True Blue LA - August 20: Tigers 6, Dodgers 1Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2017-08-20T12:43:32-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/159399432017-08-20T12:43:32-07:002017-08-20T12:43:32-07:00Verlander outduels Maeda to snap Dodgers’ win streak
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<figcaption>Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>5-hit 6th inning ends LA win streak</p> <p id="hhlwZ2"><span>Kenta Maeda</span> and <span>Justin Verlander</span> engaged in a wonderful pitchers’ duel on Sunday, each taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Both allowed hit(s), and run(s), in the sixth, and the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> came out on top with a 6-1 win over the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> at Comerica Park in Detroit.</p>
<p id="GwMbt2">The loss snapped the Dodgers’ six-game winning streak, their 10th loss in the last 75 days.</p>
<p id="rOTEoZ">Verlander retired his first 13 batters faced before walking <span>Yasiel Puig</span> in the fifth inning, one of only three batters to reach base in eight innings against the Tigers right-hander, who struck out nine.</p>
<p id="ZSYeL4">The Tigers ace is the first pitcher to last eight innings against the Dodgers since <span>Jimmy Nelson</span> of the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> on June 2 in Milwaukee. The Dodgers went 53-12 in between those games.</p>
<p id="GZH4ve"><span>Curtis Granderson</span> broke up Verlander’s no-hitter with two outs in the sixth, lofting a ball down the line and off the right field foul pole for his first hit with the Dodgers. Granderson has seven home runs in 16 games in August.</p>
<p id="kqG09j">He is the 18th different Dodgers player to hit a home run in 2017. The <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/tiny/WJmXx">club record is 22 players</a>, set in 1958, 2000 and 2001.</p>
<p id="RfXgUR">Granderson’s home run is the only run allowed by Verlander in his last three home starts.</p>
<p id="0dXLbe">That 1-0 Dodgers lead was short lived, as Maeda’s string of 18 straight batters retired was broken up with three consecutive hits by the bottom of the Tigers order. A single by <span>John Hicks</span> broke up the perfect game, and was followed by doubles from <span>Andrew Romine</span> and <span>Dixon Machado</span>, the latter driving in two runs to give Detroit its first lead in the series since the first inning on Friday.</p>
<p id="VNVtzr">With two outs in the sixth, <span>Justin Upton</span> continued his hot hitting, blasting a two-run home run to left field, giving Detroit a three-run advantage. Upton had three home runs and a double in the three-game series.</p>
<p id="V0fT13">Maeda is the first Dodgers starting pitcher to get tagged with a loss since July 21. That was 25 games ago.</p>
<p id="MtgtlI">The Tigers added a pair of insurance runs against reliever <span>Tony Cingrani</span> in the eighth inning to put the game away, the big blow a two-run double by <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> that inexplicably fell between <span>Kiké Hernandez</span> and Puig in right center field.</p>
<h3 id="Kw5NvU">Whiffs</h3>
<p id="MkzB8s">Despite the four-run, five-hit inning and the loss, Maeda continued his strong trend of late with seven strikeouts and no walks on Sunday, his fourth straight start with at least six strikeouts, the longest such streak of his career.</p>
<p id="eifwgb">Maeda had a 22.9-percent strikeout rate through July, but in August has 30.3-percent strikeout rate in four starts, with just three walks in 23⅓ innings.</p>
<h3 id="LDnwK0">Interleague wrap</h3>
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<p id="hxBlUK">The Dodgers finished their interleague slate of 2017 with 16 wins in 20 games, tying the major league record for most interleague victories in one season.</p>
<p id="6wipee">Even with the loss, the Dodgers are just the sixth National League team to post an .800 winning percentage or better in interleague play in one season, and the first since the 2004 <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> went 11-1 (.917).</p>
<p id="LSNspr">The Dodgers outscored their interleague opponents 95-65 in 20 games this season.</p>
<h3 id="Brxh5t">Up next</h3>
<p id="PU7mTN">The road trip moves on to Pittsburgh, where <span>Alex Wood</span> starts the opener on Monday night, a 4:05 p.m. PT start at PNC Park. The <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> counter with ace <span>Gerrit Cole</span>.</p>
<h3 id="uY8f4L">Sunday particulars</h3>
