Los Angeles Dodgers: Following up a big night with more dingers

The Los Angeles Dodgers had exactly the performance that the team needed by scoring 11 runs on five home runs to defeat the Seattle Mariners.

It seems like forever since the Los Angeles Dodgers last had a statement win like the win the team had on Friday night. Granted, Los Angeles was riding a five-game losing streak until Wednesday, but even the team’s wins were scratched and clawed.

Overall, the Dodgers have had a ton of success at defeating teams in dominant fashion, it is the close games that the Dodgers really struggle with. Despite having the best run differential in the National League, the Dodgers are not dominating due to the team’s performance in close games.

The Dodgers are 17-20 in one-run contests and 21-8 when the game is decided by five or more runs. Thus, when the game is within four runs on either side, the Dodgers have a 45-49 record.

So while the team will certainly take a deciding 11-1 victory, it also needs to keep in mind that winning the close games are going to be what is most important come December. Every team can stockpile runs on a good night, the Dodgers need to manufacture runs and win games consistently.

Despite the Dodgers scoring 11 runs with 11 base hits, neither Sarah or I could extend our Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak hitting streak.

We both went with former Mariner Chris Taylor, who did not get the starting nod and did not appear off the bench for the Dodgers. So while we did not extend our streaks, we at least did not lose our streaks.

It is not like they are that long, anyway. Both Sarah and I are at one game.

With the Dodgers facing off against Erasmo Ramirez, who has a 6.75 ERA on the year, we should expect a lot of hits on back-to-back nights. Sarah was unable to make her selection today, so her streak will remain at one.

Jason’s pick — Current streak 1: Manny Machado

Manny Machado is swinging a hot bat for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is giving the team exactly what they traded for back in July.

Machado has not had a terrible time with the Dodgers but he did struggle to replicate his performance with the Baltimore Orioles. Dodger Stadium is a hard place to hit and that is where his struggles were. However, Machado finished the homestand with a good game against the Giants and continued that last night.

Machado went 3-5 against the Giants and went 2-5 with two home runs against the Mariners last night. Overall, Machado is hitting .300 in his last seven games played.

Machado will hopefully continue this hot streak as he plays in a familiar American League park. If not, the least he could do is get one base hit to help extend my streak.