MLB
Maeda and Turner Delivered: The Dodgers Finally Won A Game!
After going 1-9 in their last ten games, today the Dodgers finally won a game! Kenta Maeda and Justin Turner delivered big time, to help the Dodgers snap their five-game losing streak! Maeda pitched beautifully in eight shutout innings, with eight strikeouts. This was Maeda’s longest and by far best outing of the season. Then, Kenley Jansen came in to close out the ninth with another scoreless inning.
Welcome Back, Justin Turner!
Welcome back, Justin Turner! Turner delivered big today and wasted no time looking like his old self. In just his third game of the season, since coming off of the disabled list, Turner went 3-4 with two doubles, a run scored and five RBIs. Also, Turner has overall gone 6-13 with a .462 average since returning. Turner’s overall energy was missed immensely and is very welcomed back to the Dodgers lineup. Before Turner’s first base-clearing double, the Dodgers hadn’t had a three (or more) run hit since April 16th. The Dodgers were also only 1-12 with bases loaded in May.
To add to the Dodger’s run total, Matt Kemp also had an RBI double. While Yaisel Puig hit a solo home run. Puig’s solo shot was his second in the Miami series and third in his last four games.
What Does This Mean For The Dodgers?
Although many spectators have already thrown in the towel for the Dodgers 2018 season, real baseball fans know it’s still too early. Yes, today’s win was only one game. However, it is a testament to what the Dodgers can do and are capable of.
The Dodgers team batting average is second in the N.L. West and eighth overall in the N.L. However, only two teams in the entire Major Leagues have more runners left on base per game than the Dodgers at 7.43. A few more timely hits here and there and a lot of Dodger losses are Dodger wins. Yes, Justin Turner delivered today, but you can’t rely on him to do it all himself every game. However, so far while being back, he has definitely helped.
The rest of the N.L. West has been playing not so hot as well in the last ten games, with the Diamondbacks and Giants both going only 3-7 and the Rockies and Padres doing a little better-going 5-5. Although the Dodgers didn’t take advantage of the last ten games, it shows that even though the Dodgers are eight games back, the division is still wide open.
Who knows, one big win like today can help spark the Dodgers for another historic 43-7 run like they did last year. Even with the injuries, anything is possible with the depth and talent the Dodgers have. Point being, I wouldn’t count them out just yet.
