Series Recap: Dodgers Can’t Break Through, Giants Take 2 Of 3
The Dodgers’ slog toward the postseason continued with another frustrating series loss, but this time at the hands of the San Francisco Giants up at AT&T Park. Things looked promising Tuesday night as the Dodgers opened up the series with a 2-1 win led by Hyun-Jin Ryu’s seven solid innings of work.
However, Ricky Nolasco’s struggles continued the next day as San Francisco won 6-4 behind a big day from former Dodger Tony Abreu. Edinson Volquez looked solid on Thursday night, but he was outdueled by Tim Lincecum, in what might have been his last start as a Giant, as the Giants won the series finale 3-2.
PITCHING TUNEUP
Hyun-Jin Ryu was amazing Tuesday night, letting everyone know he is ready for his first MLB postseason. Ryu pitched seven innings of one run ball with six strikeouts and one walk as well as recording his 14th win of the year. Ryu has a 2.57 ERA in his last three starts with 11 K’s and only two BB’s.
After showing some fatigue after the All-Star break, Ryu appears to be back on track and ready for the postseason. Even more encouraging is that two of those three starts have been on the road, where Ryu has a 3.69 ERA, compared to a 2.23 ERA at Dodger Stadium.
Meanwhile, Volquez also continued to make his case for a playoff roster spot as he pitched five innings Thursday night, giving up two runs, while striking out four with three walks. Volquez has a 3.52 ERA in his last four starts with 22 K’s and 8 BB’s over that span.
However, both the team and Dodger fans have to be concerned with Nolasco. Nolasco had his third consecutive bad start Wednesday night as he gave up six runs in 5.2 innings. Nolasco did strike out seven, however, but was burned by big hits allowed to Abreu, Pablo Sandoval and Buster Posey.
Over his last three starts, Nolasco has a 12.75 ERA, while he has 12 K’s and only 4 BB’s in that span. Nolasco had been a revelation for the Dodgers since coming over from the Marlins (8-3, 3.56 ERA) and he has exceeded all expectations, but this is more extreme than regressing to the norm.
Everyone knows Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke will be a deadly 1-2 combination in the playoffs and it’s very reassuring to see Ryu round into form, however, Nolasco’s recent performance is not very inspiring.
Next Page: Click here for what’s next for the Dodgers