The Dodgers begin a three-game series on the East Coast on Tuesday, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road.
Left-hander Eric Lauer will start the first game of the series for the Dodgers, and will face off against reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.
Lauer has been with the Dodgers since the middle of May, and has made two starts since his move to Los Angeles. He has thrown 10.2 innings across his two outings, allowing three earned runs for a 2.53 ERA. He has five strikeouts as well.
His first start as a Dodger came against the Colorado Rockies on May 26, and he had quite the debut. He threw six innings, allowing just one run while striking out four batters as he earned his first win with his new team.
Lauer’s second start with the Dodgers also came in a win, though he didn’t get a decision for it. He threw 4.2 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 2, and allowed two runs in his outing. The Dodgers went on to win the game, 6-5, despite late-inning comeback from the Diamondbacks.
How Has Paul Skenes Pitched This Season?
Skenes is still in the conversation for the NL Cy Young this year, but he hasn’t quite been himself this season.
He got off to a rough start on Opening Day, allowing five earned runs through 0.2 innings against the New York Mets. They weren’t exactly his fault, as a defensive miscue from Oneil Cruz in the outfield caused the implosion.
The right-hander bounced back in April, posting a 1.62 ERA through his six starts that month and continuing his streak into May. Skenes flirted with a no-hitter in back-to-back starts to kick off the month, though neither start made it all the way.
He still threw consecutive scoreless, eight-inning outings, though, and is clearly one of the best pitchers in the game.
That being said, he has allowed three or more runs in each of his last four starts, and the Dodgers could get to him and put some runs on the board if his performance Monday is consistent with some of his previous ones.
Do you think the Dodgers can take down Paul Skenes in the first game of their series?
