True Blue LA - September 5: Giants 6, Dodgers 4Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2021-09-05T19:33:16-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/224218632021-09-05T19:33:16-07:002021-09-05T19:33:16-07:00Buehler, Dodgers leave town in second place
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-hGzgZxhfFdSyLX-OdiCPFjWaVc=/0x0:5079x3386/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69820731/usa_today_16695214.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LA loses third straight series to the first-place Giants</p> <p id="BMLmNy">Walker Buehler had his worst and shortest start of the season, the Giants capitalized on opportunities while the visitors did not in a 6-4 San Francisco triumph. The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> leave town in second place in the National League West.</p>
<p id="Ttl9Fr">The Giants are up in the division by one game, with 25 left on the schedule. Sunday night gave San Francisco the season series win over the Dodgers, 10 games to nine, which means should the two teams end up with the same record through 162 games, Game 163 would be right back at Oracle Park.</p>
<p id="0oKujh">If the Dodgers are in position to be able to line up their rotation how they want, Buehler would likely still be the pitcher they’d want starting such a game, with his 2.35 postseason ERA and his Game 163 brilliance in 2018.</p>
<p id="CNTxVk">But on Sunday, it just wasn’t Buehler’s night. He gave up six runs in all, one more than <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658500/walker-buehler-dodgers-giants-cy-young-award-van-lingle-mungo-clayton-kershaw">his total in his five previous starts against the Giants this season</a>.</p>
<p id="JDYxDk">“They were on him tonight,” manager Dave Roberts said. “There were some missed locations, there was some tough luck, and also some quality contact. There just wasn’t a lot of swing-and-miss stuff.”</p>
<p id="9flR2L">The second inning offered a glimpse of how this game would go. Two hits and a walk gave the Dodgers their first run, tying the game, and a wild pitch put runners at second and third with nobody out.</p>
<p id="8xwmiq">Chris Taylor popped out in the infield, Cody Bellinger struck out swinging, as did Buehler, stranding both runners.</p>
<p id="WUxteu">In the bottom of the frame, Brandon Crawford walked and Mike Yastrzemski doubled, putting the Giants in the exact same position, with runners on second and third and nobody out. Steven Duggar, called up before Sunday’s game, tripled to right field, scoring both runs, then scored on a single by pinch-hitter Darin Ruf.</p>
<p id="YTZVtY">The Dodgers scored none after that two-on, none-out situation, and the Giants scored three.</p>
<p id="BWtBHC">San Francisco hit the ball hard all night against Buehler, though “all night” was shorter for the Dodgers ace than at any point this season. Buehler only lasted three innings, allowing at least a run in all three innings. </p>
<p id="SkW5u6">Buehler allowed a home run, a triple, and three doubles. The five extra-base hits are a season high, and <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/igtUH">the third-most he’s allowed in any game in his career</a>.</p>
<p id="C0azKk">That Buehler got hit around was surprising not just because he’s a National League Cy Young contender, and even with his clunker on Sunday <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2021&month=33&season1=2021&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2021-01-01&enddate=2021-12-31&sort=17,a">still leads the majors in ERA (2.31)</a>. But it underscores just how excellent Dodgers pitching has been, with a 2.30 ERA in 31 games since the beginning of August. Buehler was the first Dodgers pitcher to allow more than three runs in a game <a href="https://stathead.com/sharing/ml97o">since all the way back on July 29</a>.</p>
<p id="mMni3S">“This was a big game, but there’s a month left to play,” Buehler said. “It boils down to playing a better month of baseball than they do. That’s our goal and that’s my goal.”</p>
<h3 id="OtXrSV">Not sidelined after all</h3>
<p id="pRLSe5">There was talk Friday of David Price possibly landing on the injured list, as the veteran left-hander is dealing with elbow soreness. But he was kept on the roster, with Roberts saying Saturday, “He’s active until he’s not.”</p>
<p id="eYq8Jb">Price is still active and pitched 1⅔ innings in relief on Sunday, his first appearance in eight days. He allowed half of his 10 batters faced to reach base with three walks (one intentional), a double, and a single, but all five runners were stranded.</p>
