OKC Baseball Club 5 – Reno Aces (Arizona) 1
Hyun-il Choi had his best start of his young career. He completed 7.0 innings for the first time, throwing 77 pitches. Choi gave up 1 single and 1 double in the first 5 innings. He did allow a run in the 6th inning on a single, sac bunt, and run scoring single giving the Aces a 1-0 lead. Choi retired the side in order in the 7th.
In the bottom of the 6th, Trey Sweeney reached on an error. Austin Gauthier drew a walk. A ground out moved up both runners to 2nd and 3rd. Chris Owings hit a game tying sac fly, and Jonathan Araúz singled home Gauthier for the lead.
OKC scored 3 in the 7th on Andre Lipcius single, James Outman BB, Trey Sweeney singled to score Lipcius with Outman moving to 3rd. Austin Gauthier singled to score Outman with Sweeney moving to 3rd. Gauthier stole 2nd, and Sweeney scored on the throwing error.
Nick Ramirez followed Choi with a perfect 8th, and Michael Petersen pitched a perfect 9th.
Hyun-il Choi was the clear star in this one. This was one of the very best pitched games from a Dodger affiliate.
- Andre Lipcius – 2-4, 1 BB, 1 run
- Austin Gauthier – 2-3, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Jonathan Araúz – 2-4, 1 RBI
Box Score
Tulsa Drillers 7 – Springfield Cardinals 1 – Game 1 (7 Innings)
Yon Castro was the starter in Game 1. He pitched a brilliant 5.0 innings. He gave up 1 run on 5 hits, 1 BB, and 2 K. Three of the five hits were singles in the 2nd inning followed by a sac fly.
The Drillers scored in the first after an Alex Freeland single, a Brandon Davis HBP, a pickoff attempt throwing error, and run scoring ground out.
Tulsa got back to back singles from José Ramos and Diego Cartaya in the 4th. Bubba Alleyne drew a BB to load the bases. Ramos scored on a passed ball and the other runners moved up. Brandon Lewis singled to score both Cartaya and Alleyne.
Brandon Lewis hit a solo HR in the 6th.
2 walks and 2 singles plates the final 2 in the 7th.
- Alex Freeland – 2-2, 2 BB, 2 runs
- José Ramos – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Brandon Lewis – 2-3, 1 run, 3 RBI, HR (5)
Box Score
Tulsa Drillers 5 – Springfield Cardinals 3 – Game 2 (7 Innings)
Tulsa completed the sweep of Springfield in the DH.
21 year old RHP, Christian Romero, started for the Drillers. The first batter he faced singled, and the 2nd batter homered giving Springfield the 2-0 lead.
The Drillers scored 4 in the 2nd. Griffin Lockwood-Powell led off the inning with a HR (7). Brandon Davis followed with a double. José Ramos walked and Davis moved to 3rd on a passed ball for ball 4. Yeiner Fernandez singled to score Davis. Alex Freeland doubled to score both Ramos and Fernandez.
The Cardinals got a single, SB, and a single off reliever Ronan Kopp who inherited the runner from Romero.
Tulsa got the run back in the bottom of the 5th with a Taylor Young double, a ground out and sac fly.
Other than the run scoring single, Kopp walked 2 batters in 1.1 IP. Jack Little pitched the final 1.1 innings with no base runners and 2 K for his 4th save.
- Alex Freeland – 1-3, 2 RBI, double (2)
- Griffin Lockwood-Powell – 1-2, 1 run, 2 RBI, sac fly, HR (7)
- Doubles – Brandon Davis (8), Taylor Young (10)
Box Score
Great Lakes Loons 14 – Beloit Sky Carp 13 – 10 innings
Down by 1 in the 10th, the Loons scored 2 in the 10th to get the walk off win.
The Loons pitchers gave up 13 runs (9 earned), 12 hits, 8 BB, and 18 K. Edgardo Henriquez issued a BB and a 2-out double allowing the Sky Carp to tie the game in the 9th. Henriquez continued to get his Ks, with 4 in his 2 innings.
No need to get into the individual numbers for the pitchers.
