The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped the opener of a three-game series with the San Francisco Giants on Monday night, further adding to their struggles at AT&T Park. Brandon McCarthy returned from the disabled list and suffered the loss in large part due to a fourth inning he called a ‘blur.’
The loss was the Dodgers fifth in eight games against the Giants this season. Los Angeles in 19-12 against other opponents in 2017, while San Francisco is just 11-21. Giants veteran starter Matt Cain, who has struggled with his health and production in recent years, has now dominated the Dodgers twice this season.
He’s allowed just one run to the in 12.2 innings pitched, compared to 18 runs allowed in 29.2 innings against all other opponents.
After Monday night’s loss Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called on his team to play to the level he believes they’re capable of when facing the Giants, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I know we’re a better team than we’ve shown against these guys,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “They rise to play us. … Regardless, we’ve got to find ways to play better and beat these guys.”
The Giants season has hardly gone to plan thus far, with Madison Bumgarner among their key injuries. The left-handed ace sustained shoulder and rib injuries in a dirt bike accident, and is expected to remain sidelined at least until the All-Star break.
Mark Melancon and Hunter Pence are also on the disabled list at present time, while Denard Span is among those who’s been on the DL.
The Dodgers have similarly dealt with the fair share of injuries, losing expected key contributors Adrian Gonzalez, Rich Hill and Logan Forsythe at various points in the season. Hill is expected to return Tuesday night to face the Giants, and Gonzalez and Forsythe may not be too far behind.
Entering Tuesday, the Dodgers are 3-5 against the Giants this season, including a 2-3 mark at AT&T Park. They are just 6-19 at the Giants’ home stadium since the 2015 season began.
After the current three-game series, the longtime rivals will not meet until the last weekend in July for a three-game set at Dodger Stadium.
