Dodgers: Chronicling Walker Buehler’s 21st Start vs. Rockies

Dodgers Nation will be following Walker Buehler’s starts as he seeks to be the next elite Dodgers pitcher. The Dodgers have a history of dominant players on the mound from Sandy Koufax to Don Drysdale to Clayton Kershaw. As a former first-round pick and a highly touted prospect, Buehler looks to be the next big thing in Los Angeles. All we can do is relax and enjoy the show.

September 8, 2018

Season statistics coming into the game: (7-5, 2.88 ERA)

Season statistics after the game: (7-5, 2.74 ERA)

The Opponent: Colorado Rockies

Stadium: Dodger Stadium

Days of Rest: 4

Catcher: Yasmani Grandal

Game Results

Innings Pitched: 6

Earned Runs: 0

Hits: 3

Home Runs: 0

Strikeouts: 12

Walks: 1

Pitch Count: 101

Batters Faced: 25

MLB.com Game Score: 74

History

Walker Buehler pitched one of the best outings of his career in his last start. He struck out a career-high nine batters over eight shutout innings against the Cardinals in his last start.

Performance

Walker Buehler faced the Rockies lineup for the fifth time in 2018. In his start on Wednesday, Buehler provided six innings, allowing two runs (none earned), while setting a new career high with 12 strikeouts. He surrendered just three hits and walked one batter all night.

The Highs

After a shaky first inning, Buehler settled down and exhibited his dominance over opponents. From the second inning on, he struck out 10 batters and allowed just one hit.

Buehler improved his WHIP to 0.98, which would rank second in the NL if he had the innings to qualify.

The Lows

Buehler’s low points came early on. In the first inning, the first three batters reached base on a single, error and walk. Then after retiring the next two batters, Ian Desmond produced a two-RBI single.

Analysis

As well as Buehler pitched, he did not factor in the decision. In nine career games against Colorado, he has yet to earn a victory. Buehler cannot complain though as the Dodgers won the game with a pinch-hit three-run home run by Yasiel Puig. Buehler’s next start is scheduled to be in Arizona and will likely be his last of the regular season.