Beloit jumped on Jacob Meador for 4 in the 1st inning. Great Lakes came back with 5. Dylan Campbell singled and went to 3rd on Kyle Nevin’s single. Campbell scored on a ground out. Chris Newell drew a 2 out BB. Thayron Liranzo doubled home Nevin and moved Newell to 3B. Luis Rodriguez singled to plate both Newell and Liranzo. Rodriguez moved to 2nd on a PB and then moved to 3rd on a SB. He scored on a Nelson Quiroz single.
The two teams continued to take the lead from each other. Beloit took the lead in the top of the 10th. With the free runner on 2nd, Chris Newell had a one-out run scoring single. Thayron Liranzo then walked it off with a run scoring double.
- Dylan Campbell – 3-5, 1 run, 4 RBI, SF, double (8)
- Nelson Quiroz – 4-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, double (3)
- Nick Biddison – 2-3, 2 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (3)
- Thayron Liranzo – 2-5, 1 BB, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 doubles (8)
- Luis Rodriguez – 2-4, 1 BB, 3 runs, 2 RBI
- Chris Newell – 1-4, 2 BB, 3 runs, 1 RBI
Box Score
Modesto Nuts (Seattle) 5 – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 3
The big news in this one 22 year old Carson Hobbs who dominated in his 6 innings at ACL was promoted to RC. He was an 11th round pick in last year’s draft. Hobbs struck out 11 in his 6.0 IP in ACL. Hobbs entered in the 6th and allowed a single, but nothing else.
Robinson Ortiz pitched 2.0 innings. He did not allow a run, but did surrender 3 hits and a walk.
The Quakes were shut out on 2 hits and 3 BB in 8 innings. They scored three in the 9th . Jordan Thompson opened with a single, and moved to 2nd on a walk to Sean McLain. Joe Vetrano doubled Thompson home and McLain moved to 3rd. Juan Alonso hit a sac fly to plate McLain. Wilman Diaz singled home Vetrano.
- Jordan Thompson – 2-4, 1 run, double (8)
- Joe Vetrano – 1-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, double (3)
Box Score
ACL Dodgers 10 – ACL White Sox 6
Luis Robert Jr. had a rehab start for the White Sox. He went 1-2 and hit a lead off HR of Moises Brito.
- Joendry Vargas – 2-5, 2 runs
- Eduardo Quintero – 3-3, 2 BB, 2 runs, 1 RBI
- José Meza – 3-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, 3 RBI, double (5)
- Mairoshendrick Martinus – 2-4, 1 run 3 RBI, double (3)
- Jaron Elkins – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Jefferson Valladares – 2-3,1 BB, 1 RBI
Box Score
Anybody want to talk about last night’s fiasco? 6 for 32, 0 for 8 WRISP, being blanked by a guy with an ERA over 7, watching Carroll fly around the bases, Walker and Marte crushing home runs, another error by Betts, the box score showing 6 guys hitting under the Mendoza, with the bench having 3 guys under .200 … what am I leaving out?
There will be games like this. Not worth watching. And the 46,000 fans that paid an FCI of $350+ got cheated. Two in a row actually.
Put it in the rear view. On to Cincinnati.
FCI?
Fan Cost Index.
An extremely sloppy game from many players. These are the kind of games that make me question the makeup of this team. Our pitching seems suspect as well as our hitting. Slumping is built into this team. Why?
I think it might have to do with the all or nothing approach to hitting employed by the organization.
Something I have been saying for awhile now. But it is not going to change. Yesterday Bluto posted from Blake Harris:
When you build your roster for HR production, you are going to die with the lack of that production. The nerds are convinced that HR is the best way to win, and they hired RVS to coach launch angle.
On Lux’s 2 hits last night, his head was on the ball, his bat was on an even plane with a short swing, and he had success with his pulled double, and his oppo single. On his last swing, that loop and overswing was again present and he popped up.
Totally agree. You’d think the so called geniuses in the front office would have figured out by now that “all or nothing” turns into “nothing” come post season time. I watched a local high school game recently. Both teams employed the hit and run, attempted to steal, laid down two sacrifice bunts and put the ball in play. It was actually more fun to watch than many Dodger games.
The game we grew up with. All that you mentioned plus an active in motion defense, anticipating, backing up bases, not giving bases away. That game is only being played and coached on amateur levels. I miss it too Wally.
