Dodgers Beat the Streak: Rebounding after a hitless night
By Jason Reed
Despite scoring nine runs, the Los Angeles Dodgers were unable to overcome the Pittsburgh Pirates and one of our hitting streaks was squashed.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had one of the best offensive nights of the year, scoring nine runs on eight hits. Matt Kemp (of course) led the way, going 3-4 on the night with a home run, double and five RBIs.
However, the Dodgers’ bats were unable to overcome the Pittsburgh offense as the team fell, 11-9. Rookie Caleb Ferguson floundered in his first career start and the bullpen did not grant much relief.
For the first time during this hot streak, this beat up and battered pitching staff actually performed like many would expect. Luckily, for the rest of the hot streak, the pitching staff was overperforming.
When it comes to our hitting streaks, one of us was successful while the other was not.
Sarah managed to extend her streak with her selection Cody Bellinger, who had one hit on the night: a two-run home run in the third inning to tie the game.
My selection, Justin Turner, was not so helpful. Although Turner reached base three times via walk, he was unable to get a hit in his two registered at-bats.
Sarah’s pick — Current streak 4: Chris Taylor
My pick for this morning’s finale against the Buccos is Chris Taylor. He didn’t have the best game last night but has still hit 9 homers this season. He’s a solid player who has really had to step up to the plate.
Think about it, he went into spring knowing he’s earned a spot on the roster, being named NLCS co-MVP virtually guaranteed that, but he thought he would be playing mostly center field. Now he’s the starting shortstop for the rest of the season with the impactful injury to Corey Seager.
Chris Taylor is about to prove last season was no accident. With the air in Pittsburgh being thinner at 12:30 in the afternoon, I get the feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot of homers, hopefully, all in favor of the Dodgers.
The starter for the Pirates today is Jameson Taillon, who’s had a solid season so far, but who has the highest average against him on the team right now? Chris Taylor. In 3 AB’s against the Pirates’ right-hander, Taylor is 3-3 with 3RBI’s.
So merely going off stats, no matter how small the sample size, Taylor is the guy to root for today. He, like Bellinger, is in a bit of a slump. Bellinger, however, quite literally homered his way out of his slump. Hopefully, Taylor is next.
Jason’s pick — Current streak 0: Justin Turner
Solely based off of trends, Justin Turner should be due for a base hit on Thursday. While it may not seem wise to pick a hitter coming off of a hitless night, let me explain.
Statistically speaking, right now, Turner gets 2.44 hits for every ten at-bats he has. That is pretty low, too, as Turner is capable of getting three hits every ten at-bats.
Turner is guaranteed three plate appearances on Thursday, which hopefully will result in zero walks. Thus, if Turner were to go hitless, he would be 0-5 over the last two games. While statistics are not perfect, chances are he has to get one hit of those five at-bats, right?
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I have used this tactic before and for the most part ,it has worked out for me. Let’s hope that Thursday is no different.