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Dodgers’ Impressive Turnaround Continues on the Road Against the Pirates
The Los Angeles Dodgers, revitalized after overcoming a season-high five-game losing streak, are set to maintain their momentum as they embark on a six-game road trip. Their first test comes in a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, beginning Tuesday.
Dodgers’ Recent Performance
After a challenging period, the Dodgers have bounced back by winning five of their last six games, solidifying their lead in the National League West. During this stretch, they’ve dominated their opponents with a combined score of 27-10, including an impressive 8-1 over the last two games.
In their latest victory, an 8-0 triumph over the Colorado Rockies, key contributions came from Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Betts ended a 0-for-14 slump with a first-inning homer, his first since May 17, while Freeman added to the tally with his third homer in the last 20 games.
Manager’s Insight
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with his star players’ performances. “We needed it,” Roberts stated. “I think Mookie’s been really relieved to hit a ball out of the ballpark. Freddie has been in it for a while, so for him to go deep was really good.”
Betts’ leadoff homer was notable, marking the 52nd of his career. He is now just one shy of tying Hall of Famer Craig Biggio for fourth place on the all-time list and two behind seven-time All-Star Alfonso Soriano.
Pirates’ Recent Struggles
Conversely, the Pirates have faced difficulties, losing four of their last six games, including a narrow 5-4 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays. Pirates manager Derek Shelton highlighted the team’s missed opportunities, noting that they left 13 runners on base and went 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position.
Despite the overall struggles, Rowdy Tellez has been a bright spot, going 5-for-13 in his last three starts after a tough 2-for-31 stretch in the previous 13 games. Shelton commended Tellez’s hard work and improved timing.
Pitching Matchup
The series opener features a duel between right-handers Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers and rookie Jared Jones of the Pirates. Glasnow, who secured a significant five-year contract, started the season strong but has faced challenges recently. Despite a 0-2 record in his last four starts, his overall performance remains robust, with just 10 runs allowed on 13 hits over 24 innings.
Jones, facing the Dodgers for the first time, will look to improve after a rough outing against the Detroit Tigers, where he allowed seven runs (five earned) on five hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Conclusion
As the Dodgers take their show on the road, they aim to capitalize on their recent success and continue their winning streak against the Pirates. With key players like Betts and Freeman finding their form and solid pitching performances, the Dodgers are in a strong position. Meanwhile, the Pirates need to seize their opportunities and support their rookie pitcher to change their fortunes.
