Dodgers Seeking 100th Victory Of The Season Against The Padres
Yu Darvish gets the start against Travis Wood and the San Diego Padres Monday evening at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers are turning to their mid-season acquisition’s services for their 100th win of the regular season. They already clinched the NL West division title Friday, but the clubhouse isn’t necessarily sitting back and relaxing on cruise control yet.
Dave Roberts’ staff will feel a lot better next week if Darvish can shake off some of his recent inconsistency, and put two more strong starts together before postseason play begins. It’s easier said then done, but he’ll be fine if he’s able can impose his will early, incorporate command in the K-zone, and keep batters honest because of his ability to throw five different signature pitches.
Yu Darvish has been two different pitchers in September. He struggled in his first two starts of the month against San Diego and Colorado, going a total of just 7.1 innings and giving up five runs in each start. However, Darvish turned things around in his last two starts where he went 7 innings against the Giants and 5.1 innings against the Phillies, giving up just 1 run in both outings combined.
The front office knew that a right-handed pitcher was needed in the rotation, and Yu Darvish still has a chance to prove many doubters wrong. He’s 4-4 as a Dodger, but has shown glimpses of what he can bring to the table during the postseason.
Dodgers pitching might seem neck-and-neck with other top contenders in the league, but they’re ranked #1 in opponent batting average, hits allowed, and WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched). They also own the #2 ERA in baseball, and are slowly regaining the rhythm they once had before that tumultuous slump.
Look for the Dodgers to play with a purpose. They’re still battling for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs at Chavez Ravine, and competing for their ultimate shot at winning a World Series title.
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