Dodgers Beat the Streak: It is time to ride the hot streak
Today, the Dodgers look to complete the sweep of the Rockies, they’ll send Alex Wood to the mound against Chad Bettis.
There was a time when games like Saturday were surprising. And when I say “a time” I mean two weeks ago. This is not the team we saw in April, but then again, we were all saying that that team isn’t who they truly are, anyway.
Who are the Dodgers? They’re the team that traded for Matt Kemp in what was one of the biggest salary dumps of the offseason and had full intention of trading him. Now he’s returned to his 2012 self and the Dodgers are suddenly winning games.
Was it a stroke of genius or an unintended, yet welcome result of a strategically placed trade?
Either way, it’s working. The Dodgers are winning and playing quality baseball. They’re beginning to prove that last season was no fluke, but rather the outcome of a well-built organization.
Here’s to hoping it continues.
Saturday’s Picks:
At game time Saturday, Jason and I were both at 0. I went with Justin Turner, while Jason went with Yasmani Grandal. Both got hits, as did everyone else in the starting lineup except for Cody Bellinger and Walker Buehler.
Fingers crossed the Dodgers feel like an encore today.
Sarah’s Pick — Current Streak 1: Matt Kemp
I can’t help it, okay? Kemp’s average is .347. I could pick someone with a little less consistency, like Austin Barnes or Logan Forsythe, but with Matt Kemp in this lineup, it goes from good to great. It’s the stuff of legend; it’s dynamite.
Matt Kemp, coincidentally, has the most RBI’s (6) against Chad Bettis of any current Dodger. He’s hitting .294 against him, with 1 home run in 17 at-bats.
Here’s the thing, now that Kemp is especially hot at the plate, Roberts can’t afford to rest him. Of course, there’s Joc Pederson, who hit 2 home runs in Saturday’s blowout win, but Kemp is the best hitter on the team right now. He’s the reason the offense has gotten so hot, and that’s something the Dodgers can’t afford to let fall away.
The Dodgers enter today’s game hoping to complete the sweep and, if they can, Matt Kemp may be a big reason why.
Jason’s pick — Current streak 1: Matt Kemp
Yes, I am totally copying Sarah because why shouldn’t I? Matt Kemp is not only the best hitter on the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, he is arguably the hottest player in the MLB. Not only does Kemp deserve an all-star appearance, he deserves serious MVP consideration.
Thus, in the wise words of Kemp, “I’m going to ride this thing until the wheels fall off. Literally.” Kemp is hitting everything and I need someone that can extend my streak.
Next: Dodgers "Would You Rather?" World Series Edition
So, for what is I believe the third time in this series, Sarah and I are going with the same pick. And right now, it seems to be a guarantee.