Los Angeles Dodgers turn to Kenta Maeda in San Diego rubber match

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking things one series at a time and have the chance to take two of three in San Diego on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped two out of three games against the New York Yankees and after an ugly loss on Tuesday, many fans were worried that the team would suffer the same late-August, early-September lull that they experienced in 2017.

That lull has been postponed, at least one game, as the Dodgers proved on Wednesday that they are still engaged as there is still a lot to play for. The Dodgers bested the Padres 9-0 in what was a much-needed offensive outburst for the team.

As long as the Dodgers continue to keep the one series at a time mantra, they will be right in the thick of the home-field advantage race and will give themselves a good chance to secure it. After all, the team only has two games the rest of the season against a team in playoff position (Tampa Bay Rays).

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Of course, that can change if the New York Mets move into wild-card position. Besides them, though, the Dodgers really don’t have that tough of a last month.

It might be stressful but it is a good thing that the Dodgers are fighting for home-field advantage. Not only because of the role it plays in the postseason, but because it will keep the team on their toes and ready for October.

Wednesday’s starter, Kenta Maeda, is looking for a nice run into October to help rid some of the cobwebs that plagued him in the middle of the season.

As part of our Los Angeles Dodgers Beat the Streak series, here is who we think can get at least one hit against San Diego’s bullpen to help Maeda’s efforts.

Jason’s pick (Current streak: 3): Kenta Maeda

Nope, this is not a joke. Last year I went with a pitcher a few times and this year I have only done it once and Clayton Kershaw let me down.

Kenta Maeda, on the other hand, is a beast at the plate, carrying a very lofty .256 batting average into play. Not only is Maeda getting a hit one out of every four at-bats, but he has a mind-boggling, near league-leading four RBIs.

I haven’t even gotten to the best part. Kenta Maeda has one career home run, which happened to be in his MLB debut (what a beast). What ballpark did that home run come in? You guessed it, Petco Park.

I don’t want to get overzealous here and predict another home run for Maeda, not at all. However, don’t be surprised when he gets that bat head out to the ball and slaps something the other way for a nice base hit, Justin Turner style.