Dodgers Beat the Streak: Home run frenzy continues
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the Chicago Cubs after losing a series in Chicago and turning around and sweeping the New York Mets.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been home run crazy, slugging seven home runs in the team’s 8-7 win over the New York Mets.
While solo home runs are not the most interesting home runs to see, seeing the Dodgers slug seven individual long bombs is promising for a team that is still looking to close the gap in the division.
It is also promising as the Dodgers host a potential playoff foe in the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs got the best of the Boys in Blue in three games at Wrigley Field last week. Now, it is the Dodgers’ turn to return the favor.
As for our Dodgers Beat the Streak hitting streaks, both Sarah and I were successful on Sunday. Sarah went with Cody Bellinger, who contributed with two of the seven solo shots. I went with Yasiel Puig, who did not homer but went 2-4 on the night.
Sarah’s pick — Current streak 5: Justin Turner
My pick for today’s series opener against the Cubs is Justin Turner. Turner had that monster, not to mention perfectly timed, home run yesterday in New York. I think that we may see something similar again today. Though I don’t think he’s going to walk it off in Game 2-like fashion, I do think he’s going to get a knock or two.
Tonight, making his MLB Debut for the Cubs at Dodger Stadium is RHP Duane Underwood Jr. who has been solid in the minors for his whole career. Kenta Maeda is set to take the mound for the Dodgers.
The last time the Cubs and Dodgers played at Chavez Ravine, Justin Turner launched one historic homer into center field. The Dodgers look strong right now. They’re coming off a sweep of the Mets, and are hitting homers faster than anyone can count. I have a good feeling that JT will be a part of that today.
Jason’s pick — Current streak 4: Matt Kemp
Matt Kemp was not part of the home run frenzy that the Dodgers put on during Sunday’s contest. In fact, Kemp joined Logan Forsythe as the only Dodger hitters to not record a base hit against the Mets.
That is likely going to change for Kemp, who finds himself slightly down in the lineup in the five-hole. The veteran Kemp is likely going to take full advantage of rookie pitcher Duane Underwood Jr.
Next: Time for Dodgers to consider Manny Machado
Kemp, who hit a pinch-hit grand slam on Saturday, is going to have one of his games that he constantly put together during the month of May. Home run, at least one more extra-base hit and at least RBIs.