<h3 id="kW7J3A">Priming the pump</h3>
<p id="bpR4DE">In advance of returning to his old stomping grounds in St. Louis, Albert Pujols hit a two-run pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning off Jake McGee to pull the Dodgers within 6-4. It was Pujols’ second pinch-hit home run of the season, and his ninth homer against left-handed pitching since joining Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="qktBGi">Roberts said before Sunday’s game that Pujols would start Tuesday and Thursday against the Cardinals, against left-handers J.A. Happ and Kwan Hyun Kim, respectively.</p>
<h3 id="cPVKfc">Sunday particulars</h3>
<p id="NsBY28"><strong>Home run</strong>: Albert Pujols (16); Brandon Belt (21)</p>
<p id="iPflpq"><strong>WP — Zack Littell (2-0)</strong>: 1 IP, 2 strikeouts</p>
<p id="XiN1qF"><strong>LP — Walker Buehler (13-3)</strong>: 3 IP, 7 hits, 6 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeouts</p>
<h3 id="MYERqh">Up next</h3>
<p id="F7KVgJ">The Dodgers have a quick turnaround with a trip to St. Louis for a four-game series against the Cardinals. Max Scherzer flew east ahead of the team to start Monday’s series opener (1:15 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA), with right-hander Miles Mikolas starting for St. Louis.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658920/walker-buehler-clunker-dodgers-giants-recap-second-placeEric Stephen2021-09-05T15:49:00-07:002021-09-05T15:49:00-07:00Dodgers vs. Giants Game XIX chat
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<img alt="MLB: JUL 28 Dodgers at Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XQCqqfXoDyrfsxI4FC98Gf7JNLw=/1x0:5284x3522/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69820305/1234661943.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another battle for first place</p> <p id="lG1sPW">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Giants finish off their weekend series at Oracle Park in San Francisco, with the winner leaving town in first place in the National League West.</p>
<p id="pBYgKr">Walker Buehler is on the mound for the Dodgers. Right-hander Dominic Leone is the first pitcher of the Giants’ second straight bullpen game.</p>
<h3 id="eAMq7J">Pregame reading</h3>
<aside id="MyCK2l"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Walker Buehler gets one last crack at the Giants","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658500/walker-buehler-dodgers-giants-cy-young-award-van-lingle-mungo-clayton-kershaw"},{"title":"Kershaw to start on rehab Tuesday in OKC","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22657380/clayton-kershaw-rehab-start-oklahoma-city"},{"title":"Pollock lands on IL, White back up in majors","url":"https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658024/aj-pollock-injured-list-hamstring-strain-mitch-white-dodgers-roster"}]}'></div></aside><div id="gWTiUC"><div data-anthem-component="table:10736848"></div></div>
<h3 id="EO1hdm">Game info</h3>
<p id="b7aiui">Teams: Dodgers (86-50) at Giants (86-50)</p>
<p id="YH0Se4">Location: Oracle Park, San Francisco</p>
<p id="Fkv76B">Time: 4:08 p.m.</p>
<p id="InJjfT">TV: ESPN</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658025/dodgers-giants-game-threadEric Stephen2021-09-05T14:23:26-07:002021-09-05T14:23:26-07:00Pollock lands on IL, White back up in majors
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C_wFDeOQ22xbRpd-TeE9wsok99U=/0x0:4812x3208/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69820189/usa_today_16690750.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Pollock <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/4/22657801/aj-pollock-injury-right-hamstring-strain-dodgers">suffered a right hamstring strain on Saturday</a></p> <p id="tcdujA">AJ Pollock was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain on Sunday, with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> outfielder expected to miss most of the rest of the regular season.</p>
<p id="UZEAiN">Pollock <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/4/22657801/aj-pollock-injury-right-hamstring-strain-dodgers">injured his hamstring on Saturday while running the bases</a>, getting picked off going from second to third base in the first inning. He had to be helped off the field with what was classified as a Grade 2 strain.</p>
<p id="WP2qG7">“I don’t want to speculate. I know that it wasn’t good. Obviously, it’s a huge loss in any capacity,” manager Dave Roberts said Saturday night. “Where we’re at, this is two, three weeks at a bare minimum.”</p>
