True Blue LA - August 11: Dodgers 5, Nationals 0Where The Dodger Dogs Are Always Grilledhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49563/truebluela_fav.png2015-08-11T23:37:09-07:00http://www.truebluela.com/rss/stream/89157802015-08-11T23:37:09-07:002015-08-11T23:37:09-07:00Greinke resumes stopper role for Dodgers
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- After Monday's defeat <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> manager Don Mattingly was asked what it would take for the team to stop its first four-game losing streak since 2013.</p>
<p>"Give the ball to <span>Zack Greinke</span> and take our chances," he said.</p>
<p>Mattingly was right.</p>
<p>Greinke pitched six scoreless innings on Tuesday night, allowing only six singles and a walk, his ninth scoreless start of the season. Greinke's nine starts of at least six innings and no runs allowed <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/hFyXq">have been topped only three times in Los Angeles Dodgers history</a> — by Sandy Koufax (12 in 1963), Don Sutton (10 in 1972) and <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> (10 in 2013).</p>
<p>Greinke has allowed zero or one run in 16 of his 23 starts in 2015, and lowered his major-league-leading ERA to 1.65.</p>
<p>"I didn't really think about Zack," Mattingly said on Tuesday. "He had the one bad inning in Philly, and after that he pitched pretty good."</p>
<p>Greinke struck out six but also threw 109 pitches, which helped end his night a tad early, though it was the 23rd time in 23 starts he has lasted at least six innings this season. Greinke, who is as open and honest with coaches about what he has left in the tank as any Dodgers pitcher, didn't feel the need to pitch the seventh inning.</p>
<p>"Whenever I've tried in the past to go deeper into games, it ended up backfiring. Maybe if I'm through five innings and 100 pitches maybe I'll stay in a little longer, but it changes how I pitch."</p>
<p>With the win, Greinke also improved to 24-6 with a 1.98 ERA in his 41 starts following a Dodgers loss, dating back to 2013. The Dodgers are 31-10 in those games.</p>
<p>Not that Greinke pays any attention to those numbers.</p>
<p>"It's probably good that I don't put any extra pressure on myself in those situations," Greinke said. "Whenever I try to do stuff like that, go deeper into games, try to strikeout more guys, the results end up getting worse."</p>
<p>Greinke, by the way, has a new scoreless streak, currently at nine innings and counting.</p>
<h4>Up next</h4>
<p>The Dodgers go for a series win on Wednesday night, with <span class="sbn-auto-link">Kershaw</span> on the mound in the series finale, facing off against <span>Jordan Zimmermann</span>.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/11/9135813/zack-greinke-dodgers-stopperEric Stephen2015-08-11T22:08:19-07:002015-08-11T22:08:19-07:00Puig powers Dodgers over Nats
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- <span>Yasiel Puig</span> came alive on Tuesday night, tying a career high with five runs batted in, leading the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> to a 5-0 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, snapping a season-worst four-game losing streak.</p>
<p>On the same day news broke that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/11/9133875/yasiel-puig-waivers-dodgers-no-trade">Puig was placed on waivers last week</a>, then claimed and pulled back by the Dodgers, he had one of his best games of the year.</p>
<p>It was much needed production from Puig, who since the start of July was hitting .186/.238/.345 in 33 games, though it should be noted he also drove in 19 runs during that span.</p>
<p>"He's been swinging good. It seems like that pitch he hit was the same ball he hit out in Philly, the breaking ball," manager Don Mattingly said. "It's good for his confidence. But I'm not sure if he ever loses confidence, honestly."</p>
<p><span>Andre Ethier</span> opened the fifth inning with a triple to center field, though he was initially called out at third base thanks to a tremendous throw from <span>Michael Taylor</span>.</p>
<p>"I knew his arm was good, but I didn't know it was <i>that</i> good," Ethier said.</p>
<p>The out call was overturned on replay, which added another run to the Dodgers' ledger one out later when Puig homered to left field.</p>
<p>Puig's home run was hit off a slider, which was a rarity for Nationals starter <span>Joe Ross</span>.</p>
<blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Entering today, opponents were hitting .099 (7 for 71) against Ross' slider.</p>
