For the second consecutive night, the Dodgers shutout the Angels with another 2-0 victory in Anaheim to sweep the short two-game set. The first game Clayton Kershaw tossed seven shut out innings. In the second game on Wednesday it was the bullpen of all people that delivered with nine shutout frames. If there was a bigger surprise, this was one of them. The Dodgers will come home to face the cheaters for a three game weekend series.
Even more surprising was that the Dodger’s much maligned bullpen defeated Angel’s superstar Shohei Ohtani. The MVP tossed seven innings allowing one earned run on five hits and struck out twelve. Despite his best efforts he was tagged with the loss. The Dodgers used seven relievers to limit the Angels to just two hits and four walks. Brusdar Graterol was the opener, and Even Phillips closed out the win. Newly acquired Ryan Brasier pitched 1.1 scoreless innings and the bullpen combined for eight strikeouts. All total the Dodger bullpen pitched 11 scoreless frames during the two-game series. The Dodgers had recalled Michael Grove before the game and Designated Andre Jackson for assignment to clear roster space for Brasier. I had originally thought that Grove was going to get the start, but he was just there to serve as an emergency bulk guy. He wasn’t needed.
We’ll see if anyone picks up Jackson. It’s a shame because he has potential and I feel as if he never got much of a chance with the Dodgers. I also worry that this win will empower Andrew Friedman to do more bullpen games in the future (hopefully not). Either way this is an encouraging turnaround for the relievers.
Welcome to the Freddie Freeman Sho. pic.twitter.com/4R28qmcGTg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 22, 2023
The Dodger bats have cooled off this week, however they used two solo home runs to cross the finish line. Freddie Freeman (who had a quiet homestand) belted his fourteenth home run off of Ohtani in the top of the fourth. The Dodgers added another solo shot from struggling rookie Miguel Vargas in the top of the ninth. Vargas has been punchless thus far in 2023, but hoping that this will give him some confidence to start to turn around his season. The Dodgers notched six hits, two walks and a double from JD Martinez.
Miggy homer? Loup, there it is. pic.twitter.com/KAC673hBNV
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 22, 2023
The boys in blue picked up a half game in the standings. They’re now 41-33 and 3.5 games behind Arizona in the NL West. The Giants won their tenth consecutive game and have somehow almost reverted back to their 2021 107-win season but are 2.5 games behind the Snakes in second place. The Padres have not been a factor this year. The Friars are 9.5 games behind in the division. These wins are a welcome reprieve after the tough series against the Giants. Enjoy the day off.
A terrific 2 game sweep, but remind you, it was just the Angels. A great series against the other team, the LA Wanna’ Bees. A great opportunity to get some momentum for the next series vs. the Ass-tros.
Yes, it was great medicine for the bullpen. Just what the Doctor prescribed. But, remind you, it was just the Angels. The pitching staff silenced the Angel bats, especially perennial All-Stars Trout and Ohtani. Now that is impressive. The pitchers came to play, led by “The GOAT” Kershaw.
Even still, the offense still managed only 2 runs per game. Ohtani dominated the listless Dodger offense in game 2, striking out 12 in 7 innings. Bats were 0-2 RISP, 7 LOB, 13 K’s total. Game 1, remember that the bats were 0-4 RISP, 6 LOB, 9 K’s. So, the offense still has much room for improvement. Just too many wasted opportunities.
So, like I said, “It Was Just The Angels”, but better than losing, that’s for sure.
Go Dodgers, “Trash the Ass-tros!”
I must admit that I was concerned upon seeing the pitching matchup a few days before the start of the series. Ohtani vs TBD. The bullpen countered with a great performance in this short series. Hopefully it’s the start of a positive trend for the pitching staff going forward.
Yes Mexivin, I too am concerned with Dodger pitching, but more concerned about the starting rotation coupled with a unpredictable offense.
It is concerning when the Dodgers have to depend on “TBD” bullpen games, and cannot even establish a set starting rotation. Yes, the bullpen is a shambles, but mostly due to the starters’ inability to provide length, starter’s injuries, and the relievers having to labor day after day to burn up the remaining 4+ innings and keep the struggling offense in the game. The relievers came through in the two game sweep of the Angels, but after all, they are “Just The Angels”, that other team in LA. Also, in doing so, would the relievers have enough gas to get them through the Trash-tro series?
The Ass-tros seem to have pitching problems too. Both the Dodgers and the Cheaters had to call upon their rookies. 5 of the 6 starters in the series were rookies, and the only veteran Gonsolin, was shaky as hell. The gassed relief corps had to come to the rescue again.
All three games were close, with the Dodgers’ listless offense managing to squeeze out two victories, game one with a late inning rally and umpire’s “gift” balk call in game two. Game three, the offensive woes continued, wasting too many opportunities, and the weary relief corps that pooped out in extras.
Without some dependable starters and some offensive stability (having 5 of 9 batters tickling the Mendoza Line” does not help), the relievers will have to dig deep and do all they can to keep the Dodgers in contention. The Dodgers have to minimize the elevator rides back and forth from the minors. They have to manage their options… they just lost Andre Jackson to the Pirates because they ran out of options on him.
Tough times for the Dodger pitching staff and they cannot be overly optimistic on heathy returns from the IL… Gonsolin is living proof.
Hey Mex,
Good to hear from you. Yeah let’s hope for better days ahead for the pitching staff.
Vargas and Outman struggling. May need a trip to OKC.