After salvaging their series against the Cincinnati Reds and snapping a three-game losing streak, the Los Angeles Dodgers now begin a 10-game road trip that opens against Eric Lauer and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Even with some of the positive energy now around the team L.A. is still just 3-7 in their past 10 games. They nonetheless are tied with the San Francisco Giants for first place in the National League West standings.
“I like where we’re at,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the 8-0 win over the Reds. “I certainly feel a lot better than I did the last couple days.”
If the Dodgers are to build a winning streak they will need to solve a pitcher they have historically struggled against. During his time with the San Diego Padres, Lauer went 5-0 with a 2.11 ERA in seven starts against the Dodgers.
The left-hander was recalled to make his 2021 debut Thursday. Lauer went 0-2 with a 13.09 ERA in four games (two starts) for the Brewers last season, which was his first with the team. He faces a Dodgers lineup that cooled off considerably, albeit due in some part to injuries.
But the likes of Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Will Smith are among those who have failed to generate much consistency. Though, Smith did hit a home run on Tuesday, and Betts was part of the Dodgers blowing the game open late in the series finale against the Reds.
The Dodgers look to provide run support for Trevor Bauer, who has been nothing short of impressive. He enters 3-0 with a 2.53 ERA in five starts, and reached at least nine strikeouts in four of those outings.
Bauer has only made two career starts in the Brewers’ home ballpark, going 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA in those outings last year.
Prior to the game the Dodgers reinstated Mitch White from the COVID-related injured list and optioned Luke Raley.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
C: Will Smith
1B: Max Muncy
CF: Chris Taylor
LF: AJ Pollock
2B: Sheldon Neuse
P: Trevor Bauer
Brewers lineup
2B: Kolten Wong
1B: Daniel Vogelbach
C: Omar Naraez
RF: Avaisail Garcia
3B: Travis Shaw
LF: Tyrone Taylor
CF: Jackie Bradley Jr.
SS: Luis Urias
P: Eric Lauer
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