Game 84, 2021

Dodgers at Nationals, 8:05 AM PDT, TV: MASN, MLBN (out-of-market only), SPNLA

The home team sends RHP Joe Ross (5-7, 4.02 ERA) to the hill. The visiting Dodgers haven’t yet announced who their starter might be, although LHP David Price (2-0, 3.86 ERA) seems to be the likely choice.

Today in Dodgers’ history:

  • 1884 In American Association action, Louisville right-hander Guy Hecker pitches complete games to win both ends of a doubleheader. The Youngsville, Pennsylvania native does not walk a single batter when he beats the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers at Eclipse Park, 5-4 and 8-2.
  • 1998 The National Baseball Facility of Ireland, considered the main home of the Irish National baseball team, officially opens in Corkagh Demesne Park in Clondalkin, West Dublin when U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy throws out the ceremonial first pitch. Dodger owner Peter O’Malley played an instrumental role in the construction of the diamonds now known as the Fields of Dreams, which includes a regulation sized adult field and an international standard Little League field.
  • 2006 Nomar Garciaparra ties the major league record for being hit by a pitch in a game as he is plunked three times by three different Diamondback pitchers in a 10-4 Dodger victory. The LA first baseman is the first National Leaguer to equal the mark, both literally and figuratively, since the 2000 season, when Astros outfielder Richard Hidalgo got thwacked thrice in a game in April.

Lineup when available.

249 thoughts on “Game 84, 2021

  1. Soto seems to bat every other inning. Which is actually what is happening.

  2. He touched grass before he got to second. Almost could have been called for running outside of the base path.

    • Only if trying to avoid a tag does that matter. His not taking a more direct route probably cost him a safe call, though.

  3. Woke up here to good news I see. Have a great 4th of July everyone

  4. Bob Hendley: Thanks for your in-person reporting, including as a weatherman.

  5. Dodgers play 7 games vs San Fran this month. The other 15 games are against Miami, Colorado and Arizona.
    Let’s go…

  6. Dodgers in a virtual tie for first, as Gnats remain percentage points ahead for the moment.

  7. I feel a little bad for the Nats. It’s because of that attitude that I gave up my career as a heavyweight boxer.

  8. Para wishes he was a full grown shark and not just a little baby one.

  9. Dang. That part of the shoulder is going to hurt a lot – but he was so close to being hit in the face!

  10. Anyone else notice that Lux seems to double-clutch with every throw to first?

  11. I get the feeling that they do the wave the wrong at Nationals Park. Isn’t it supposed to be counterclockwise?

  12. Barnes not doing much at the plate lately. And he had a catcher’s interference the other night. Also, he no longer is Kershaw’s only catcher.

      • I think you are right. Yeager wasn’t much of a hitter, but he was a master behind the plate.

        • There are weaker-hitting catchers than Barnes with starting jobs. A contender that needs defense could very well sign him.

  13. I was going to post this a couple of minutes ago. Honest. I think that this is the inning that we break through.

  14. I went out to dinner last night just when the game resumed and read all the posts when I got home. Very enjoyable. My observation: We are a witty and baseball knowledgeable bunch.

    • I agree. It was a particularly good chat last night.

      Winning helps.

  15. Price burning through his 54 pitches* fairly quickly.

    *He said he could go 9 if everyone got out on 2 pitches for a total of 54.

  16. No one warming up for the Nats. This is when you can ambush them. Martinez doesn’t trust his pen and goes with Ross a little bit longer than normal.

    • Suppose he could have been a #3 if he pitched elsewhere. Normally a solid trio in front of him.

  17. I suspect the Nats sent Ross home yesterday for a good night’s sleep, but Dodger hitters did not have that option.