<p id="c7E2f6">Pollock is hitting .297/.352/.508 with 16 home runs, 25 doubles, and a 132 wRC+. He leads the team in outfield starts (88), with one more than Mookie Betts through Saturday.</p>
<p id="k5Ij4O">“A couple of weeks is where we’re at, and we’ll pick up from there,” Roberts reiterated on Sunday. “I still see getting him back this season at some point.”</p>
<p id="45EpKU">This is ancillary in importance to Pollock missing most of September, but the injury also likely ends any chance of the outfielder opting out of his contract after the season. Pollock’s four-year, $55 million contract includes a $10 million salary in 2022 and a $10 million player option in 2023 with a $5 million buyout.</p>
<p id="CWXdET">Pollock could have opted out after 2021 — with a $5 million buyout — with either 1,450 plate appearances from 2019-21 or 1,000 PA in 2020-21 combined. Pollock totaled only 938 plate appearances the last three seasons, and 586 over the last two years. But <em>if</em> 2020 numbers were adjusted for the pandemic-shortened season, his 210 PA last year is the equivalent of 567 PA over a 162-game season. Add that to this year’s 386 PA, and Pollock would be at 953 PA in 2020-21, just 47 plate appearance shy of hitting the opt-out trigger.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="ENMMZT"><div data-anthem-component="table:10736848"></div></div></div>
<p id="EqgQZg">The Dodgers didn’t call up a position player to replace Pollock on the roster, likely because Cody Bellinger figures to take most of that playing time, with a dash of Billy McKinney. Pitcher Mitch White was recalled instead, but there’s likely a method to the madness.</p>
<p id="q1YbyJ">White pitched six scoreless innings for Low-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. With four games against the Cardinals up next, Max Scherzer flew ahead of the team to St. Louis since he’s starting the opener on Monday afternoon. Roberts said Tuesday and Wednesday’s starters are TBA, and that Julio Urías would likely start Thursday.</p>
<p id="JIVkEc">Andre Jackson’s 10th day on optional assignment is Monday, so he could be recalled to pitch bulk innings on Tuesday if needed. White on four days rest would be lined up to pitch bulk innings or start on Wednesday, but that would have been his 10th day on option, so he couldn’t have been recalled until Thursday unless replacing an injured player. Hence, today’s roster move.</p>
<p id="vxgE82">The Dodgers on Saturday also sent pitcher Ryan Meisinger outright to Triple-A, removing him from the 40-man roster.</p>
<h3 id="VYbDrR">Giants moves</h3>
<p id="WRbxju">San Francisco added a fresh arm for Sunday’s bullpen game, recalling right-hander Camilo Doval from Triple-A Sacramento. Sammy Long, who allowed two runs in the ninth inning on Saturday night, was optioned to Triple-A.</p>
<p id="MViMmd">The Giants also placed outfielder Austin Slater on the 7-day injured list with a concussion. Steven Duggar was recalled from Triple-A and starts in center field, one of six left-handed batters in San Francisco’s lineup against Walker Buehler.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658024/aj-pollock-injured-list-hamstring-strain-mitch-white-dodgers-rosterEric Stephen2021-09-05T10:06:14-07:002021-09-05T10:06:14-07:00Walker Buehler gets one last crack at the Giants
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<img alt="MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hOA3y6zIrAt26KgPeMznrtVsGpg=/0x0:4832x3221/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69819691/usa_today_16683355.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Buehler has already scored once in this series</p> <p id="cUGW7J">Walker Buehler’s bonafides are very well established despite his relatively young career, currently in his fourth full major league season. He’s the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ ace with a sparkling postseason résumé, but another way to ingratiate himself with the Los Angeles fanbase is by beating the rival Giants.</p>
<p id="D7cuS9">Buehler starts Sunday night’s series finale <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/5/28/22458811/dodgers-giants-espn-sunday-night-baseball-september-5">on ESPN ‘Sunday Night Baseball,’</a> with the winner leaving San Francisco in first place in the National League West.</p>
<p id="mIA8HO">In 12 career games against the Giants, including 10 starts, Buehler is 7-0 with a 1.83 ERA, with the Dodgers winning eight of Buehler’s 10 starts. The two losses both came <em>this season</em>, though not charged to Buehler’s ledger. He allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings on May 28, and was even better on July 22, allowing only one run in 7⅓ innings.</p>
