Dodgers Cardinals Game Two Preview

The Dodgers look to avoid a hangover after last night’s marathon loss in game two against St. Louis.

The Dodger offense let the Cardinals off the hook yesterday. It was incredible that the Dodgers were even in a position to be in a close game, but the bullpen did a fine job once again. One terrible pitch by Kenley Jansen made the game go to 16, when Tuesday’s scheduled starter Bud Norris came on and gave up a moonshot. It’s hard to fault him throwing on two days rest, as there was no possible way he could have seen himself coming into yesterday’s game. Jansen deserves some blame, but the offense that turned 14 hits into three runs deserves a bit more.

The Giants lost, so depending on your outlook on life yesterday’s loss was no big deal (Dodgers didn’t lose ground) or a huge missed opportunity (Dodgers could be two back if Jansen doesn’t blow two post-break saves). Either way, the Dodgers sit four back and are generally playing good baseball while the Giants are playing not good baseball. Missed opportunities hurt, but the Dodgers are still in a fine position, especially as we approach the deadline where anything can happen.

Kenta Maeda gets the start in game two and is coming off a rough start in Arizona. Maeda only went 4.1 his last time out and allowed five runs, three of which came in the first inning. Luckily, the Cardinals don’t have Jake Lamb, so he should fare a bit better this time around. Maeda missed the Cardinals in their three game set at Dodger Stadium, so it should be a good matchup for the rookie pitcher, at least his first time or two through the order.

The Cardinals counter with Mike Leake, who has had an extremely Mike Leake season. He’s the epitome of a consistent innings eater, where he doesn’t have much upside, but he will flirt with 200 innings every season and finish in the high-3.00 low-4.00 ERA range. He’s coming off arguably his two best starts of the season, as he’s allowed two runs combined in his last two outings and has struck out double-digit batters each time.

First, a roster move to get a fresh pitcher in the mix. Grant Dayton made his MLB debut yesterday and allowed one baserunner in two innings of work. He was rewarded by being optioned to OKC, to make room for Ross Stripling. Stripling has made two relief appearances this year, one for the Dodgers and one in AAA. He gives them the option to use him out of the pen for a few innings or to start on Tuesday, which was originally Norris’ slot, but he threw in yesterday’s game. He only threw 1.1 innings so he should still be available Tuesday, but Stripling gives the Dodgers options.

As for the lineup, Howie Kendrick carries a 14-game hitting streak into this game. Yasiel Puig remains out of the lineup, but if everything goes according to plan he could be back in the lineup tomorrow.

Next: Dodgers Targeting Chris Archer?

First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.