Dodgers Look to Salvage Split
The Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants in the season opener of Sunday Night Baseball. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:37 pm EST. ESPN will have the coverage at the conclusion of the NCAA Women’s National Championship Game.
Oddsmakers have the Dodgers as a -180-moneyline favorite. The total is at 7.5 Under -115.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (2017: 4-4, 3.68 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (2017: 12-8, 3.32)
Dodgers have to get Offense Going
After being held scoreless in their first two games, the Dodgers put five runs on the board last night. They will look to earn a split of their four-game series on Sunday night.
Kenta Maeda struck out 10 over five innings in Saturday’s 5-0 victory. The Dodgers recorded their first win following back-to-back 1-0 losses.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has a 0.67 ERA through three games. They sure could use some offensive support. Players such as Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger and Logan Forsythe are struggling. The sluggers are a combined 0-for-28 to open the season.
Closer Kenley Jansen wasn’t needed Saturday. His velocity was a hot topic after his cutter was clocked a tad slower than usual on Friday. He allowed Joe Panik’s solo blast in the ninth inning.
Hill had a rough spring. He had a 7.30 ERA across 12 1/3 innings in four spring training games. That includes a rough five-inning stint against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. The 38-year-old has battled blister problems over the past two years. He did post a 3.31 ERA in his final 23 starts last season.
Hill is 5-2 with a 2.43 ERA in 11 career starts versus
the Giants. This is including 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA in three turns last season.
Giants are a Question Mark for 2018
There are few few concerns in the Giants’ bullpen. Hunter Strickland has taken over for Mark Melancon after his right elbow problems. He has led a rejuvenated group that hasn’t allowed a run over nine innings in the first three games.
The bullpen has been surprisingly sharp, but the Giants are 1-for-21 with runners in scoring position. Newcomer
Evan Longoria is hitless in his first 11 at-bats.
Stratton earned a spot in the rotation the right way. He posted a 3.29 ERA over 27 1/3 at the end of last season. He is drawing raves for his improved curveball. The 27-year-old owns a 1-1 record and 6.75 ERA in three career games against the Dodgers. Two of the games were starts.
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