<p id="tVipOR">Both of those games were at Dodger Stadium. Buehler has won all six career starts at Oracle Park in San Francisco.</p>
<p id="BKyfC2">Even with the two team losses, Buehler is having a season for the ages against the Giants, allowing only five total runs in his five starts against them, including just three earned runs. That’s a minuscule 0.79 ERA in 34 innings.</p>
<p id="jcWbJD">Since earned runs became official in the National League in 1912, only <a href="https://stathead.com/tiny/as21k">two Dodgers pitchers had a 1.50 or better ERA in at least six starts against the Giants in a single season</a> — Van Lingle Mungo at 1.13 for Brooklyn in 1933, and Clayton Kershaw at 1.07 in 2011.</p>
<p id="BQQyyc">Kershaw was 5-0 against the Giants in 2011, his first Cy Young-winning season. This year could be Buehler’s turn to add to the trophy case.</p>
<p id="lnYsVr">Buehler leads the majors in ERA (2.05), and ranks second in the National League in innings (176) and bWAR (5.8). Zach Wheeler of the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> leads in bWAR (6.1), innings (182⅔), and strikeouts (208). Corbin Burnes of the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> leads in fWAR (6.3) and has a huge lead in FIP (1.58), but also has pitched 37 fewer innings than Buehler.</p>
<p id="3ZNMnS">Wherever he finishes, Buehler is in excellent position to relatively cash in. His 2022 base salary gets a bump of $1.125 million if he wins the Cy Young Award this year, and next year goes up by $625,000 if he finishes second or third.</p>
<p id="0GQsxg">Buehler’s base salary next year will be $6.25 million after Sunday night, which is his 28th start this season. Buehler’s original base salary next year was $3.25 million, as part of <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/2/10/22233052/walker-buehler-contract-dodgers-salary-arbitration">the two-year, $8 million contract he signed in February to avoid his first two years of salary arbitration</a>, but he’s added $500,000 to 2022 for each of 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 28 starts in 2021.</p>
<h3 id="EO1hdm">Game info</h3>
<p id="b7aiui">Teams: Dodgers (86-50) at Giants (86-50)</p>
<p id="YH0Se4">Location: Oracle Park, San Francisco</p>
<p id="Fkv76B">Time: 4:08 p.m.</p>
<p id="InJjfT">TV: ESPN</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/5/22658500/walker-buehler-dodgers-giants-cy-young-award-van-lingle-mungo-clayton-kershawEric Stephen2021-09-04T07:03:00-07:002021-09-04T07:03:00-07:00‘Los Dodgers’ jerseys coming on Sunday night
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<img alt="New York Mets v. Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9hYi3qS3RpOM9ih8S0GH8tcbzOQ=/0x0:6300x4200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69817052/1234867683.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Third time this season LA will wear the all-blue uniforms</p> <p id="bwxCmX">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> will don all blue uniforms in Sunday night’s series finale against the Giants.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Boys in Blue will be wearing their Los Dodgers jerseys for Sunday Night Baseball in San Francisco. If you’re heading to Oracle Park, be sure to rock your merch! <a href="https://t.co/2OljANOdM0">pic.twitter.com/2OljANOdM0</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1433896608328941568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="8VtMQ3">The Dodgers unveiled these City Connect uniforms, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/8/19/22632410/los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-city-connect-jerseys">with all-blue jerseys and caps that say “Los Dodgers,”</a> on August 19, the first of two nights they wore them against the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a>. The Dodgers won both games.</p>
<p id="yHAzkY">The series finale against the Giants <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/5/28/22458811/dodgers-giants-espn-sunday-night-baseball-september-5">is a ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ telecast exclusively on ESPN</a>.</p>
<h3 id="DZKSys">Links</h3>
<ul>
<li id="MJi5wD">The Dodgers have thrived in run prevention despite relying so heavily on their bullpen the last two months, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2806438%2F2021%2F09%2F03%2Fhow-the-dodgers-have-not-just-survived-but-also-thrived-in-run-prevention-this-season%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2021%2F9%2F4%2F22656305%2Flos-dodgers-city-connect-jerseys-san-francisco-sunday" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">writes Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic</a>.</li>
