True Blue LA - May 24: Dodgers 8, Reds 2Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2016-05-24T22:19:10-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/115295572016-05-24T22:19:10-07:002016-05-24T22:19:10-07:00Dodgers cruise to 3rd straight win
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> offense scored early and scored often on Tuesday night en route to a third straight win, beating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> 8-2 on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium in the middle game of a three-game series.</p>
<p><span>Joc Pederson</span> doubled to left center field in the fourth inning to score <span>Trayce Thompson</span> and erase the Dodgers' only deficit of the night. Then Pederson stole third and scored when catcher Tucker Barnhart's throw sailed into left field, one of three errors on the night for the Reds, who have six errors in two games in this series.</p>
<p>Thompson then doubled to the wall in right field in the sixth inning and later scored. He had two hits on the night. Tuesday was the ninth straight start for Thompson, who is 10-for-31 (.323) with seven runs scored during that span.</p>
<p>After three walks in the eighth inning, all with two outs, <span>Justin Turner</span> 's two-run single keyed a three-run inning that pushed the game further out of reach.</p>
<p>The win was the Dodgers' eighth straight win over the Reds, dating back to 2015, and sent Cincinnati to its ninth straight loss this season.</p>
<h4>Breaking good</h4>
<p><span>Mike Bolsinger</span> had his off-speed stuff working all night, and retired 10 in a row at one point, including four strikeouts in a five-batter stretch. Four of his six strikeouts on the night were of the swinging variety, and all finished off by either a curve or slider.</p>
<p>The only blip came in the fourth inning, when <span>Jay Bruce</span> grounded a ball that caromed off first base for a two-out double, followed by <span>Adam Duvall</span> reaching down to get one of those curves, hitting a ball just over the outstretched glove of Joc Pederson at the center field wall for a two-run home run.</p>
<p>Bolsinger pitched into the sixth inning, striking out six while allowing only those two runs. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter until <span>Brandon Phillips</span> coaxed one out of him with two outs in the sixth. That free pass ended Bolsinger's night at 85 pitches, but <span>Luis Avilan</span> was able to get the left-handed Bruce to ground out to first to end the inning with no damage, with <span>Adrian Gonzalez</span> able to snag the ball before another carom double could occur.</p>
<h4>For starters</h4>
<p><span>Chase Utley</span> and <span>Corey Seager</span> each singled to open the first inning against Reds rookie Daniel Wright, then Justin Turner lofted a pop fly single into shallow right to score Utley for a quick run.</p>
<p>Wright was the <a href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/3pTkH" target="_blank">first Reds pitcher to allow a hit to each of his first three major league batters faced</a> since Tom Hume <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN197705250.shtml" target="_blank">on May 25, 1977 against San Francisco</a>. In between those two, <span>Phil Dumatrait</span> came close, allowing single-walk-single-single to his first four batters faced on <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS200708020.shtml" target="_blank">Aug. 2, 2007 against Washington</a>.</p>
<p>The first inning remains the Dodgers' most prolific inning this season, with 29 runs scored and a +15 run differential in the opening frame.</p>
<p>Utley was 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored on the night, and on the season has a .382 on-base percentage.</p>
<h4>Not alone</h4>
<p><span>A.J. Morris</span> pitched the eighth inning for the Reds, also making his big league debut.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><span>A.J. Morris</span> becomes the 23rd pitcher used by the Reds this season. The single-season franchise record is 30.</p>
— Reds Media Relations (@RedsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedsPR/status/735331688897744896">May 25, 2016</a>
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<p>Morris walked three batters all with two outs, then allowed a two-run single before departing, in favor of <span>Josh Smith</span>, making his <i>2016 debut</i> for Cincinnati on Tuesday night.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RHP <span>Josh Smith</span> is the 24th pitcher used by the Reds this season. The single-season franchise record is 30.</p>
— Reds Media Relations (@RedsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedsPR/status/735334842045505538">May 25, 2016</a>
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<p>Smith allowed a single for another run, and the Reds bullpen this season has a 6.53 ERA, more than a run worse than any other team in baseball.</p>
<p>The Dodgers used 31 pitchers in 2015, setting their own franchise record.</p>
