Steve Webb
Dodgers Drop Emerald City Opener, Betts HBP
The start of a two game, Seager versus Seager, mini series against the Mariners kicked off Monday in Seattle. It was chance for the Dodgers to launch a new winning streak as long as the bats made the trip. The offense all took place early, and the Mariners took the opener 4-3, but the loss was not the main concern for Dodger fans. Lead off batter Mookie Betts took a hard inside pitch on his forearm in his last at bat. Not another injury?
Flipping the Script
The Mariners batters unloaded on heat thrown by May and had a very quick 3-0 lead after 2 innings. Either the Dodger scouting report was wrong, or the Mariners learned how to hit gas as both home runs coming on pitches well into the upper 90’s. Dustin managed to settle down and pitch a strong game. He struck out eight, only walking one and leaving the game to the bullpen down 4-3 after 5 innings.
Bounce Back
Seattle starter Justus Sheffield pitched effectively, keeping the Dodgers off balance during his 5-2/3 innings. The Dodgers offense finally kicked into gear with three consecutive hits in the third inning. The big blow was a first pitch Corey Seager homer making the game a one run lead for the Mariners. In typical Seager fashion, pounding a first pitch slider, Corey took a center-cut off-speed over the center field fence. Seager only faced a total of three pitches in his three at bats of the game.
Starting Lineup
Chris Taylor, playing at second base for only the third time this year, opened the door for the Mariners. Taylor botched a routine grounder and more sloppy Dodger defense converted into the eventual game winning, unearned run and the Mariners led 4-2.
Dave Roberts made good on his promise to Max Muncy, giving the start to Edwin Rios at first base. Muncy was the last player to be given a day off this year. Rookie Dodger Sheldon Neuse started the game at third base, going 0-for-2. Hot-hitting Justin Turner continued his fast start, batting DH. AJ Pollock was back in action playing out in left field With the exception of Zach McKinstry playing in right, the bottom of the Dodgers order went sleepless in Seattle.
Grease the Hinges on the Bullpen Door
Multi-purpose reliever David Price answered the phone first in relief. Fresh off his weekend heroics in San Diego, Price came in and had a clean sixth. Roberts handed the ball to a resurgent Jimmy Nelson for a hitless seventh inning, keeping the Dodgers only one run back. The Mariners dazzled on defense, keeping the Dodgers from scoring in the seventh. Will Smith went hitless but not from a lack of effort as he was robbed on a hard hit ball out towards left.
Scott Alexander came in to finish off the Mariners in eigth. The bullpen throwing up three innings with only one Mariner reaching base. Bring on the top of the ninth and some Dodger Magic please?
Final Frame
Luke Raley hit a hard liner to center field but a well-positioned Taylor Trammel snagged the fly. A patient Edwin Rios reached on a six pitch walk and the table was set for Mookie, and a potential comeback. Dodger faithful then held their collective breath as a hard 94 mph slider rode in on Mookie hitting flush on the inside forearm. Betts shook it off and walked down to first base appearing to be fine. With two Dodgers on and Seager up, all hope evaporated in a heart beat, as in classic Corey fashion, he hit the first pitch into a game ending double play.
The final game of the series goes Tuesday with a 1:10 PM start time. The Dodgers Julio Urias (2-0, 3.86 ERA) goes against the Mariners Marco Gonzales (1-2, 8.22 ERA) After the game, the Dodgers fly home and have Wednesday as an off day. We all know what is coming up after that.
In the meantime, let’s all hope Mookie is intact.
