Dodgers Blank Padres Behind Dominant Kenta Maeda Performance
As far as pitching performances go, it doesn’t get a whole lot better then what Kenta Maeda gave the Dodgers on Wednesday night at The Ravine.
Moreover, Maeda struck out twelve Padres in the 2-0 victory. We will get to more on him in just a moment, because he did more than simply pitch. Los Angeles improves to 29-16 on the season. Notably, this was Max Muncy bobblehead night (how many of you snagged one?). Let’s take a look at what unfolded in a quiet mid-week game.
It’s @maxmuncy9 Bobblehead Night presented by 99 Cents Only Stores! pic.twitter.com/zAojNzn6SE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 15, 2019
The Offense
For the second straight evening, the Dodgers faced a young hurler in Matt Strahm. While the Dodgers had a bit less success against Strahm than that of Chris Paddack, they found a way to get it done.
All of tonight’s scoring occurred in the second inning. First, Corey Seager dribbled a single down the third base line. Then, Chris Taylor laid down a beautiful bunt; an important play fundamentally in a game of this manner. Next, Alex Verdugo reached on an infield single that advanced Seager to third base. Russell Martin struck out swinging – which only opened the door for tonight’s hero.
Therefore – with two outs – Maeda blooped a single down the right field line. Both Seager and Verdugo scored to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead that would stand up for the final score.
#PitchersWhoRake pic.twitter.com/dGFSbVL9En
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 16, 2019
Maeda and Seager tallied two hits each on a night that Los Angeles collected eight total. The only extra-base hit belonged to Martin late in the game. Still, it’s positive that on a night when Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger were held hitless; the Dodgers found a way to manufacture a win.
Don’t look now – but Seager is up to .242 – in our Corey Seager comeback watch.
Our next chapter will tell you why there isn’t much to talk about in terms of the Padres offensive highlights.
The Pitching
Kenta Maeda made a little history in improving to 5-2 on the season with his victory.
Kenta Maeda is the first @Dodgers pitcher to strike out 12+, allow 0 R and drive in 2+ runs since Brad Penny in 2007. pic.twitter.com/TuPufGXZ1C
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 16, 2019
That’s correct, Maeda became the first Dodger to strike out a dozen or more, walk no one; and knock in two runs since Brad Penny.
And here is what Maeda looked like in case you were listening to Steiner:
We'll take a dozen, please. pic.twitter.com/A0H77Bz3Ki
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 16, 2019
Indeed, just three base-runners reached all night against the Dodgers’ starter; none via the free pass.
Furthermore in the seventh inning with two outs, Dave Roberts received some loud noises for removing Maeda in favor of Scott Alexander. However, Alexander did the job in retiring the final hitter of the inning. While he would enter in the 8th, he would allow the first runner aboard. That made it time for Pedro Baez – who worked a perfect inning with two strikeouts to earn his tenth hold.
Kenley Jansen entered in the ninth inning and while he made it interesting, he recorded his 14th save of the year with two strikeouts. When the final out was recorded – two runners were on base – and full suspense within the seats.
Up Next
Unfortunately, the Dodgers have another off-day scheduled for Thursday. This is because they will travel to Cincinnati for a weekend series with the Reds. They will open the series with Rich Hill, and then give the ball to Walker Buehler on Saturday.
Let the record state that this night belonged to Kenta Maeda – who has faced some up’s and down’s in 2019. At the current time, it looks like the Dodgers have the luxury of another semi-dominant starter.
Love how you mentioned in your post how Roberts was booed for removing Maeda in the 7th. MLB-Network was broadcasting the Padres-Dodgers game and the cynic/sarcastic person I am, I was hoping that Roberts decision to bring in Alexander would blow-up in his face and the Dodger Stadium would Really voice their displeasure. But leaving Maeda in to finish the 7th could have gone wrong too. But man, Maeda struck-out 12 Padres. The other night Chris Sale(Red Sox) struck-out 17 Rockies and the MLB-Network guys were hashing whether or not to leave Sale in to go for 20 Ks.
Hello Robin, I am glad for the win but the Dodger offense was non existent again against a LHP and if it weren’t for Maeda driving in both runs, we might still be playing or would have eventually lost. We face a RHP on Friday with the Reds but look out for Hill, as Dodgers may be in a hole after the first inning if he does his usual act in serving them up. In any event ya might see why teams will play those % when they can and throw a LHP against the Dodgers if for no other reason that it makes Roberts change up the lineup big time. I think ya know how he does that too.
Right on point, Azul!!!! I have little confidence in Hill because of what you stated : he serves up dingers the way McDonalds serves hamburgers. Time to put Stripling in the starting rotation, and use Hill in long relief. Since I took Maeda to task on this board several times in the last few weeks, I must again apologize in light of his effort last evenning. Both offensively and pitching-wise, he was the star of the game. Keep it up!!!! Go Blue!!!
Good article. This is going to be a fun year for the Dodgers. Already with Cody leading the way.. Joc bashing HRs. And now Kenta looking as good as it gets… Go Dodgers!!