September 1 09:10 MLB Arizona vs. LA Dodgers Overseas Baseball Analysis Sports Analysis
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The late-game rally that the Arizona Diamondbacks attempted ended in failure, and Merrill Kelly (4 wins, 3.98 ERA) will aim for his 5th win of the season. Kelly, who secured victory with a performance of 6 innings and 4 earned runs against Boston on the 26th, has been struggling on the road lately, as indicated by allowing 4 runs in each of his last 2 road games, which contrasts with his previous seasons. However, he has shown some strengths at home, so this game should capitalize on that. Even though they lost the previous game, Arizona's lineup scored 9 runs, including 2 home runs, which is encouraging as it shows their offensive power lives on at home. Scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th could be a significant boost for this game. Nonetheless, the bullpen allowing 5 earned runs over 4 innings makes the struggles of Sewald particularly painful.
The LA Dodgers, who achieved a 3-game winning streak with an explosive offense, will have Gavin Stone (11 wins, 5 losses, 3.33 ERA) challenge for his 12th win of the season. After throwing 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run in a win against Tampa Bay at home on the 26th, Stone has been in great form, with a record of 19 innings, 8 hits, and just 1 earned run over his last 3 games. However, he has historically struggled against Arizona and tends to falter in away games. The Dodgers' offensive lineup was terrifyingly effective, scoring 10 runs including 3 home runs against Arizona’s pitching just the day before. Shohei Ohtani, who achieved a record-breaking 43rd home run, is on track for one home run and one stolen base each game. However, the bullpen's performance after Kershaw’s early exit—allowing 6 earned runs over 8 innings—poses a significant challenge for managing the bullpen in this game.
The previous game should have been a straightforward win for the Dodgers, but it unexpectedly became chaotic in the end. This may have a carryover effect into this game. Stone has a poor matchup against Arizona and the away game adds a variable. Certainly, Kelly’s recent performances have uncertainties, but he can be expected to perform well at home. Most importantly, considering the current strains on both teams' bullpens, the Dodgers may reach a point where they have to abandon their bullpen strategy in this game or the next. The Arizona Diamondbacks, with an edge in pitching, look closer to victory.
Predicted score: Diamondbacks 7, Dodgers 5
Handicap: Diamondbacks win
Over/Under: Over