Dodgers: Impressive First Half has LA on Pace for 120 Wins

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a record of 60-32 at the halfway point of the season, and they are on track to finish the season with a 120-42 record.

On Monday night, we saw Dodgers’ slugger Joc Pederson in the home-run derby. On Tuesday night, we saw Hyun-jin Ryu make history by becoming the first Korean pitcher to start in an All-Star game, and pitch a scoreless inning; the All-Star game also featured Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Cody Bellinger, and Max Muncy.

The Dodgers will be back in action on Friday, against the World Series Champion, Boston Red Sox. A rematch of the last seasons World Series. This will be a big test for the Dodgers. Both teams will be well-rested, in Boston, but the Dodgers are more hungry this season than any other season, and ready for battle against the Red Sox. If the Dodgers can win this series, that will be a big confidence boost.

Cody Bellinger has made history thus far; he has hit 30 home runs, 70 runs, 71 RBI’s, and batting .336. Alex Verdugo has taken advantage of the opportunity given, batting .303, including 83 hits, 9 home runs, 34 runs, and 39 RBI’s. As mentioned earlier, Joc Pederson participated in the home-run derby on Monday, he has 20 home runs, 62 hits, 48 runs, 42 RBI’s, and he’s batting .239.

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Justin Turner started the season off on a slow start. He has picked his game, batting at a .294 clip. He has 10 home runs, 85 hits, 45 runs, and 34 RBI’s. Max Muncy has been on top of his game as well, batting .266, with 81 hits, 22 home runs, 56 runs, and 60 RBI’s.

We’ve seen flashes of Kike Hernandez, Chris Taylor, Russell Martin, and Austin Barnes, in clutch moments, but the Dodgers need more production from them, to win the World Series. Will Smith has impressed when he’s been in the lineup.

Once everyone returns from injury, the Dodgers’ bullpen will strengthen as well, because Rich Hill’s return will bump Ross Stripling and possibly Kenta Maeda down the line, to the bullpen. Maeda pitches better when he is in a relief role. Dave Roberts should consider using Maeda as a reliever because that will improve and strengthen the Dodger bullpen.

The Dodgers have a chance at 120 wins, and another opportunity to win the World Series. The third time will be the charm for the boys in blue. As long as the Dodgers improve the bullpen, Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner lead the offense, and Corey Seager returns to 100% by the time the playoffs begin, this will be a very tough team to defeat come October.