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesWagnerWP/status/631307027810140160">August 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Ross had been magnificent to date this season in his first seven major league starts, with 47 strikeouts in 45 innings to go with just four walks. But on Tuesday night, Ross only struck out one and walked four.</p>
<p>The last of those walks came on four pitches to <span>Yasmani Grandal</span> with two outs in the fifth inning, loading the bases for Puig.</p>
<p>Puig hit a low line drive down the right field line that old friend <span>Clint Robinson</span>, subbing in for an injured <span>Bryce Harper</span>, couldn't corral on a slide. Once the ball got by Robinson, all three runs scored easily and Puig made it to third base standing up.</p>
<p>"I had the same type of swing, I have just been having trouble connecting," Puig said. "What I've been working on is just being able to pick better pitches."</p>
<p>Puig joins <span>Juan Uribe</span> (on July 5, 2013) as the only Dodgers in the last 11 seasons to <a target="_blank" href="http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/848CO">have a bases-loaded triple and a home run in the same game</a>.</p>
<p>For Puig, it was his first five-RBI game since June 4, 2013, his second major league game.</p>
<p>"If anyone gets going, it's good," said Zack Greinke. "But maybe his level of getting hot is better than some other guys."</p>
<p>All that was more than enough offense for <span class="sbn-auto-link">Greinke</span>, who struck out six in his six scoreless innings for his 12th win. Greinke has allowed 14 runs in 13 home starts this season.</p>
<p>Fresh arm <span>Yimi Garcia</span> gave the rest of the Dodgers bullpen some relief, pitching two scoreless innings in his first day back with the club, throwing 31 pitches.</p>
<p><span>Luis Avilan</span> closed out the win with a scoreless ninth, securing the Dodgers' 16th shutout this season, most in the majors.</p>
<h4>Tuesday particulars</h4>
<p><b>Home run</b>: Yasiel Puig (9)</p>
<p><b>WP - Zack Greinke (12-2)</b>: 6 IP, 6 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts</p>
<p><b>LP - <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Ross</span></span> (3-4)</b>: 4⅔ IP, 6 hits, 5 runs, 4 walks, 1 strikeout</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/11/9135451/yasiel-puig-dodgers-nationals-recapEric Stephen2015-08-11T18:02:22-07:002015-08-11T18:02:22-07:00Kendrick out at least 3 weeks, Turner nearly back
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<figcaption>Norm Hall/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> try to snap a four-game losing streak on Tuesday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a>, and here is an update on several injured players, including <span>Howie Kendrick</span>, <span>Justin Turner</span>, <span>Bryce Harper</span> and <span>Chris Hatcher</span>.</p>
<p>We don't have official MRI results for Kendrick's left hamstring strain, only that his disabled list stint is expected to last longer than 15 days.</p>
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<h4>Starting Lineups<br>
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<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<tr>
<td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#ba122b" width="125"><font color="#ffffff"><b>Nationals</b></font></td>
<td colspan="2" align="center" bgcolor="#1e90ff" width="125"><font color="#ffffff"><b>Dodgers</b></font></td>
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<td>3B</td>
<td>Escobar</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Rollins (S)</td>
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<td>2B</td>
<td>Rendon</td>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Callaspo (S)<br>
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<td>1B<br>
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<td>Zimmerman</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Gonzalez (L)<br>
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<td>RF</td>
<td>Robinson (L)<br>
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<td>LF</td>
<td>Ethier (L)<br>
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<td>LF</td>
<td>Werth</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>Grandal (S)<br>
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<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Desmond</td>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Puig</td>
</tr>
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<td>C</td>
<td>Ramos</td>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Pederson (L)<br>
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<td>CF</td>
<td>Taylor</td>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Hernandez</td>
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<td>P</td>
<td>Ross<br>
</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>Greinke<br>
