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Pirates Return to LA for a Three Game Set Against the Dodgers

By Sarah Maninger

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after crossing the plate against the Colorado Rockiesin the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after crossing the plate against the Colorado Rockiesin the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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After a strong offensive outburst against the Rockies on Sunday, the Dodgers finish the homestand against the Pirates.

LeBron is a Laker! Okay, I just had to get that out of my system because yesterday was a great day for LA sports. Alright, back to Los Angeles Dodgers baseball.

The Dodgers played some really great baseball on Sunday and Matt Kemp proved once again why he deserves to be an All-Star.

Ross Stripling didn’t have his best outing, but the offense picked him up, something they’ve been fairly good at thus far. Though only one of our picks got a hit in Sunday’s win, the Dodgers managed to beat their division rival and move up one game closer to first.

Now the Dodgers look ahead, as the Pittsburgh Pirates come to town, and Jason and I give you our picks for Monday.

Jason’s Pick: Current Streak-0: Max Muncy

Max Muncy has emerged not only at 2018’s rendition of Chris Taylor but as one of the best hitters in the National League.

I’m not kidding. Muncy’ 1.024 OPS this season would be fourth in the MLB, first in the National League, if he had enough qualified plate appearances. This is not a small sample size, though, as Muncy has come to the plate 221 times. He is just 36 shy of being qualified. If he plays consistently, he will be there in a month.

Anyways, Muncy is going to deliver another ball into the seats tonight to hopefully continue the good offensive game the team had last night. Muncy is a risky pick, since he is frequent to walks, but I am confident he will give us at least one big hit.

Sarah’s Pick: Current Streak-1: Yasiel Puig

How can I not go with Puig after what he did in Sunday’s win? Yasiel Puig is the definition of ‘hustle.’ You can tell from his mentality on the field, and on the bases, especially the past two seasons, that he wants to do whatever he can to help this team win. He’s confident and has faith not only himself, but in his team, and his coaches. I mean, he was the one who told fans that he’d see us in the World Series last season, after all.

I’m picking Puig today, not due to statistical evidence, but because of what he did yesterday. In fact, no Dodger has a record against tonight’s starter for Pittsburgh, RHP Nick Kingham. I’m picking him because I think that Sunday was the start of something for Puig. I think that it was simply another good luck charm, another memorable play, that define is distinct presence, and talent on this team. It’s right up there with the tongue wagging, bat licking, and Turner Ward kissing.

In 2013, Puig was dynamite for the Dodgers.

Next: Dodgers Trade Candidate: Raisel Iglesias

Are we about to see the Wild Horse at his best again? I think so.

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