With their comeback victory on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers can notch consecutive wins for the first time since April 16-17 when they were at the end of an eight-game winning streak. A sweep of the Seattle Mariners would give L.A. their first series win since April 16-18.
Momentum has been nonexistent for the Dodgers, even when the offense exploded in a big performance. Walker Buehler believes a late-game rally in the Interleague series opener could be the spark the team needs.
“It’s been a tough couple weeks for us. I don’t think there’s any way to kind of sugarcoat it, but a big hit and big win can obviously change the tide,” Buehler said. “I think it’s a big win in a lot of ways. Having Gavin take a swing like that in a spot like that is huge for us.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts agreed, and again reiterated his belief that a starting pitcher plays a prominent role in a winning streak. “I talk about the next day’s starter a lot, and you have a starter in Julio, who didn’t have his best outing the last time in Anaheim, so I know he’s going to be rearing to go and pitch well,” Roberts said.
Urias went just five innings and allowed a season-high five runs to the L.A. Angels his last time out. When Urias last faced the Mariners earlier this year, he set a career high with 11 strikeouts over seven shutout innings.
The Mariners counter with Justin Dunn, who has yet to make it through six innings in any of his five starts this season. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, and has been plagued by walks in his outings.
That could bode well for the Dodgers, considering they lead all teams with 170 walks. They are led by an MLB-best 34 from Max Muncy.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
SS: Corey Seager
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Max Muncy
C: Will Smith
CF: Chris Taylor
LF: Matt Beaty
2B: Gavin Lux
P: Julio Urias
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