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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></span>
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<p>"We know he's going to miss a bare minimum of three weeks," manager Don Mattingly said on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Turner took batting practice at Camelback Ranch in Arizona on Tuesday and is now on his way to Los Angeles. But he isn't expected to be activated before Wednesday's series finale against the Nationals.</p>
<p>Mattingly said Turner will be reevaluated by team doctors before determining when he is activated from the DL.</p>
<p><span>Alberto Callaspo</span> gets the start at third base on Tuesday night, his 22nd start of the season and eighth in 13 games since Turner was placed on the DL. But what makes tonight stand out is Callaspo hitting second, the first time he has batted higher than sixth all season.</p>
<p>"It's just because of this matchup," Mattingly said about facing Nationals rookie <span>Joe Ross</span>. "He kills right-handers."</p>
<p>The switch-hitting Callaspo does have a .343 on-base percentage batting left-handed this season, including .359 with the Dodgers. Ross, he of the ridiculous 47 strikeouts and just four walks in his 45 major league innings, has yet to allow an extra-base hit against a right-hander this season, holding them to .161/.179/.161.</p>
<p>Harper is out of the Nationals lineup with left knee soreness, with old friend <span>Clint Robinson</span> starting in his place in right field.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harper was scratched with a sore left knee. He banged it on a dive yesterday but finished game. No MRI, per MW.</p>
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesWagnerWP/status/631257126388699136">August 12, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harper reported swelling in knee today & will rest to get it out. Available off the bench, per MW. Also hopes Harper can play tomorrow.</p>
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesWagnerWP/status/631257528337195008">August 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Mattingly also said that relief pitcher Hatcher would be activated close to Friday, the first day Hatcher is eligible to return from the 60-day disabled list.</p>
<p>"We like Chris," Mattingly said.</p>
<p>Hatcher is 1-4 with a 6.38 ERA this season, but also a 3.21 FIP, with 19 strikeouts, seven walks and one home run allowed in 18⅓ innings. He is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.</p>
<h4>Game info</h4>
<p>Time: 7:10 p.m. PT</p>
<p>TV: SportsNet LA</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/11/9134453/howie-kendrick-justin-turner-bryce-harper-chris-hatcher-dodgers-nationalsEric Stephen2015-08-11T16:26:43-07:002015-08-11T16:26:43-07:00Peralta on DL, Garcia called up
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers on Tuesday made a change to their bullpen, placing relief pitcher Joel Peralta on the 15-day disabled list with a right neck sprain and calling up Yimi Garcia from Triple-A Oklahoma City.</p>
<p>Peralta was 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 25 games with the Dodgers, with three saves, 13 strikeouts and eight walks in 20 innings. The 39-year-old was sidelined for two months with a pinched nerve in his neck, but since his return from the disabled list had a 7.53 ERA in 18 games, allowing 12 runs on 22 hits in 14⅓ innings, with nine strikeouts and five walks.</p>
<p>He had four 1-2-3 innings during that span.</p>
<p>Peralta said he first felt something in his neck on the road trip in Philadelphia, and it affected his command and release point. He allowed two home runs in relief in Sunday's debacle against the Pirates.</p>
<p>"Just not being able to make the pitches, which is what happened the first time I went on the DL," Peralta said. "Not being able to command my fastball and split-finger, that's why I taking these few weeks off."</p>
<p>Garcia has a 3.99 ERA in 41 appearances with the Dodgers this year, with 54 strikeouts against only nine walks in 38⅓ innings, but he also allowed a bullpen-high seven home runs and was optioned to Triple-A just before the All-Star break. This is his second return trip to the majors since.</p>
<p>Garcia allowed five runs in 6⅓ innings in his six relief appearances for Oklahoma City, with four of of those runs coming in his first appearance after getting demoted.</p>
<p>"Yimi's the right guy for right now," manager Don Mattingly said.</p>
<p>The right-hander last pitched on Friday, throwing 23 pitches in allowing a run on three hits in 1⅔ innings.</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/11/9128181/joel-peralta-disabled-list-dodgers-yimi-garciaEric Stephen2015-08-10T11:00:02-07:002015-08-10T11:00:02-07:00Dodgers-Nationals probable pitchers
