Dodgers Recap: Walker Buehler is Phenomenal in Debut
The Dodgers took on the Marlins at home Monday night at Chavez Ravine in the first of a three-game series. Walker Buehler made his first start of the season for Los Angeles and fans could not be happier.
Buehler’s line: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO. Leaves with 1-0 lead.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) April 24, 2018
Despite his lack of control for parts of the game, Buehler was electric. His fastball was sitting in the upper 90’s and his secondary pitches moved all around. It was really something to behold. No wonder why so many are excited for this guys future in a Dodgers uniform.
Have a Day Kiké Hernandez
Getting the start at shortstop against the left-handed Jarlin Garcia. And Hernandez made the most of his opportunities. In addition to a pair of well placed singles, Hernandez also blasted a solo homerun to give the Dodgers the lead in the fourth inning. He also made several plays in the field that were unbelieavble. Both time he was ranging to his left up the middle and twirled around to nail the runners. Have a day, Kiké.
Moments That Mattered
Ross Stripling came in following Buehler and pitched two solid innings. He walked one batter and did not allow a hit. He also struck out three Marlins in the process. Stripling is proving to be a vital piece in a relatively exhausted bullpen.
JT Chargois came on after him, and got roughed up a little bit. He hit the first batter he faced and it all went down hill from there as he gave up the lead. Luckily, Cody Bellinger hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning to put them up for good. Adam Liberatore came on to relieve him and clean up the mess.
Kenley Jansen got the night off after pitching back-to-back games, so Josh Fields closed the game out. Other than a lone bloop-single to former Dodger Miguel Rojas, Fields was great. He closed out the game with ease.
Analysis
Having Walker Buehler as the next in line starting piece has to make everyone feel great. Knowing that someone of that caliber is waiting in the wings is incredibly exciting. The Dodgers have won seven of their last eight games, and look much better.
Report: Walker Buehler Will Start For Dodgers Monday
I think it is about time we gave Kike a shot at becoming our every day second baseman. The guy is a phenomenal athlete and I really believe that if he knew he would be there every day and practiced there on a regular basis our second base problem would be taken care of for years. And just think…he has one of the greatest to ever play the position to mentor him for the next couple of years. I don’t know how to reach Doc so pass this on to him please.
(Dodger Fan since they had a “B” on their cap.