Game Preview: Dodgers Look to Continue After Friday Night Rout in Seattle

Los Angeles Dodgers at Seattle Mariners

Time: 7:10 PM PT

Venue: Safeco Field

Seattle Record: 70-53

Los Angeles Record: 66-57

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The dormant Dodgers’ offense exploded in the series opener in Seattle. While averaging just 2.83 runs per game over their last 12 games – they defeated the Mariners 11-1 on Friday night. The offense managed to hit five home runs, including two by Manny Machado.

The bullpen also threw a scoreless outing for the first time since August 8. Dylan Floro and Zac Rosscup combined to throw three shutout innings to backup a stellar start by Walker Buehler.

Why is this Game Important?

The Dodgers may have broken out of their funk with their performance on Friday. Matt Kemp, who had just three hits in 18 games from July 24th to August 14th, has four hits over his last two games. Machado, who had not driven in a run in August through his first 12 games of the month, has five RBI over his last three games.

Pitching Matchup

Rich Hill (5-4, 3.57 ERA) vs Erasmo Ramirez (0-2, 6.75 ERA)

Rich Hill faces the Mariners, a team that he has historically pitched well against. Hill is 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA against Seattle. His numbers look even more impressive, when looking at his performance at Safeco Field. All four of his wins against the Mariners have come in Seattle, and he has a 0.39 ERA at that ballpark.

After facing left-handed starting pitchers over the past four games, the Dodgers lineup will bat against righty Erasmo Ramirez. Ramirez is making his fourth start of the year, and returned from a shoulder injury in his last start. He threw five scoreless innings in his last outing.

Matchup of the Day

Manny Machado vs Erasmo Ramirez

Manny Machado has faced Erasmo Ramirez more than any player in baseball. In 29 plate appearances, Machado has two home runs against Ramirez. Manny Machado is also starting to pick up his production after a slow start in August. He had a three-hit game on Wednesday and powered two home runs on Friday.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Dodgers: -132

Mariners: +122

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 55% chance of winning

Mariners: 45% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Mariners hold the longest playoff drought among major North American sports teams, failing to make the postseason since 2001.