Dodgers Beat the Streak: Clayton Kershaw day in Atlanta

After a great performance offensively, the Los Angeles Dodgers send Clayton Kershaw to the mound in Atlanta on Friday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers responded just how a team should from a series loss by scoring eight runs against the Atlanta Braves. While the team got some help in the form of errors, the bats were looking great and Manny Machado hit his first home run as a Dodger.

This was backed by a dominant seven shutout innings from Rich Hill. The Braves scored the team’s two runs in the ninth inning when the game was already very far out of reach.

Today, the Dodgers send ace Clayton Kershaw to the bump, looking to gain momentum not only for the team but for Kershaw. While Kershaw has certainly been good, he has not been all himself this season and is yet to get in a real groove.

Perhaps he is saving the elite starts for October, which I am more than fine with.

Behind Kershaw is an offense that is showing me no love for my Dodgers Beat the Streak hitting streaks. I simply cannot get momentum and that was showcased yesterday as my pick, Matt Kemp, went hitless in his return to Atlanta.

Sarah was more fortunate as her pick, Cody Bellinger, was able to get her streak off the ground with a 1-4 showing.

Sarah’s pick — Current streak 1: Clayton Kershaw

My pick for tonight’s game against the Braves is, wait for it, Clayton Kershaw. I know this isn’t even close to the definition of a sure thing but Kersh deserves some credit. He’s one of the best hitters in the starting rotation, second only to Rich Hill.

I’ve wanted to pick the starter all season and today I am finally going to. Granted, it’ll be an uphill battle for this pitcher who can rake. On the mound for Atlanta is Mike Foltynewicz.

He’s been absolutely amazing all season, boasting a 7-6 record and a 2.85 ERA. I fully expect my streak to end tonight, but I want to take a risk and put my faith in Kershaw (at the plate, that is). As for Kersh on the mound, let’s hope it’s gem.

Jason’s pick — Current streak 0: Joc Pederson

I am going with someone that I have not picked in probably a few months in Joc Pederson. Pederson typically is not a great selection for this series, as he is not a contact hitter, however, he has shown immense improvements at the plate this season and is on a bit of a hot streak.

Pederson is hitting .272 on the season, much higher than his previous .246 personal best. His strikeout rate is much lower this season; Pederson is striking out in 15.2 percent of his plate appearances while posting a lifetime 24.7 strikeout rate.

Most importantly, Pederson is hitting .522 since the All-Star Break with five extra-base hits in 24 plate appearances. That is good enough to contribute to a 1.368 OPS since the break.

Pederson has been nothing short of incredible this season and has quietly been one of the best outfielders in all of baseball. I expect a base hit out of him tonight.