of the week in our weekly series.

Kemp is eighth in the league in batting average (.327) and first among qualified hitters in batting average with runners in scoring position (.471). Against a southpaw in Clayton Richard, Kemp has a favorable matchup and likely will get a chance to hit with runners in scoring position.

Plus, Kemp seemingly always does good against the Padres, at least this season. Kemp is hitting .545 with three of his five home runs against the Padres. In his career, Kemp is 13 for 35 against Richard with two home runs and five doubles.

Sarah’s Pick: Current Streak: 1: Austin Barnes

Tonight, I’m going with Austin Barnes. I picked him because of one stat: his record against tonight’s starter for the Padres, Clayton Richard. In his career, Barnes is 9-15 against Richard, including 8 RBI’s and one home run (a grand slam, the first of his career.)

This was a pretty easy decision for me, as Barnes has had Richard’s number since the start. He’s hit 4 doubles and is batting .600 against the Padres’ southpaw. Even though Grandal has been so good this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barnes in the lineup tonight.

He’s only started 20 games for the boys in blue this season and hasn’t had too many chances at the plate due to Grandal’s success.

Of course, I love having Grandal in this lineup, it’s been a huge boost to the offense, but Barnes stats against Richard are wild, and will be a massive advantage in this series.

Next: Dodgers players of the week, May 25

Barnes is capable of hitting it out of the park (see: Friday, June 30th, 2017) and I expect him to continue to do great things against the guys from San Diego.

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