<h4>The Wild horse experience</h4>
<p>The sixth inning provided a full-service ride on the <span>Yasiel Puig</span> roller coaster, beginning with a drive to right field off the wall to score an insurance run. The hit was a good sign in that Puig driving the ball the other way is usually proof that he is locked in at the plate, though the drive was only a single because Puig took a long time to admire his drive at home plate before running.</p>
<p>One out later in the inning, pinch hitter <span>Howie Kendrick</span> hit a hard grounder off the glove of <span>Joey Votto</span> at first base for an error. Puig, who was on second base, never stopped and slid in under the tag <i>and under a bat</i> at home plate for another insurance run.</p>
<p>Puig was also removed from the game after the inning, for not running out his single off the wall.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Puig removed from game because Roberts said "he needed to be on 2B", saying "we talk about playing the game the right way".</p>
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/alannarizzo/status/735342874917756928">May 25, 2016</a>
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<h4>Up next</h4>
<p>The Dodgers go for the series sweep on Wednesday night, sending <span>Scott Kazmir</span> to the mound in the series finale. The Reds will counter with right-hander <span>Dan Straily</span>.</p>
<h4>Tuesday particulars</h4>
<p><b>Home run</b>: Adam Duvall (9)</p>
<p><b>WP - Mike Bolsinger (1-1)</b>: 5⅔ IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts</p>
<p><b>LP - Daniel Wright (0-1)</b>: 5⅓ IP, 7 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk, 4 strikeouts</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2016/5/24/11765618/dodgers-reds-recap-take-advantage-bad-teamEric Stephen2016-05-24T15:28:24-07:002016-05-24T15:28:24-07:00Grandal back in Dodgers lineup
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><span>Yasmani Grandal</span> is back in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>' lineup at catcher on Tuesday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a>, three days after fouling a ball off his right ankle in San Diego.</p>
<p>Grandal left Saturday's game in the 10th inning with a right ankle contusion, and didn't start either of the last two games. He did strike out as a pinch hitter on Sunday, and was available to pinch hit or catch if needed on Monday, though he didn't appear in the game.</p>
<p>Manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that had Grandal reached base during Sunday's 17-inning marathon, he would have used pitcher Chin-hui Tsao as a pinch runner.</p>
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<h4>Starting Lineups</h4>
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<td width="125" bgcolor="#ff0000" align="center" colspan="2"><font color="#ffffff"><b>Reds</b></font></td>
<td width="125" bgcolor="#1e90ff" align="center" colspan="2"><font color="#ffffff"><b>Dodgers</b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Cozart<br>
</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Utley (L)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Votto (L)</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Seager (L)</td>
</tr>
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<td>2B</td>
<td>Phillips</td>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Turner</td>
</tr>
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<td>RF</td>
<td>Bruce (L)</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Gonzalez (L)</td>
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<td>LF</td>
<td>Duvall</td>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Thompson</td>
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<td>3B</td>
<td>Suarez</td>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Pederson (L)</td>
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<td>CF</td>
<td>Hamilton (S)</td>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Puig</td>
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<td>C</td>
<td>Barnhart (S)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Grandal (S)</td>
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<td>P</td>
<td>Wright</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>Bolsinger</td>
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<span><b>Location</b>: Dodger Stadium<br><b>Time</b>: 7:10 p.m. PT<br> <b>TV</b>: SportsNet LA<br><b>Radio</b>: AM 570</span>
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<p>Grandal has been in a massive slump this month, going 6-or-54 (.111) with two home runs, two doubles, 19 strikeouts and one walk, after hitting .295/.426/.477 with a home run and five doubles in April.</p>
<p>With a right-hander on the mound on Tuesday the Dodgers are back to their more regular lineup, which as of late also includes <span>Trayce Thompson</span>, making his ninth straight start. <span>Howie Kendrick</span> is the odd man out on Tuesday, taking a seat with <span>Chase Utley</span> at second base.</p>
