Game Preview: Dodgers Head to Seattle For First Time Since 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers at Seattle Mariners
Time: 7:10 PM PT
Venue: Safeco Field
Seattle Record: 70-52
Los Angeles Record: 64-57
How are the Dodgers Doing?
The Dodgers snapped a five game losing streak with a 4-3 victory against the Giants on Wednesday. Brian Dozier produced a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 12th inning to score Yasmani Grandal. Despite the victory, the bullpen remains the greatest liability to the team, after allowing three runs in the eighth inning. The Dodger offense has also struggled, averaging less than three runs per game since their 21-run game on August 2.
Why is this Game Important?
It is not often that the Dodgers go up to Seattle. Their last visit to the Pacific Northwest came in June 2012. The Dodgers got no-hit that series and in their last game there, their starting pitcher was Chad Billingsley.
The Mariners have surprised the league with their success this season. They have been outscored by 22 runs this year, but have won a league-leading 30 one-run games.
Pitching Matchup
Walker Buehler (5-4, 3.32 ERA) vs Wade LeBlanc (7-2, 3.80 ERA)
Walker Buehler makes his 15th start of the year as he opens the series in Seattle. Buehler produced an exceptional outing in his last start in Colorado. He did not factor in the decision but threw seven scoreless innings.
Dodgers fans may remember Wade LeBlanc from his days with the Padres between 2008-11. Now in his 10th Major League season, the Seattle lefty is one win away from matching a career high in wins. LeBlanc won his last start after allowing two runs in five innings against the Astros.
Matchup of the Day
Chris Taylor vs Wade LeBlanc
Chris Taylor plays against his former ballclub for the first time in his career. The Mariners drafted Taylor in the fifth round of the 2012 Draft. He played in Seattle from 2014-16, batting .240 without a home run in 233 at-bats.
Vegas Odds
Odds Sharks
Los Angeles: -127
Mariners: +117
FiveThirtyEight
Los Angeles: 53% chance of winning
Mariners: 47% chance of winning
Fun Fact
The last time the Mariners finished a season with a better record than the Dodgers was 2007.
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