Photo by Lynn G. for TalkNats
The Vegas line has the Dodgers as overwhelming favorites tonight as Hyun-Jin Ryu goes for the visitors versus Anibal Sanchez. It is Ryu who owns the lowest ERA in baseball as he averages one run per start. There is one tried and true strategy for beating a pitcher like that, and Anibal Sanchez has to go toe-to-toe with him and give up less runs which in this case is a shutout. Easier said than done, and this is why we play the games.
The Nats have faced Ryu once this year, and he was as advertised holding the Nats to one hit over 8.0 innings. In this season, he has only had one game that he has surrendered more than two runs so to say he has been stingy on the scoreboard is an understatement. What the Nats offense did not do when they faced him in May was play some “small ball” as they swung for the outfield depths of Chavez Ravine. Put balls in play and put pressure on the Dodgers defense.
The other issue at-hand is the Nationals bullpen still needs some rest. We will see how manager Dave Martinez will play this one, but you have to think Fernando Rodney after throwing a combined 63 pitches the previous two days is unavailable.
Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, Sportsnet LA, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-up subject to change (without notice):
