Dodgers Orioles Game One Preview

The Dodgers are currently coming off of a three game sweep of the Rockies. On this beautiful Independence Day, they are looking for their fifth consecutive victory.

Before I get into the meat of the article, Happy Fourth of July to all! Nothing seems more American than celebrating our country’s freedom with America’s past-time, baseball. Today we celebrate the sacrifice of every person who has selflessly given their lives in order to fight for freedom. The Dodgers will take the field in special jersey’s and hats to honor America’s freedom.

Tonight Julio Urias will be on the mound for the boys in blue. He was originally scheduled for yesterday’s start, but it got pushed back so Brandon McCarthy could make his first start since April 2015. Urias finally picked up his first major league win in his last start with the club. He is coming into tonight’s game with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 4.09. In 33.0 innings pitched so far in his major league career, Urias has struck out 41 batters and walked 15. The Dodgers are clearly keeping Urias though the All-Star break, but he might be optioned to AAA after. Since Urias is only 19, the Dodgers have a plan in place to limit his innings thrown so he does not blow out his arm now. The teenager has already passed his pitch count in starts this season. Previously, his pitch count high was 89. Urias has a bright future ahead with the club, so they just want to protect him as much as possible.

The Orioles are sending Yovani Gallardo to the mound this evening. Gallardo currently has a record of 3-1 and an ERA of 5.77. Gallardo went on the DL early this season. He was a huge sign for the Orioles this past offseason, actually one of the only signings they made. In 34.1 innings of work this season, he has struck out 23 batters and walked 16. Clearly, so far this season Gallardo has not been a swing and miss pitcher with that strike out rate. According to Brooks Baseball, his slider is almost never “swung at and missed” by batters and his fourseam fastball has below average velocity. Both of these facts also probably contribute to his high ERA of almost 6.

Will Venable gets the start in left. He, Scott Van Slyke and Howie Kendrick have been splitting the time there while Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez have been hurt. Venable only has one hit as a Dodger.

Next: Should the Dodgers Pursue Teheran?

Before the start of the game the Dodgers will have an Independence Day celebration in order to honor all the soldiers and people who fought for our freedom. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 this evening and will be shown on Sports Net LA. Following the game there will be fireworks at Chavez Ravine. Happy Fourth of July!