<li id="MuD4H4">Alden Gonzalez at ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/32132539/which-team-edge-scouts-help-break-los-angeles-dodgers-san-francisco-giants">broke down the matchup between the Dodgers and Giants with the input of several scouts</a>. One evaluator said, “I can’t imagine a better lineup than what the Dodgers are running out there these days.”</li>
<li id="FsIgXe">With five weeks still remaining in the season after this weekend, this is the earliest final series between the Dodgers and Giants since 1968, <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/dodgers-giants-meet-for-seasons-final-showdown-with-nl-west-up-for-grabs/">writes Luke Hooper at FanGraphs in his detailed preview of the series</a>. </li>
<li id="mNiNhh">Bob Timmermann at the Los Angeles Public Library <a href="https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/lapl/dodgers-and-giants-ongoing-saga">remembered some classic Dodgers-Giants pennant races since both teams moved to California</a>.</li>
<li id="cwRGOO">The Dodgers and Giants doing so well leading up to this series has already given us a great gift, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2806249%2F2021%2F09%2F03%2Fthe-giants-and-dodgers-have-already-given-us-one-of-the-greatest-baseball-gifts-imaginable%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2021%2F9%2F4%2F22656305%2Flos-dodgers-city-connect-jerseys-san-francisco-sunday" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">says Grant Brisbee at The Athletic</a>.</li>
<li id="GLNqgg">Brisbee and I were guests <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/effectively-wild-episode-1742-the-race-and-series-of-the-season/">on the Effectively Wild podcast with Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley at FanGraphs</a> before Friday’s series opener, talking all things Dodgers and Giants. I also made a prediction for the series (no, it wasn’t <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSPNQ82Sq4E">“Pain.”</a>).</li>
<li id="oL7GXe">Los Angeles and San Francisco entering Friday were tied for the first time this late into a season since 1997, with Andrew Baggarly at The Athletic <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2806265%2F2021%2F09%2F02%2Fthe-stage-is-set-for-the-first-time-in-24-years-the-dodgers-and-giants-are-tied-for-first-place-in-september%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2021%2F9%2F4%2F22656305%2Flos-dodgers-city-connect-jerseys-san-francisco-sunday" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">looking back at a memorable series in San Francisco 24 years ago</a>.</li>
<li id="pUmsy0">Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave was extended for an eighth time, now through September 10. Steve Henson <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-09-03/trevor-bauer-administrative-leave-extended-by-mlb-eighth-time-dodgers">at the Los Angeles Times has more</a>.</li>
</ul>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/4/22656305/los-dodgers-city-connect-jerseys-san-francisco-sundayEric Stephen2021-09-03T12:52:53-07:002021-09-03T12:52:53-07:00It’s rare that the Dodgers and Giants are both this good, this late
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<img alt="Los Angeles Dodgers v San Francisco Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JH7322S7kGdg3MByA_UQ66Q2j_o=/0x50:4800x3250/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69815017/1331537855.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look back at late-season series between contending bitter rivals</p> <p id="OVFcTI">The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Giants are both going to make the playoffs. Tied for the best record in baseball entering a three-game series, this weekend will go a long way in determining which team gets a direct path to the NLDS and which team has to get through the wild card game.</p>
<p id="lWbiWY">That’s reason enough to make this weekend in San Francisco of paramount importance. But just that both the Dodgers and Giants are contending for the division at the same time is also news in itself.</p>
