Dodgers Defeat Phillies Behind Kemp’s Bat, Stripling’s Arm

The Dodgers offense and pitching came together in a big way on Wednesday night. In game three of a four game set with Philadelphia, it seemed like the whole team came together. Let’s break down all of the things they did right.

The Pitching

What a pleasant surprise Ross Stripling has become. He has morphed from a spot starter into a guy that you can rely on every time the ball is handed to him. Chicken Strip kept up that dominance on Wednesday night.

43,302 in attendance to watch Ross Scherzer, erm I mean Stripling, throw another gem. #Dodgers

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) May 31, 2018

The comparison to Max Scherzer might be a bit of a stretch, but what a game. Stripling went seven dominant innings, and did not allow a run until he gave up a solo shot in the seventh.

Stripling struck out nine Phillies and allowed just four hits. The only thing he really did wrong was walk two batters. His season earned run average now sits at 1.68, ranking among the best in baseball.

Yimi Garcia came in to relieve Stripling, and could not have done a better job. He struck out two while facing the top of the order, with two base hits sprinkled in.

Switch pitching wonder Pat Venditte came on to clean up with the huge lead, and gave up a run.

The Offense

I’m sure you were one of the many people in baseball who figured Matt Kemp would be hitting over 300 at this point in the year. I joke of course, but that is where we’re at. Kemp just keeps on hitting, and he did that again Wednesday.

Kemp went 2-4 with an rbi double and a two-run homerun, bringing his average to 345 on the year. He has very quietly established himself as the Dodgers most clutch hitter in 2018.

Max Muncy also continues to crush the ball. He only had one hit, but it was a solo shot that got the offense really going. It was his seventh of the year.

Analysis

Scoring a bunch of runs is always encouraging, but even more so when the defense shows up. Wednesday night’s game was a great segway into the return of Clayton Kershaw on Thursday.