The Los Angeles Dodgers brought out the big sticks on Friday night, slugging five home runs to earn a win over the L.A. Angels in the Freeway Series opener.
The victory officially eliminated the Angels from postseason contention, meaning there are no playoff implications for either team the rest of the weekend at Dodger Stadium. That doesn’t mean the Dodgers aren’t taking the games seriously, however, with the postseason just around the corner.
They go for the series win on Saturday night and send Tony Gonsolin to the mound to do so in his final audition for a spot in the playoff rotation.
Gonsolin has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball this season. In eight games (seven starts) he is 1-2 with a 1.77 ERA, 2.44 FIP and 0.79 WHIP with 40 strikeouts and seven walks in 40.2 innings.
This marks his first career start against the Angels, who of course feature Mike Trout and his impressive .281/.390/.603 batting line to go along with 17 home runs and 46 RBI.
The Dodgers are still uncertain about who will fill out their postseason rotation behind Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. If Gonsolin has another strong outing against the Angels, that would go a long way in securing a spot.
Getting the start for the Angels is Dylan Bundy, who has been their best starter this season. In 11 starts, Bundy is 6-3 with a 3.29 ERA, 2.93 FIP and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 72 and walking 17 in 65.2 innings.
Bundy has spent his whole career in the American League but has faced the Dodgers twice (one starts), allowing nine hits and four runs (two earned) with 13 strikeouts and four walks in eight innings.
He faces a Dodgers offense that is getting hot at the right time though just before the start of the postseason. Leading the way is Justin Turner, who is back healthy after dealing with a hamstring injury.
Turner has reached base in 29 straight games and doubled his home run total to four with a pair of solo shots in Friday night’s victory. Turner is expected to play nine innings at third base Saturday night.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
DH: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
2B: Max Muncy
1B: Cody Bellinger
C: Will Smith
LF: Joc Pederson
SS: Chris Taylor
CF: AJ Pollock
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