Still, despite all those painful scenarios, they haven’t short-circuited the Dodgers (69-55) battling the Giants for the division lead. The Dodgers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 6.3 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.6 runs per game. He joined ESPN Chicago in July 2010 and covered the Chicago White Sox for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN Radio 1000 through the 2015 season. Another three games follow against the Chicago Cubs, owners of the best record in baseball.
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Meanwhile, the Dodgers appear to be thriving with ace Clayton Kershaw out. When he has been able to record an out in the sixth inning of a start in 2016, the Dodgers are 12-4.
The next six days at home will be a test of the Dodgers’ playoff worthiness, at least for the current roster. Where Kershaw was a one-man band in April and May, the bullpen and offense have grown considerably. Giants outfielder Angel Pagan is batting.356 during an 18-game hitting streak and hopes to play Tuesday after missing Sunday’s loss to the New York Mets with a groin injury. They are 3-5 in Maeda’s other starts. They managed a 0-2 record when playing as the underdog. San Francisco continues to be a poor bet in the second half. Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez slugged three homers and had eight RBI in Monday’s 18-9 win over the Reds and has six homers and 19 RBIs while batting.410 during his 15-game hitting streak, but he’s struggled against San Francisco starter Madison Bumgarner in the past.
The Giants will be going for their third consecutive victory in the series after winning the last two games between the teams at home in the middle of June. Justin Ruggiano hit a grand slam off him in the fourth inning, although Bumgarner didn’t allow another run in the game. Hernandez was in uniform and ready to come off the bench in Tuesday s series opener at Dodger Stadium.
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San Francisco placed Blanco on the 15-day disabled list today but did so due to a right shoulder impingement, so his return might not be as simple as waiting two weeks and returning for the September stretch run. The Dodgers lead the NL in slugging percentage since the break (.457), and that was before their hugely productive game Monday. TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles) PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (12-7, 2.25 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (12-7, 3.29) Bumgarner recorded his second straight victory last Thursday despite allowing four runs over five innings against the Mets.