<p id="kLVTfU"><strong>Home runs</strong>: Curtis Granderson (20); Justin Upton (26)</p>
<p id="6g2IVD"><strong>WP - Justin Verlander (9-8)</strong>: 8 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts</p>
<p id="EB8pYF"><strong>LP - Kenta Maeda (11-5)</strong>: 6 IP, 5 hits, 4 runs, 7 strikeouts</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/20/16176060/justin-verlander-kenta-maeda-duel-sixth-inning-dodgers-tigers-recapEric Stephen2017-08-20T09:04:26-07:002017-08-20T09:04:26-07:00Kershaw to throw Monday, Bellinger out of lineup a few days
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Chicago White Sox" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PAOtEMOxexVG4qyGfGvssB93gsE=/0x0:2999x1999/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56276777/818550192.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="4fFUfp">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> face a right-handed pitcher for a third consecutive game in Sunday’s finale with the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> in Detroit, but <span>Justin Verlander</span> is the latest in what figures to be a long string of righties in the short term.</p>
<p id="wCIbdt">Here are some pregame notes from manager <span>Dave Roberts</span>’ pregame scrum with beat reporters at Comerica Park, including updates on <span>Clayton Kershaw</span>, <span>Cody Bellinger</span>, and <span>Grant Dayton</span>.</p>
<p id="dUAgUz">Kershaw <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/16/16159750/clayton-kershaw-simulated-game-grant-dayton-rehab-dodgers">threw a simulated game on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium</a>, with another simulated game to follow in Pittsburgh, then a minor league rehab assignment.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash">#Dodgers</a> Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw will throw his 3-inning simulated game in Pittsburgh tomorrow</p>— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) <a href="https://twitter.com/billplunkettocr/status/899290911250763776">August 20, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dave Roberts maintained what the plan was on home stand to have Kershaw pitch his rehab game next weekend in Tulsa or OKC.</p>— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) <a href="https://twitter.com/THEREAL_DV/status/899289483354525696">August 20, 2017</a>
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<p id="dgn0JC">Triple-A Oklahoma City opens an eight-game homestand on Wednesday, while Double-A Tulsa will be on the road in Springfield, Missouri next Saturday through Monday.</p>
<p id="ue0uGB">As expected, Cody Bellinger is out of the lineup on Sunday, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/19/16174258/cody-bellinger-injury-ankle-sprain-dodgers">day-to-day with a mild right ankle sprain suffered in Saturday’s game</a>. As such, the plan to have <span>Adrian Gonzalez</span> at designated hitter on Sunday changed. Gonzalez is now at first base for the series finale. </p>
<p id="h2kYdb">As for Bellinger, he might be out of the lineup for more than just one game.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dave Roberts said he may hold Bellinger out of starting lineup next 2-3 days. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dodgers?src=hash">#Dodgers</a></p>— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) <a href="https://twitter.com/THEREAL_DV/status/899287009281421314">August 20, 2017</a>
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<p id="oExNQY">With the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> sending four right-handers to the mound for the Dodgers’ upcoming series in Pittsburgh, followed by the all-righty rotation of the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> coming to Los Angeles next weekend, the Dodgers are looking at 10 straight games facing right-handers.</p>
<p id="nbWF83">That means finding games to utilize the usual starters versus left-handers, <span>Kiké Hernandez</span> and <span>Austin Barnes</span>, both of whom are in the lineup against Verlander in Sunday’s finale.</p>
<p id="9AJc4p"><span>Chris Taylor</span> gets a day off, his first game not starting since July 22. Taylor started the last 23 games and has played in 40 straight games, starting 39. <span>Curtis Granderson</span>, in left field for the second straight day, bats leadoff on Sunday, with <span>Logan Forsythe</span> at second base and <span>Chase Utley</span> the designated hitter.</p>