<p id="TFOINp">Both teams are tied for first place in September for just the second time in the divisional era, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/historic-dodgers-giants-september-series">per Sarah Langs at MLB.com</a>. The other time was in 1997, when the Giants pulled even on September 18 to finish off a two-game sweep, thanks to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDI3ObxZDs">a walk-off home run by catcher Brian Johnson</a> (or as he’s known in some households, Brian F. Johnson). Andrew Baggarly <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2806265%2F2021%2F09%2F02%2Fthe-stage-is-set-for-the-first-time-in-24-years-the-dodgers-and-giants-are-tied-for-first-place-in-september%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truebluela.com%2F2021%2F9%2F3%2F22652149%2Fdodgers-giants-contending-september-rare" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">at The Athletic wrote about that game</a>.</p>
<p id="6f2AGq">Very generally, these two teams rarely contend on the same schedules. When the Dodgers were good, the Giants weren’t, and vice versa.</p>
<p id="zVDtlv">Since moving out west, this is only the 12th season out of 64 that has the Dodgers and Giants playing each other in September or later with both teams within no more than three games of first place at the start of the series. </p>
<p id="BnO0tk">This is the first time it’s happened since 2014, when they had <em>two</em> such series in September. The Dodgers won the division that season, but the wild card Giants had the last laugh, winning their third <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> in five years.</p>
<div id="9pjYN6"><div data-anthem-component="table:10734108"></div></div>
<p id="EO1hdm">The first such series was in 1959, the second year out west for both. The Giants held a two-game lead over the Dodgers with eight to play, when they met for three games at Seals Stadium in San Francisco. Los Angeles swept all three, but their work wasn’t done. The Dodgers needed a playoff to beat the Braves that year to make the World Series.</p>
<p id="yS5oZ4">Two other late Dodgers-Giants contending series also involved a three-team race with the Braves. In 1969, the first year of divisional play, the Giants swept the Dodgers in San Francisco with a week and a half left, but ended up losing the NL West to Atlanta. In 1982, the Dodgers and Giants met in the final weekend of the season up north, both tied for second place, one game back of the Braves. The Dodgers won the first two games in San Francisco to eliminate the Giants on Saturday, then on Sunday the Giants returned the favor, with the help of <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/morgan-shuts-door-on-la-c13062873">Joe Morgan’s home run off Terry Forster</a>.</p>
<p id="LxAcj5">The most famous of these late Dodgers-Giants series was the 1962 National League playoff, a best-of-three regular season series to decide the pennant. This was the fourth such playoff in NL history, with all four involving the Dodgers. Brooklyn lost in 1946 and 1951 (the latter to the Giants), and Los Angeles beat Milwaukee in 1959.</p>
<p id="oT8vyu">Both teams were 101-61 through 162 games, and the Giants took the first game 8-0 in San Francisco. The Dodgers won on a walk-off the next day at Dodger Stadium, and held a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning of the decisive third game. But the Giants rallied for four runs to win the pennant.</p>
<p id="MdPBLP">That 1962 season was notable, and not just because NL MVP Maury Wills’ 165 games played still stands as the major league record. It has to do with the Dodgers and Giants’ pennant race. Once again, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/historic-dodgers-giants-september-series">from Langs at MLB.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="z1UKNW"><em>In the entire span of this storied rivalry, going back to their first meeting as MLB clubs on May 3, 1890, this is just the second season when these two teams will meet, 130 or more games into a season, each with .630 or better winning percentages. The other time was Sept. 3-6, 1962. And this season’s series starts on? Sept. 3. Because baseball.</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="P85jSa">The Dodgers entered that series at 90-47 (.657) with the Giants at 86-50 (.632). But because they were separated by 3½ games at the start of the series, I didn’t include it in our list above. </p>
<p id="TNimdL">No matter how you slice it, it’s rare when the Dodgers and Giants are this good at the same time. So let’s enjoy this series for what it is.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/3/22652149/dodgers-giants-contending-september-rareEric Stephen2021-09-02T15:20:00-07:002021-09-02T15:20:00-07:00What’s different in this Dodgers-Giants series?
