LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers found their match against the Houston Astros, dropping Games 1 and 2 to a powerful squad.
The red-hot Dodgers looked to roll into Minute Maid Park and continue the momentum they’d built after the All-Star break, but the Astros came out strong and took Game 1. The Dodgers thought reinforcements on the mound—such as reliever Joe Kelly—would put themselves at a significant advantage.
The Astros, however, had other plans.
The Astros are known for being aggressive at the plate, and they lead the league in batting average at .264. And despite their willingness to swing and see what happens, the Astros also stay away from strike outs and are among the top ten in at-bats this season—a deadly combo.
Game 1 gave the Astros a chance to show their hitting power against one of the stronger pitching lineups in the league, and went on to a dominant 5-0 win. The story of Game 1 was total bases: LA found just seven while Houston found 20. Astros starter Framber Valdez made the Dodgers’ lineup look weak, tallying 10 strikeouts in six-and-a-third innings.
The Dodgers finally put wood on the ball in Game 2, but ultimately could not keep up with Houston. Third baseman Alex Bregman hit a walk-off home run to win the game, yet another instance of the Dodgers giving away a lead. After starting the game up 5-0, Houston whittled the lead to two going into the bottom of the eighth. Bregman then hit a 1-0 sinker over the famous left-field train tracks, ending the game in disappointing fashion for the Dodgers.
Rookie starting pitcher River Ryan gave the Dodgers their series highlight, leading LA to a Game 3 win. In his second start for the white and blue, Ryan struck out eight Houston batters. The Dodgers’ got going offensively too, hitting three home runs. LA secured the win in the eighth inning when Teoscar Hernández smashed a home run and Cavan Biggio scored Gavin Lux.
Though the Astros aren’t in the same form they have had in years past, this series was a test of the Dodgers’ depth as two of their top hitters were absent from the lineup.
Two-time Silver Slugger winner Mookie Betts was out due to a hand fracture he suffered in mid-June. He recently got clearance to start swinging again and plans on starting tee progressions soon. The Dodgers aren’t the same without their lead-off hitter, as Betts provides the team’s deadly offense with even more firepower. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented that Betts will be out a little longer before he’s put back in the lineup, but his progress is promising.
First baseman Freddie Freeman was the other Dodger who didn’t take the field this series. The typical three-hitter had to travel back to LA after he found out his son was taken to the hospital. His absence from the team showed the league and fans alike that both his and Betts’ absences leave a gaping hole in the Dodgers lineup.
The Dodgers head to San Diego to face the Padres this week, with an opportunity for Dodger fans to see how returning pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Claytown Kershaw have recovered from their injuries.