Los Angeles Dodgers: Someone needs to hit with runners on

The 2018 season may slowly be slipping from the Los Angeles Dodgers grasp due to the team’s inability to with runners on base.

The Los Angeles Dodgers own the best run differential in the National League and do not have much to show for it. At 66-61, the Dodgers are 4.5 games out of the NL West and 3.5 games out of the second wild-card spot.

While there still is some season left to play, including an easier last month of the season with six games remaining against the Diamondbacks, the team’s current trend will not lead to the postseason.

The offense has the ability to come out in flurries and score over 10 runs and simply overpower its opposition. However, that very same offense also struggles to manufacture runs as well as hit with runners on base and in scoring position.

That is a terrible recipe for the Los Angeles Dodgers. And while it can all be turned around with a hot streak and a series win over the Diamondbacks, nothing is guaranteed. This team is talented enough to walk its way through the National League into the World Series.

The team has the starting pitching, will have a more complete bullpen with a shorter rotation in October and seemingly has the bats to make it happen. Yet for some reason, the Dodgers are underperforming and have become one of the most frustrating teams to watch in the MLB.

Playoff teams have to win close games often and have to be much better at home than on the road. The Dodgers are neither of those things this season.

Hopefully, a three-game set with the flailing San Diego Padres can give the offense some confidence before the team heads into a two-game set with the Texas Rangers and then a three-game set against the Diamondbacks.

While winning is more important, it could hopefully help our Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak series as well.

Sarah starts it off with her selection for Friday’s opener and keeps it short and sweet. (Sarah, if you are reading this, I wish you luck with the moving process!)

Sarah’s pick — Current streak 0: Matt Kemp

My pick for tonight is Matt Kemp. He hasn’t been playing his best lately, but he has been strong. The Dodgers need a huge offensive boost and Kemp could be the one to provide it.

Jason’s pick — Current streak 4: Matt Kemp

I have to go with Sarah on this one and also select Matt Kemp. Due to his recent struggles, this may not be the smartest pick. However, Kemp has hit the Padres very well this season and will hopefully continue that trend.

Kemp was one of the key components to the Dodgers turning around the season after the initial cold spell. If Kemp can get back into his dominant ways with runners on base, the Dodgers will fare quite nicely.