<figure>
<img alt="San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eoE0dn8JQbCwF7L__1L5IpYJfuE=/0x0:3900x2600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69811102/1234982057.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>LA Dodgers Justin Turner at bat vs. SF Giants at Oracle Park on July 29, 2021. | Getty: Set Number: X163727 TK1</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The differences between this series and July when the Dodgers were walloped by the Giants</p> <p id="iP65UG">Well, well, well. Here we are (again). The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> head to Oracle Park for a 3-game series this weekend against the SF Giants, ie: the only team that has mattered much since the All-Star break. The last time we were “here” was just over a month ago in late July, and things felt, well, different. </p>
<p id="KzPrss">The Dodgers have attempted all season to downplay the importance of each series against the Giants. Dave Roberts and many of the players have repeatedly said they’re focused on winning games, and the number of games left in the season is what’s important.</p>
<p id="PGQMSQ">But here we are with <em>*checks calendar</em>* <em>only 28 games left </em>in the regular season. I don’t think anyone is arguing that every single game — and particularly the ones against the Giants — aren’t incredibly important now. The last time the Dodgers were at Oracle Park, they lost 2 out of 3 — and went 2-5 in the total of 7 games played against the Giants in July. To add to the suspense, LA is 8-8 against the Giants overall in 2021. </p>
<p id="xqSmiU">So what’s different in this series, just a little over a month later? For one, the Dodgers are now tied for first place in the NL West. In agonizing fits and spurts, the Dodgers managed to gain ground in the past month going from 2 games back after that July series with the Giants to tied for first place (they briefly sat alone in first place before the Giants beat out the Brewers today). As Dave Roberts said last night, “It’s a start.” </p>
<p id="COunvt">This is the final time the Giants and Dodgers meet in the regular season. And the Dodgers have looked like a new team since the All-Star break, and particularly the last 3 weeks, getting Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Corey Knebel, Mookie Betts, Joe Kelly (and the list goes on) back after varying stints on the IL. The Giants on the other hand, <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2021/9/1/22653411/san-francisco-giants-brewers-recap">are having a rough week</a>. </p>
<p id="EiqxpT">It’s important to point out that the Dodgers lost winnable games to the Rockies and the Angels three times in August on nights <em>the Giants also lost</em>. In a race this tight, a handful of throwaway games don’t feel like nothing.</p>
<p id="Bcv04W">Another difference between the end of July and now? A little not-very-secret sauce in the form of Trea Turner. While it feels like forever that the late addition has been helping to turn things around, he wasn’t part of the Dodgers organization in the last face-off with the Giants. Baserunning has been one of the ways the Giants have capitalized on close games with the Dodgers (this strategy worked well for the Padres earlier in the season as well), but the Dodgers have seemed more aggressive on the bases since acquiring Trea Turner. </p>
<p id="Uyoh8t">Turner is third in MLB with 26 stolen bases this year. His speed in the leadoff spot is reminiscent of 2020 when Betts was playing the same crucial role: getting Trea Turner to first feels like a very good chance of turning into a run on the scoreboard. Since joining the Dodgers, he’s scored 18 runs, tied for 4th with Max Muncy, Tyler Naquin, and Charlie Blackmon in all of MLB in that time. He clinched the tying run in last night’s game with the Braves off a Justin Turner single, and was ranked both Best and Fastest Baserunner by NL managers and staff. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Trea Turner of the LA Dodgers ranked Best Baserunner and Fastest Baserunner in 2021" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CJZYuAL6FEwdgxRLV3usbzvHB0w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22822927/Screen_Shot_2021_09_02_at_9.24.05_AM.png">
<cite>Baseball America</cite>
