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Dodgers Beat the Streak: Big hitters in the Big Apple

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 16: Matt Kemp #27 is greeted by Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 16: Matt Kemp #27 is greeted by Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are in New York for a three-game series against the Mets. Some big bats are bound for base hits in the Big Apple.

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their first series in over a month after dropping two of three to the Chicago Cubs. Although the Dodgers won the first game of the series, the team hit very poorly and nearly got swept in the process.

If it were not for a Kyle Farmer two-out, two RBI double in the ninth inning, the Dodgers would be riding a four-game losing streak.

Thus, it is safe to say that the Dodger bats are not where they should be and the pitching has been able to soften the blow. Since scoring 12 runs against the Rangers on June 12, the Dodgers have scored more than three runs just once; which was because of the Farmer double.

Although the Dodgers were shutout in the series finale against the Cubs, we were able to extend our Beat the Streak hitting streaks.

I went with Enrique Hernandez, who had a favorable matchup against lefty Jon Lester. Hernandez historically hits Lester fairly well and went 2-3 in the contest; one of the two hits coming off Lester.

Sarah went with a lefty on lefty matchup and selected Max Muncy. Muncy too was able to extend her streak, going 1-3 in the contest with a walk.

Sarah’s pick — Current streak 2: Matt Kemp

My pick for today is Matt Kemp. I’m picking Kemp because he has played all-star caliber baseball all season and, the closer we get to all-star week in DC, he just keeps looking better and better.

Also, as the Dodgers open a three-game set in New York tonight, Kemp will play a familiar team. For over a season, Kemp played in the same division as the Mets and knows them well.

Though Kemp may not make a statement in the Big Apple tonight, he could do what he’s been doing all season, being as productive as possible for the Boys in Blue.

Jason’s pick — Current streak 1: Cody Bellinger

Tonight the Dodgers are facing right-handed pitcher Zach Wheeler before getting a taste of Jacob DeGrom on Saturday. DeGrom has been lights out this season, and although the Mets usually lose when he pitches, the Dodgers must take game one to be comfortable with at least a series win.

After an off-day that likely included exploring New York, the Dodger bats should be reenergized and should be ready to attack Wheeler. Especially after getting shutout in Chicago, the hitter should be attacking counts early and looking to put runs on the board fast.

Because of that, I think we are going to see a massive Bellibomb off the bat of Cody Bellinger. While Bellinger has struggled this season, he still has showcased the ability to hit the baseball a mile.

Bellinger simply is in a sophomore slump and needs to overcome the adjustments that opposing pitchers have made on him. Tonight, Bellinger faces a team he only sees twice a year, so the Mets might not have as solid of a gameplan as other teams that regularly see Bellinger.

Next: It is time to pursue Manny Machado

Bellinger will get a pretty pitch to hit early in one of his at-bats and launch it deep into right-center. By doing so, he will also be extending my hitting streak.

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