Dodgers Red Sox Game Two Preview

The Dodgers dropped game one against the Red Sox last night when they committed two errors and were held to just three hits.

Last night was pretty painful to be honest. The Red Sox offense just completely dominated the Dodgers for nine innings. If the Dodgers want to take game two, they need to be better on defense and wake the bats up. It is hard to expect to win a game on just three hits.

This afternoon, Ross Stripling is making the start for the Dodgers. When it was announced that Bud Norris was missing his next start due to an injury, this afternoon’s game became a huge question mark as to who will be available to start. Some reporters on Twitter were hoping that Jose De Leon would get the start, but it is clear the Dodgers did not want to put him in that position. Stripling was scheduled to start today at Oklahoma City Dodgers AAA, so he got the call to start for the big league club. Stripling is coming into this afternoon’s start with a record of 2-3 and an ERA of 4.14. The 26 year-old right handed pitcher, has started eight games for the Dodgers, but appeared in 12 this season. He has also appeared in 5 games for the OKC Dodgers and has a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 3.78. Stripling has really stepped up for the Dodgers this year and filled in a lot of times for other pitchers who were unable to make their scheduled start.

The Red Sox will be sending their 23 year-old left handed pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez to the mound. Rodriguez, like Stripling, has spent part of the year at AAA and part of the year with the big league club. He is coming into today’s start with a record of 2-4 and an ERA of 5.91. Those numbers come from the ten starts he has made with the Red Sox. Rodriguez has also made seven starts at AAA where he as has a record of 0-4, but an ERA of 3.08.

Dave Robert’s lineup has been announced for today’s game. Howie Kendrick is in the lead off spot and playing second base today which will give Chase Utley the day off. Justin Turner is in his usual third spot as he has been swinging a hot bat since following the All-Star break. Enrique Hernandez gets the start in center. Josh Reddick is back in right and Scott Van Slyke gets the start in left. A.J. Ellis will be behind the plate catching Stripling. Since today is a day game after a night game, you can figure Roberts wanted to sit a few players and be sure they are rested for tomorrow.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM today and will be shown on Sports Net LA.