Steve Webb
Dodgers have chance to gain ground vs. D’backs and Reds
LOS ANGELES — If last week was fraught with peril, this week is filled with opportunity. Last week, the Dodgers went 5-2 against the Cardinals and Padres, which is a pretty good record against two quality opponents. However, they lost a game and a half in the standings because the Giants went 7-0 against inferior opponents, the Rockies and Cubs. Now, that script is flipped.
With Clayton Kershaw leading the way on Monday night, the Dodgers finish up their homestand with a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who still hold the worst record of any team not named the Orioles with a pathetic 47-96. The Dodgers need to be thinking sweep in this one. Meanwhile, the Giants open up a four-gamer against the Padres on Monday. And while the Padres are scuffling mightily, they are still tied with the Reds for the second Wild Card, and are likely to put up a fight against the Giants this week.
Then on the weekend, there is further opportunity, but not quite as pronounced. The Braves will be going to San Francisco. Having already taken two of three from the Giants in Atlanta, the Braves have proven they can hang with any team in the league. If they can win one or two of those games in San Francisco, it would be most welcome. At the same time, the Dodgers will be traveling to Cincinnati for a three-game set Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And while the Reds offense can bop, their pitching doesn’t much scare me. Especially when it looks like both Buehler and Scherzer will be pitching against them. So, I’m hoping the Dodgers can sneak out of Cincy with a win or two.
But mark my words, this is the BEST chance the Dodgers have to gain games on the Giants. After this, the opponents are pretty even. If the boys in blue are still 2 1/2 out at the end of the week, you can make your plans for viewing the Wild Card game, because the Dodgers are NOT making up three games in the final two weeks of the season. They need to get it back to a game or two separation this week. But the good news is they can.
