Game 31, 2019

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Dodgers at Giants, 6:45 PM PDT, TV: NBCS BA, SPNLA

RHP Kenta Maeda (3-2, 5.20 ERA) v. RHP Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 3.00 ERA). Maeda’s walks are up and strikeouts down compared to his career numbers, but the last eight guys he faced in a four-inning start against the Cubs last week went out meekly. Maeda is 4-3 with a 4.58 ERA against the Giants. Samardzija gave up two runs to the Blue Jays in 5 1/3 innings his last time out and got the win. He’s 1-4 with a 4.06 ERA against the Dodgers.

Here’s Muncy’s go-ahead RBI in the 7th inning of yesterday’s game:

On this day in Dodgers’ history:

  • 1978 The Cardinals tie a franchise record for the quickest nine-inning game played in their history, taking only one-hour and thirty-three minutes to beat the Dodgers at Busch Stadium, 1-0. The contest marks the managerial debut of Ken Boyer, replacing Vern Rapp, the Redbird skipper fired four days ago.
  • 1994 Kirk Rueter becomes the first pitcher in 13 seasons to begin his major league career with a 10-0 record when the Expos beat San Diego at Olympic Stadium, 3-2. In 1981, Dodgers southpaw Fernando Valenzuela started the year with eight victories to improve his overall record to 10-0 for the Dodgers, somewhat similar to the Montreal left-hander, who started his streak last season with an 8-0 mark before winning his first two decisions this year.
  • 2005 Although Eric Gagne is on the disabled list and hasn’t thrown a pitch this season, he is suspended for two games and fined. The action is taken because after being ejected on April 6 for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn, MLB warned the Dodgers closer he was in violation of Rule 3.17, which states players on the disabled list may not take part in any activity during the game, the former Cy Young winner continued to dress and participate in game activities.

Here’s a terrifying note: on this day in 1930 (which should be called the Year of the Hitter — look it up) an average of 17+ runs a game is scored in the seven major league games played today. After the dust settles, players from 14 teams will cross the plate 123 times. On a sadder note, on this day in 1939 on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, Lou Gehrig comes to the plate in the fourth inning and singles off Washington hurler Ken Chase for his 2,721st and last hit, the most ever in franchise history. The ‘Iron Horse’s’ record will stand for over 70 years until Derek Jeter, another 35 year-old team captain, surpasses the mark in 2009.

Lineup when available.


102 thoughts on “Game 31, 2019”

  2. If they call up an outfielder, Connor Joe seems a likely candidate. He is hitting the ball as a righty batter and at least has a taste of the Bigs. For an infielder, don’t see much at AAA. Omar Estevez at AA is doing well, but would be a bit of a leap since it is his first year at that level. A look at the OKC page says, however, that Joe is on the IL!. Also, he would have to be added to the 40. Matt Beaty, already on the 40, bats left.

    • Connor Joe was awful with the Gnats, but it would be truly delicious if he became an impact player in LA.

      • Ha! What’s the adage: don’t have to be faster than the bear, just faster than your fellow hiker. Joc against lefties is 2-14, Joe 1-13. Pick your poison.

  3. Bosox dead in the water? Same record as Dodgers had after 29 games in 2018. Dodgers 9 back, Bosox 7.5. So probably not, though in a tough division.

    • He does have a history of fragility. Could mean more OF time for Quique and playing time for CT3.

      • Sure. How this works out will depend somewhat on whether they bring up an outfielder or an infielder.

      • Sure. How this works out will depend somewhat on whether they bring up an outfielder or an infielder.

  6. It really hurts to get burned by a washed-up Longoria, but now it’s time to come from behind!

  9. Alana talking about Cody tying Cey for most RBI in April. I was at Dodger Stadium that year when Cey hit a grand slam against Seaver to get his final April RBIs. I can’t forget how loud the Stadium was when he came up with the bases loaded and after he hit the grand slam.

    • Barring injuries, hard to conceive of a spot for him at present, but he’ll certainly need minor league time. I presume he still has options.

      • Yeah, wasn’t able to crack the Bigs last after recovering from injury. This year would seem even harder for a left handed outfielder.

    • Saw a Jon tweet were he noted that Cody is right up there with the first 29 games of guys holding major records in counting stats, i.e. Hack Wilson, Bonds*, Ichiro.

  16. Is Chicken Strip built to be a reliever. His OPS against by inning this year is .900, .300, .610, 853, 668… Tough getting started.

  29. I fear that, with tonight’s Gnat blackout, I’m gonna get Steinered. If so, I’ll have to go with Jaime Jarrín.

  32. Jimmy Ray Hart, Orlando Cepeda, and Willie Mays seemed to hit home runs through the wind at Caldlestick as we watched on Channel 11 those away games in SF.

  38. I was watching before I tuned into this game “The Show Must Go On, Queen plus Adam Lambert on ABC. Enjoyable.

  43. 1. Joc Pederson (L) LF
    2. Corey Seager (L) SS
    3. Justin Turner (R) 3B
    4. Cody Bellinger (L) RF
    5. Max Muncy (L) 1B
    6. Enrique Hernandez (R) 2B
    7. Alex Verdugo (L) CF
    8. Austin Barnes (R) C
    9. Kenta Maeda (R) P

    1. Joe Panik (L) 2B
    2. Yangervis Solarte (S) LF
    3. Brandon Belt (L) 1B
    4. Buster Posey (R) C
    5. Pablo Sandoval (S) 3B
    6. Brandon Crawford (L) SS
    7. Kevin Pillar (R) CF
    8. Gerardo Parra (L) RF
    9. Jeff Samardzija (R) P