Dodgers Beat the Streak: Going for the four-game sweep

The Los Angeles Dodgers have handled the Atlanta Braves quite nicely and look to complete a four-game sweep during some morning baseball on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are really firing on all cylinders right now. Offensively, the Dodgers are clicking and have been slugging home runs while also manufacturing runs. Pitching-wise, the Dodgers have been phenomenal, allowing just four combined runs over the three games.

Los Angeles has not been able to create too much separation in the standings, however. The Arizona Diamondbacks have won the last two games while the Colorado Rockies have won the last three. Thus, the Dodgers sit with a 1.5 game lead over the Diamondbacks in the NL West.

Still, the way the Dodgers are playing is very promising and the team may just go on a pretty long run that could create much-needed distance from second place as the season winds down.

Playoff races are fun and all, but it is also fun to clinch as soon as possible.

For the first time in what seems like forever, the team came through offensively and extended both of our Dodgers Beat the Streak hitting streaks.

I went with Enrique Hernandez, who did not have a pretty night but still went 1-5 to extend my streak. As for Sarah, Manny Machado was able to extend her streak with a 2-3 showing.

Sarah’s pick — Current streak 3: Chris Taylor

My pick for today’s series finale is Chris Taylor. Taylor has been a lot stronger lately, especially on this road trip. Not only has he done an excellent job playing all over the field, he’s starting to hit, and drive guys in. Over his past 7 games, he’s gone 9-28 with a homer and 6 RBIs.

Plus, Taylor has a .500 average and one home run in 8 ABs against today’s starter for Atlanta, Sean Newcomb. Not only has Taylor picked it up, the entire offense has, too.

Even during yesterday’s game, I saw the team taking advantage of productive outs, and running the bases well. I have a feeling that both Taylor’s success, as well as the entirety of the lineup, will continue today.

Jason’s pick — Current streak 1: Matt Kemp

I have picked Matt Kemp perhaps a few too many times recently and that may be what Kemp has been on a bit of a cold streak. However, coming off of a 0-4 night, it is hard not to pick the hitter that has been so big for the Dodgers this season.

Granted, Kemp is in a cold spell. However, statistically, Kemp is due for at least one base hit in three or four at-bats after going hitless the night before. While it does not always work that way, the chances do play in my favor.

This is a strategy I employed at the beginning of the season and it actually worked quite well as I started the year off with an eight-game hitting streak. I started to shy away from it, now, I am going back to my roots.

Matt Kemp with a base hit. I am not going to call anything flashy like I normally do. All I need is one base hit.