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It's no longer a first-place showdown, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> still have an important series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> beginning Monday night at Dodger Stadium. After the Dodgers starters posted a 6.48 ERA last week, here is a look at the probable starting pitchers for the three games in Los Angeles.</p>
<h4>Monday, 7:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA)</h4>
<p><span>Brett Anderson</span> hasn't walked more than two batters in a game since June 16. In the eight starts since, he has a 2.45 ERA. <span>Gio Gonzalez</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"> hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his last seven starts, with a 1.77 ERA during that span and just two home runs allowed. </span></p>
<h4>Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</h4>
<p><span>Zack Greinke</span> has a 1.54 ERA at home this season, allowing 14 runs in 12 starts, wtih 73 strikeouts and 11 walks in 82 innings. <span>Joe Ross</span> allowed three runs in five innings in his major league debut on June 6, and since then has six straight quality starts. The rookie right-hander has a 2.80 ERA overall with a remarkable 47 strikeouts against just four walks in 45 innings.</p>
<h4>Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)</h4>
<p><span>Clayton Kershaw</span> has a 1.66 ERA at home in 10 starts this season with 97 strikeouts and 12 walks in 70⅔ innings. <span>Jordan Zimmermann</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"> has a 4.67 ERA in his last six starts, with six home runs allowed in 34⅔ innings, though he also has 28 strikeouts and just five walks during that span.</span></p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/10/9125677/dodgers-nationals-schedule-pitchersEric Stephen2015-08-10T05:59:01-07:002015-08-10T05:59:01-07:00Dodgers-Nationals series snapshot
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>LOS ANGELES -- The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> return home to face another potential playoff team, hosting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> for three-games at Dodger Stadium. Here is a quick look at the two teams before their second meeting this season.</p>
<p>Teams: Dodgers (62-49) at Nationals (57-53)</p>
<p>Split records: Dodgers at home (37-18), Nationals on road (26-30)</p>
<p>Run differential: Dodgers (+57, third in NL), Nationals (+27, fifth in NL)</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="4">Dodgers vs. Nationals 2015 </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">Fri-Sat</td>
<td align="left">Jul 17-18</td>
<td align="left">Washington</td>
<td align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2015/7/18/8998479/matt-den-dekker-wtf-dodgers-nationals-recap">5-3, Was</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Sat</td>
<td align="left">Jul 18</td>
<td align="left">Washington</td>
<td align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2015/7/18/8998909/clayton-kershaw-14-strikeouts-dodgers-nationals-recap">4-2, LA</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Sun</td>
<td align="left">Jul 19</td>
<td align="left">Washington</td>
<td align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.truebluela.com/2015/7/19/9000681/zack-greinke-scoreless-superman-dodgers-nationals-recap">5-0, LA</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Mon</td>
<td align="left">Aug 10</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">Aug 11</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">Aug 12<br>
</td>
<td align="left">Los Angeles</td>
<td align="left">7:10 p.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p>Runs scored: Dodgers 4.21 per game (fifth), Nationals 4.17 (sixth)</p>
<p>OPS+: Dodgers 110 (first), Nationals 95 (eighth)</p>
<p>Runs allowed: Dodgers 3.69 (fourth), Nationals 3.93 (seventh)</p>
<p>ERA+: Dodgers 106 (fifth), Nationals 104 (sixth)</p>
<p>Last 10 games: Dodgers 6-4, Nationals 3-7</p>
<p>2015 head-to-head record: 2-1 Dodgers</p>
<p>2014 head-to-head: 4-2 Nationals</p>
<p>Nationals SB Nation site: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.federalbaseball.com/">Federal Baseball</a></p>
<h4>Series Schedule</h4>
<p>Monday, 7:10 p.m.: <span>Brett Anderson</span> vs. LHP <span>Gio Gonzalez</span> (SportsNet LA)<br>Tuesday, 7:10 p.m.: <span>Zack Greinke</span> vs. <span>Joe Ross</span> (SportsNet LA)<br>Wednesday, 7:10 p.m.: <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> vs. <span>Jordan Zimmermann</span> (SportsNet LA)</p>
https://www.truebluela.com/2015/8/10/9123935/dodgers-nationals-series-resultsEric Stephen