Dodgers Turn To Ryu For Series Win in Rubber Getaway Game

Dodgers Lineup vs. New York

Hyun-jin Ryu-2-1 vs. Jeremy Hefner-0-2

I’m still kind of pissed off about last night’s affair. Things could have gone differently, and I am very tired of the excuses. The Dodgers lost to the Mets last night 7-4 when the bullpen blew what once was a two-run lead, and blew a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, with two outs. They then blew the tie in the bottom of the tenth. Brandon League was allowed to pitch to David Wright with the tying run at third, and the game on the line. He predictably singled in the run, and then Josh Wall allowed a walk-off grand slam home run to Jordany Valdespin in the bottom of the tenth.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu (99) pitches in the second inning in game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Things should not have gone that way. So the Dodgers will try and pick themselves up from the boot straps, and win this series with the Mets, which will give them a split of the road-trip.

The rubber game will feature Dodger’s lefty from the far east Hyun-jin Ryu. The Korean southpaw’s last start produced a no-decision at Baltimore. Ryu went six frames allowing five runs on eight hits, with two walks, and six whiffs in an eventual 7-5 Dodger loss. Ryu has had a solid season thus far. He is 2-1 with a 4.01 ERA. He also has 26 whiffs and only five walks. How will Ryu fare in his first New York start?

The Mets will counter with second year noob Jeremy Hefner. I don’t know anything about Hefner. Here’s what I do know. Hefner is a 27 year old right hander, that was originally drafted by the Padres in 2007. He pitched in 24 games for the Mets last year, starting in 13 of them. He posted a 4-7 record, and a 5.09 ERA. He had 62 whiffs, and 18 walks. This season he has been pretty bad. He is 0-2 in four games with a 7.07 ERA, and has allowed seven home runs. Hefner has only pitched four innings against the Dodgers in his career. He has never faced any of the current Dodgers more than twice in his career.

Jeremy Hefner will make his first start against the Dodgers this afternoon-Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

So the rubber game will be a match-up of pitchers who have never faced each other, or the opposition. Save for Hefner’s four innings against the Boys in Blue last year.

It’s getaway day, and I fully expect for more bench scrubs to be in the lineup. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mattingly rested half his regulars. I understand it being a day game after a night game, but that still doesn’t make it ok to just punt a game away.

We have some early morning Dodger Baseball for you today! The game begins at 10 AM, and is televised on Prime Ticket. Don’t despair yet guys. Now let’s forget about last night and just win this series, and get the hell out of dodge. Check in with us after the game for our usual recap. Go Blue.