<p id="goun5u">The news on Dayton doesn’t seem too good. He was on the disabled list with a neck strain, but left Friday’s rehab outing before starting it with elbow discomfort.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Original scans came back unclear on Grant Dayton's elbow, Roberts said. Dodgers seeking 2nd opinion. Dayton shut down until further notice.</p>— Catherine Slonksnis (@CSlonksnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSlonksnis/status/899289772988002305">August 20, 2017</a>
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<p id="6ctzLx">The lefty Dayton, who made both the NLDS and NLCS roster for the Dodgers in 2016, has a 4.94 ERA in 29 games this season, with 20 strikeouts and 12 walks in 23⅔ innings. He last pitched on July 24.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/20/16175840/clayton-kershaw-simulated-game-cody-bellinger-ankle-grant-dayton-elbow-dodgers-lineupsEric Stephen2017-08-20T07:00:02-07:002017-08-20T07:00:02-07:00Maeda vs. Verlander in finale with Tigers
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7jXvKx3PSIKh5C-sUmN5Z8wb_kQ=/0x0:2828x1885/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56273787/usa_today_10206508.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="VKz8s2">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> try for their 17th series sweep of the season on Sunday, with <span>Kenta Maeda</span> and <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> ace <span>Justin Verlander</span> squaring off in the series finale on Sunday morning at Comerica Park in Detroit.</p>
<p id="h1DCOF">Maeda is making his 20th start of the season, and after posting a 5.16 ERA in his first 10 starts the right-hander has a 2.38 ERA since June 9, with 51 strikeouts and 10 walks in 53 innings. Maeda is 7-1 with a save during that span.</p>
<p id="8sbdHI">Verlander allowed five runs in his last time out, but that snapped a string of five consecutive quality starts and came after a stretch of seven starts during which Verlander posted a 1.91 ERA in 47 innings, with 50 strikeouts and 16 walks.</p>
<p id="OczxLW">Detroit’s ace has allowed 20 home runs in his 25 starts in 2017, though just six have come at home. Verlander’s slugging percentage allowed away from home this season is .467, but just .322 at Comerica Park, where Verlander is 96-50 in his career.</p>
<h3 id="emK2Cy">Records & streaks</h3>
<p id="inY4Xu">Here are some things on the table for the Dodgers’ 2017 interleague finale:</p>
<p id="MYEJGY">A win would make the Dodgers 17-3 against American League teams this season, breaking the MLB record for most interleague wins in one season, surpassing ...</p>
<p id="3MNI5U">The Dodgers’ 13-game interleague winning streak is tied for the longest in MLB history. </p>
<p id="szDATk">The current six-game winning streak by the Dodgers is their sixth win streak of at least that length in 2017. They have win streaks of 11, 10, nine, six, six, and six games.</p>
<p id="fpHITz">At 26-5 since July 14, the Dodgers are tied for the best 31-game stretch directly following the All-Star break in MLB history, tied with the 2013 Dodgers.</p>
<p id="Ze2Hfs">The Dodgers have won 52 of their last 61 games, the best 61-game stretch since the 1912 New York Giants.</p>
<h3 id="pMVCab">Game info</h3>
<p id="lGD6UF">Time: 10:10 a.m. PT</p>
<p id="PC2tY2">TV: SportNet LA</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/20/16174752/kenta-maeda-dodgers-interleague-play-justin-verlander-dodgers-previewEric Stephen2017-08-17T15:00:02-07:002017-08-17T15:00:02-07:00Dodgers-Tigers probable pitchers
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<img alt="Houston Astros v Detroit Tigers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CbZrX20JUFpVq1CneIDCyhwLTQo=/0x0:3287x2191/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56224783/824500782.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="OU80ti">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> conclude their interleague play in 2017 with a weekend series against the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> in Detroit. Here is a look at the probable starting pitchers and schedule for the three-game series at Comerica Park.</p>
<h3 id="YP5COm">Friday, 4:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)</h3>
<p id="bDUgvc">In his last nine starts, <span>Rich Hill</span> has a 2.33 ERA in 54 innings, with 72 strikeouts against only 14 walks. Hill made six relief appearances at Comerica Park — once in 2011, five in 2013 — but in his only start in Detroit he pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only four singles and no walks, with eight strikeouts on Apr. 26, 2016 with Oakland.</p>
