Dodgers Beat the Streak: Mad Max to make it eight?
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense has supplied us with many hits and one of us looks to extend our streak to eight games against the Cubs.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into game three of a four-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and one of us is looking to tie our season-high hitting streak for our Dodgers Beat the Streak series.
Cody Bellinger enjoyed a multi-hit night for the Dodgers that also resulted in Sarah extending her hitting streak to a personal-best seven games. The best either of us has obtained is eight, which I had to start the year.
I have not had the best selections since. However, on Tuesday, Enrique Hernandez came through with a blooper in the eighth inning to get me back on the board. While it was not the monster night I expected on his bobblehead night against Jon Lester, it was enough to get the job done.
Hopefully, the Dodgers are due for an offensive slugfest that makes both of these selections a winner. However, based on our luck in the past, I would not be surprised to see every Dodger get a hit besides the two that Sarah and I pick.
Here is who we think is going to get a base hit tonight against Kyle Hendricks and the Chicago Cubs.
Sarah’s pick — Current streak 7: Max Muncy
Alright, so my streak is at 7 and I am getting very nervous so risks are something I won’t be taking right now. That in mind, I’m going with Max Muncy for today’s third game against the Cubs. I’m picking Muncy more as a statement than anything else.
Muncy has been so solid all season, something few, if any, of us saw coming. Max Muncy is the guy I’m putting my week-long streak on. Oh yes, the nerves are real, this is exciting. Muncy, along with Kemp and Bellinger, have been more consistent than management could have ever hoped for, especially lately.
The Cubs are always a worthy opponent for the Dodgers and, with two games left in this series, there are endless possibilities. As the Dodgers face Kyle Hendricks, Max Muncy may be the one kicking things off or continuing a potential rally. I, for one, hope he continues to prove that he’s one of the strongest and most underrated hitters in the league.
Jason’s pick — Current streak 1: Yasmani Grandal
Yasmani Grandal is coming off an off-day and will be hitting from the left-side of the plate, which he performs better at this season. Grandal is hitting .237 against right-handed pitchers and .207 against southpaws.
Selecting Grandal may not be the smartest choice as he has been ice cold the last month. Over the last 28 games played, Grandal is hitting just .164 with 20 strikeouts in 67 at-bats. He has just 11 hits in that same timeframe.
Grandal has been cold, there is no doubt about that. And while he may not reclaim the hot steak that he rode at the beginning of the season, he should be due to at least return to form and at least use his power.
Next: Is it time to pursue Manny Machado?
On Wednesday I think we are going to see a coveted blast from Grandal and his infamous bat drop. Hopefully, it is with Max Muncy on first base after a single and both of our streaks can continue.