<h4>Reds roster move</h4>
<p>To make room for starting pitcher Daniel Wright, making his major league debut on Tuesday night, Cincinnati optioned outfielder Matt Selsky to Triple-A Louisville. Room on the 40-man roster was created for Wright with right-handed pitcher <span>Layne Somsen</span> getting claimed off waivers by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2016/5/24/11764458/yasmani-grandal-returns-dodgers-lineup-redsEric Stephen2016-05-24T14:36:11-07:002016-05-24T14:36:11-07:00Dodgers try to build on momentum
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<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> found their way back to .500 with Monday night's win, and look for a third straight win on Tuesday night in the middle game against the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reds</a> at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>The Dodgers have beaten the Reds seven straight times, dating back to 2015, and haven't lost a home series against Cincinnati since 2011. Since the start of the 2006 season, the Dodgers have won two-thirds of their games against the Reds (46-23), including 24-9 (.727) at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Cincinnati has lost their last eight games this season, and have lost 11 of their last 12. The Reds actually started 9-9 this season, but are 6-21 since, the worst record in baseball during that span.</p>
<p>Monday was the Dodgers' second 1-0 win this season, both started <i>and finished</i> by <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> this month. The club record for 1-0 wins in a season, at least dating back to 1913, is seven, <a href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/NlQjb" target="_blank">done by the 1963 and 1984 squads</a>.</p>
<p>It continued a trend for the Dodgers this season at Dodger Stadium, where the Dodgers are averaging 3.26 runs per game, including scoring three or fewer runs 16 times in 23 home games. On the road, the Dodgers are averaging 5.23 runs scored per game.</p>
<p><span>Mike Bolsinger</span> gets the call on Tuesday night for the Dodgers, on five days rest since his start in Anaheim last Wednesday. The right-hander had a 3.27 ERA in nine home starts in 2015 with 48 strikeouts (a 22.5-percent strikeout rate) and 18 walks in 52⅓ innings.</p>
<p>Daniel Wright is making his major league debut for the Reds on Tuesday night. Cincinnati's 10th-round pick in 2013 started the season in the bullpen in Double-A Pensacola, but was promoted this month to Triple-A Louisville's rotation. The righthander had a 0.79 ERA combined in six relief appearances and four starts between the two levels, with 32 strikeouts and five walks in 34 innings.</p>
<p>Wright last pitched eight days ago, pitching his first career complete game in allowing an unearned run with eight strikeouts.</p>
<p>Dating back to 2010, 10 different pitchers have made their major league debut starting against the Dodgers. That group has a 4.58 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 18 walks in 55 innings. Those pitchers are 5-3 and their teams have won six of the 10 games.</p>
<h4>Game info</h4>
<p>Time: 7:10 p.m. PT</p>
<p>TV: SportsNet LA</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2016/5/24/11742986/dodgers-reds-preview-streak-offense-mike-bolsinger-daniel-wrightEric Stephen2016-05-23T12:00:03-07:002016-05-23T12:00:03-07:00Dodgers-Reds probable pitchers
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> return home for a quick three-game breather against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a>, ending their stretch of 20 games in 20 days before an off day on Thursday. Here is a look at the starting pitching matchups this series at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<h4>Monday, 7:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA, MLB Network)</h4>
<p><span>Clayton Kershaw</span> has allowed one stolen base attempt that required a throw from the catcher in his last 28 starts (it was a successful attempt, last Sept. 2, with <span>Yasmani Grandal</span> unable to throw out <span>Kelby Tomlinson</span> at second base), with Kershaw also picking off five runners during that span. This season, no runners have attempted to steal against Kershaw in nine starts.</p>
<p>Cincinnati is sixth in the National League with 25 steals, led by <span>Billy Hamilton</span>'s eight.</p>
<p><span>Brandon Finnegan</span> was part of the haul the Reds got last July from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> for <span>Johnny Cueto</span>. Now moved from the bullpen to starting, Finnegan has a 4.44 ERA in nine starts this season, and on the road he has more walks (17) than strikeouts (16).</p>
<h4>Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</h4>
