The Los Angeles Dodgers have won each of their last five games, and look to secure their second consecutive sweep Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Dodgers won both of the first two games by one run, with Kyle Tucker’s two-run single on Saturday making the difference for the hosts. LA’s lineup remains mostly unchanged, with the sole adjustment coming behind the plate.
Who is pitching for the Dodgers?
Blake Snell will take the mound Sunday, making his third appearance since returning from surgery on his left elbow. Snell has looked great since his return, throwing six innings and allowing one earned run in each of his two appearances since coming back so far.
He has just three appearances on the year, posting a 3.60 ERA with 20 strikeouts through 15 innings pitched.
Who is in the Dodgers’ lineup?
The Dodgers are leading off designated hitter Shohei Ohtani as usual, followed by first baseman Freddie Freeman. Shortstop Mookie Betts bats third for the Dodgers, with third baseman Max Muncy in the cleanup spot and second baseman Tommy Edman batting fifth.
Tucker plays right field and bats sixth, with Teoscar Hernandez on the other side of the outfield batting after him. Alek Thomas remains in center field following Andy Pages’ injury, and Hunter Feduccia steps back into the No. 9 spot as the backstop.
Dodgers’ lineup vs. Pirates
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Mookie Betts, SS
4. Max Muncy, 3B
5. Tommy Edman, 2B
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Teoscar Hernandez, LF
8. Alek Thomas, CF
9. Hunter Feduccia, C
P. Blake Snell, LHP
Who is starting for the Pirates?
Reliever Lake Bachar will take the mound for the Pirates to start the game on Sunday, with Carmen Mlodzinski set to follow him in bulk relief. Bachar featured for the Pirates in the first game of the series, throwing a scoreless inning despite walking three batters.
Mlodzinski, after beginning the year as a starter, has taken over a bulk innings role over the past couple of months, having not thrown more than four innings in an outing since May. He faced the Dodgers back in Pittsburgh in June, allowing four earned runs through 3.2 innings pitched.
The Dodgers will hope to post similar results against Mlodzinski in Sunday’s game as they hope to continue riding this vein of good form through the remainder of the regular season.