<p id="GxboYl"><span>Jordan Zimmermann</span> has had a season to forget, in the second year of a five-year, $110 million deal with Detroit. The right-hander has a 5.62 ERA and 5.46 FIP in 23 starts — among the 70 qualified pitchers in MLB, Zimmerman ranks 68th in ERA and 66th in FIP. Opposing batters are hitting .300/.352/.521 against him.</p>
<h3 id="WPWOY3">Saturday, 1:05 p.m. (SportsNet LA, Fox Sports 1)</h3>
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<p id="KGhkSx">Hyun-Jin Ryu has a career 5.85 ERA in six starts in American League parks, including <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2014/7/8/5882447/forgettable">allowing seven runs in 2⅓ innings on July 18, 2014</a> against the Tigers, the last time the Dodgers made a trip to Detroit.</p>
<p id="BGFAmN"><span>Michael Fulmer</span> starts for the Tigers, pitting the reigning Rookie of the Year winners from 2016 against one another with <span>Corey Seager</span> at shortstop for the Dodgers. Fulmer just returned from the disabled list after missing two weeks with right elbow inflammation, and in his last four starts has allowed 23 runs on 29 hits in 21⅔ innings.</p>
<h3 id="PPbKAV">Sunday, 10:10 a.m. (SportsNet LA)</h3>
<p id="oI5Bks"><span>Kenta Maeda</span> has won his last five decisions, with a 1.95 ERA in six starts during that span, including 32 strikeouts and eight walks in 32⅓ innings. Sunday will be a lucrative start for Maeda, who <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/5/16101678/dodgers-payroll-roster-service-time">will earn $1 million for making his 20th start of the season</a> and, if he records 14 outs will make another $250,000 for reaching 110 innings on the season.</p>
<p id="J4wUu5"><span>Justin Verlander</span> has a 15-inning scoreless streak at Comerica Park, including no runs allowed in each of his last two home starts. He owns a 2.93 ERA in 12 home starts this season, compared to 5.24 on the road.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/17/16158084/dodgers-tigers-starting-pitchers-schedule-tvEric Stephen2017-08-17T14:59:02-07:002017-08-17T14:59:02-07:00Dodgers-Tigers series snapshot
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v Detroit Tigers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pcuOVnBNR1_nMU4YKJVDpBaUXkU=/0x0:2735x1823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56237117/451875128.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="sr9Smt">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> make their first trip to Detroit since 2014, facing the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> for three games at Comerica Park. Here is an overview look at both teams heading into the weekend series.</p>
<p id="OG6sED">Teams: Dodgers (85-34) vs. Tigers (53-67)</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="ILTKEa"><div data-anthem-component="table:593460"></div></div></div>
<p id="UnqoJM">Split records: Dodgers 34-20 on road, Tigers 29-28 at home</p>
<p id="5HSNAt">Run differential: Dodgers +214 (1st in MLB), Tigers -52 (26th in MLB)</p>
<p id="sJapKI">Runs scored: Dodgers 5.12 per game (5th), Tigers 4.83 (8th)</p>
<p id="AbDwxH">OPS+: Dodgers 108 (2nd), Tigers 101 (6th)</p>
<p id="TiHBXi">wRC+ (non-pitchers): Dodgers 119 (2nd), Tigers 101 (12th)</p>
<p id="af8OfR">Runs allowed: Dodgers 3.32 (1st), Tigers 5.26 (28th)</p>
<p id="BKqXf1">ERA+: Dodgers 135 (1st), Tigers 88 (29th)</p>
<p id="emNSnK">Last 10 games: Dodgers 8-2, Tigers 2-8</p>
<p id="RTHrnk">2017 interleague record: Dodgers 14-3, Tigers 5-9</p>
<p id="xXqiza">Last meeting: 2014 (1-1 in LA; 2-0 Tigers in Detroit)</p>
<p id="aSNyst">All-time matchups: 10-9 Dodgers (5-3 Tigers in Detroit)</p>
<p id="kil4tY">Tigers SB Nation site: <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Bless You Boys</a></p>
<h3 id="xdThOZ">Pitching matchups</h3>
<p id="NnEjyn"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/17/16158084/dodgers-tigers-starting-pitchers-schedule-tv"><em>More details</em></a></p>
<p id="CHnCP0">Friday: <span>Rich Hill</span> vs. <span>Jordan Zimmermann</span><br>Saturday: Hyun-jin Ryu vs. <span>Michael Fulmer</span><br>Sunday: <span>Kenta Maeda</span> vs. <span>Justin Verlander</span> </p>
<h3 id="szqO30">Series schedule</h3>
<p id="NrAFUh">Friday: 4:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)<br>Saturday: 1:05 p.m. (SportsNet LA, Fox Sports 1)<br>Wednesday, 10:10 a.m. (SportsNet LA)</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2017/8/17/16158506/dodgers-tigers-series-statistics-scheduleEric Stephen