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<p>The Reds will call up Daniel Wright from Triple-A Louisville for his major league debut, <a href="https://twitter.com/ctrent/status/734398015218298880" target="_blank">per C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer</a>. The 25-year-old right-hander has an 0.79 ERA in 10 games across two levels this year, including four starts, with 32 strikeouts and five walks in 34 innings. In two Triple-A starts, Wright's ERA is 1.29 with 10 strikeouts and one walk in 14 innings. He was drafted in the 10th round in 2013 out of Arkansas State.</p>
<p>After <span>Ross Stripling</span> pitched three innings in relief on Sunday, he's out for Tuesday. <span>Mike Bolsinger</span> seems the most likely for the middle game for the Dodgers, but we'll find out soon.</p>
<h4>Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</h4>
<p><span>Scott Kazmir</span> after walking seven and allowing two home runs on Friday night is coming off arguably his worst start of the season, but the fact that that title is even in doubt is perhaps the most frustrating of all. Kazmir has allowed three home runs to 110 batters faced at home this season, much better than on the road, were 118 batters have hit nine homers against him.</p>
<p><span>Dan Straily</span> has arguably been the Reds' best starter this season (with the bulk of the argument on the disabled list in the form of <span>Raisel Iglesias</span>). The right-hander has a 2.85 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 47⅓ innings, but also has walked 23 batters.</p>
<p>Reds starting pitchers have the worst strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.63) in baseball.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2016/5/23/11737558/dodgers-reds-starting-pitchers-scheduleEric Stephen2016-05-23T11:59:03-07:002016-05-23T11:59:03-07:00Dodgers-Reds series snapshot
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<figcaption>Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> have a quick three-game homestand against the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reds</a> before hitting the road again. Cincinnati has been battling with the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Braves</a> for the title of worst team in the National League. Here is a look at the Dodgers and Reds heading into their series at Dodger Stadium.</p>
<p>Teams: Dodgers (22-23) vs. Reds (15-29)</p>
<p>Split records: Dodgers at home (10-12), Reds on road (3-14)</p>
<p>Run differential: Dodgers (+15, fifth in NL), Reds (-87, 15th in NL)</p>
<p>Runs scored: Dodgers 4.31 per game (seventh), Reds 4.00 (10th)</p>
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<table cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" border="1" align="center">
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<tr>
<th colspan="4">Dodgers vs. Reds 2016 </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><u><b>Day</b></u></td>
<td align="left"><u><b>Date</b></u></td>
<td align="left"><u><b>Location</b></u></td>
<td align="left"><u><b>Time (PT)</b></u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Mon</td>
<td align="left">May 23</td>
<td align="left">Los Angeles</td>
<td align="left">7:10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Tue</td>
<td align="left">May 24</td>
<td align="left">Los Angeles</td>
<td align="left">7:10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Wed</td>
<td align="left">May 25</td>
<td align="left">Los Angeles</td>
<td align="left">7:10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Fri</td>
<td align="left">Aug 19</td>
<td align="left">Cincinnati</td>
<td align="left">4:10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Sat</td>
<td align="left">Aug 20</td>
<td align="left">Cincinnati</td>
<td align="left">4:10 p.m.</td>
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<td align="left">Sun</td>
<td align="left">Aug 21</td>
<td align="left">Cincinnati</td>
<td align="left">10:10 a.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Mon</td>
<td align="left">Aug 22</td>
<td align="left">Cincinnati</td>
<td align="left">9:35 a.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p>OPS+: Dodgers 92 (11th), Reds 82 (12th)</p>
<p>wRC+: Dodgers 91 (10th), Reds 78 (12th)</p>
<p>Runs allowed: Dodgers 3.98 (fifth), Reds 5.98 (15th)</p>
<p>ERA+: Dodgers 103 (fifth), Reds 74 (15th)</p>
<p>Last 10 games: Dodgers 4-6, Reds 1-9</p>
<p>2015 head-to-head: 6-1 Dodgers (3-1 in LA)</p>
<p>Reds SB Nation site: <a href="http://www.redreporter.com/" target="_blank">Red Reporter</a></p>
<h4>Series Schedule</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.truebluela.com/2016/5/23/11737558/dodgers-reds-starting-pitchers-schedule" target="_blank"><i>Series pitching probables</i></a></p>
<p>Monday, 7:10 p.m. PT: <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> vs. LHP <span>Brandon Finnegan</span> (SportsNet LA, MLB Network)<br>Tuesday, 7:10 p.m.: <span>Mike Bolsinger</span>? vs. Daniel Wright (SportsNet LA)<br>Wednesday, 7:10 p.m.: <span>Scott Kazmir</span> vs. <span>Dan Straily</span> (SportsNet LA)</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2016/5/23/11748446/dodgers-reds-series-statistics-resultsEric Stephen