<figcaption>Baseball America 2021 Best Tools Ranking by NL managers, coaches, scouts, and executives</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="t3upWx">In July, the Dodgers were down two of their starting pitchers with Kershaw on the IL, and Bauer suspended and both of those are still true in this series. Much to most fans’ chagrin, word came down on Sunday that Max Scherzer will <em>not</em> be pitching against the Giants this weekend. With everyone getting five days of rest, Urías and Buehler will pitch on Saturday and Sunday. Friday will go to David Price, who as a starter is only pitching 3-4 innings on average — so call it a bullpen-ish game. While the last handful of these bullpen games have proved okay on the pitching side, a soggy Dodgers offense meant they weren’t able to pull off wins. The offense will need to get going early, even with the Giants most likely throwing out two bullpen games of their own. </p>
<p id="h5Y3C1">Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a big piece of the heartbreak in July came from Kenley Jansen’s two blown saves against the Giants. It seems like he’s <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/8/29/22646622/kenley-jansen-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news">back on track</a>, which could also be a difference-maker. If Jansen is given the save opportunity, those closes will be huge in terms of wins and redemption.</p>
<h3 id="Ta6Rdc">Pitching matchups </h3>
<p id="J8E91m"><strong>Friday, September 3, 2021 @ 6:45 p.m. (MLB Network, Sportsnet LA): </strong>David Price (4-2, 3.88 ERA) vs. Anthony DeSclafani</p>
<p id="MYHqIB"><strong>Saturday, September 4, 2021 @ 6:05 p.m. (MLB Network, Sportsnet LA): </strong>Julio Urías (15-3, 3.17 ERA) vs. TBA</p>
<p id="XvN8z9"><strong>Sunday, September 5, 2021 @ 4:08 p.m. (ESPN): </strong>Walker Buehler (13-2, 2.05 ERA) vs. TBA</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/9/2/22652715/dodgers-head-to-sf-biggest-series-yetJex Musa2021-05-28T11:25:00-07:002021-05-28T11:25:00-07:00Dodgers-Giants on ESPN ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ on September 5
<figure>
<img alt="ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Visits Green Monster" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NeBa2En87DukYGRah6OIbGX8d-o=/0x0:3960x2640/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69358138/1166905616.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Final game of a 3-game series in San Francisco</p> <p id="Fztqv6">While the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Giants play their current series, the second straight weekend meetup between the two longtime rivals, here’s some news for a later incarnation of the matchup. On Sept. 5, the Dodgers and Giants will be featured on ESPN ‘Sunday Night Baseball.’</p>
<p id="N7oQfv">This game, the finale of a three-game series at Oracle Park in San Francisco, is a 4:08 p.m. PT start, with Matt Vasgersian and Alex Rodriguez on the call along with reporter Buster Olney.</p>
<p id="6vfP7L">The Dodgers then move on to St. Louis on that road trip for a four-game series with the Cardinals, with an 11:15 a.m. PT start on Labor Day Monday, the day after this night game.</p>
<p id="6tYz9j">For now, this will be the second Sunday night game for the Dodgers, who were also on the ESPN flagship game on April 25 against the Padres at home.</p>
<p id="pdxiqO">ESPN hasn’t yet revealed the full ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ schedule for the season, keeping their options open for later in the season, depending on performance. So far, every Sunday night through July 18 is accounted for, except for June 27, as well as the first two Sundays in September.</p>
<p id="RDjVik">This Saturday’s Dodgers-Giants game is on Fox, with Joe Davis again on the call, the second of three consecutive Saturday’s the Dodgers will be televised exclusively by Fox.</p>
<p id="j9LXRu"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/2021/3/18/22337924/dodgers-schedule-national-television-2021">Later in the season</a>, the Dodgers are also on Fox on June 26 against the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> in Los Angeles, and July 3 at the Nationals.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/5/28/22458811/dodgers-giants-espn-sunday-night-baseball-september-5Eric Stephen