I think slumps are built into every team. When your focus is on the Dodgers (as it is for all of us), then most tend to ignore the other teams. As poorly as the team has played the last 13 games, their record (7-6) put them on a 87-88 win pace. Good enough for the playoffs.
I am sure Atlanta fans say the same thing. They just lost 4 in a row, 1 to Cubs and 3 to San Diego. They are 4-6 in last 10.
San Diego went 3-7 from 4/20 to 4/29. After beating Atlanta 3 in a row, they lost to COLORADO three straight. They are also 7-6 in last 13.
Philadelphia is the only NL team that has not had a real rough patch. Although they were 9-8 after their first 17. You believe they will continue on their pace to win 116-117 games and then sweep through the WS? I think they will cool off.
It’s not because he mentioned me, but Jeff S’s last two posts (those two above this) are on point.
Despite positive rule changes (pitch clock) there are still aspects of the modern game that l, while making perfect sense, are tough (really tough) to watch.
every team slumps. Don’t sweat it too much.
Agree. Those games are going to happen. Individual slumps are going to happen. But there are proven ways to come out of them. I sit and watch and think to myself “if it were me”, then watch as these guys do what amounts to the exact opposite and poor at bats continue. But what do I know about professional coaching? I never did it.
Sure, every team slumps, but the Dodgers do it big time, especially in the playoffs. I think Jeff D hit on it with the all or nothing approach.
Packed up too early for their road trip. Lux however has some MOJO.
Outman is walking around in Oklahoma.
Yeah, walking back to the dugout. 2 BB and 3 Ks. What is happening with him? Does he he need a change of scenery? A different organizational hitting philosophy?
OPSing 1.000 and isn’t that the new stat to watch? Ten plate appearances, 4 walks, 1 hbp, 1 double, 3 runs, 4 Ks
40% K rate in minor league ball sucks begonias.
Dang you Badger, I don’t have a good comeback for that one.
Dodgers were in playoff mode last night.
The dbacks style of play, when working, appears to be difficult for the Dodgers.
For the past couple of nights, everything appears to be difficult for the Dodgers.
Arizona and San Diego certainly seem to have the Dodgers number. Thier nerds seem to know exactly how to pitch to LAD, especially WRISP.
This team is built to score runs. I don’t see a Gold Glove candidate anywhere on that field and even the pitching doesn’t look like Dodger pitching from the past. That may improve as those on the injured list return but when this team doesn’t hit they doesn’t likely win.
I’d say Friedman is a Gold Glove candidate. After that, none (unless Rojas was a full time SS)
it’s not difficult, just keep them in the park. Use more ground ball oriented pitchers, get them to chase pitches outside of the strike zone, and with the majority of the lineup consisting of sub mendoza hitters anyways, it’s not difficult.
This was my exact thought at the end of the game. You would think the FO and coaching staff would have made adjustments in hitting philosophy after the last two playoff failures. Still a long way to go in the regular season. I doubt much will change concerning the desire for emphasizing the HR. If that’s the case all we fans can do is hope for the best in the postseason. I think the starting pitching will be much improved and could help overcome any offensive failures.
I’ll be honest, I turned on a movie after Marte’s HR. I couldn’t watch anymore stranded runners with strikeouts and pop ups. That’s unusual for me.
But I do have a couple of comments in general:
I really like Justin Heyward and I’m glad he’s back. But the anticipation by some, that he’s going to make a major difference in the bottom of the order, remains to be seen. He had a nice year in 2023, hitting .269. But prior to coming to the Dodgers he was washed up. 2021 – .214 and 2022 – .204. It remains a question at close to 35, if he can be as productive as we hope. We need an outfielder who can hit. We’re putting a lot of hope on his return.
This one is up for discussion as I have absolutely no stats to back me up. Caveat – I may sound like players “back-in-the-day” were all better and I don’t believe that. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many baseballs not blocked and so many baseballs going to the backstop. I don’t remember that in the past.
I’ve mentioned I dislike the way catchers are taught now, being on a knee restricting lateral movement. But more balls get deflected away or attempted to be “picked” instead of “blocked”.
A few things contribute; bad or different (indifferent) catching mechanics, pitchers throwing harder with harder spinning breaking balls, more horrible pitches (I never remember 55 foot fastballs) more demand to pick, to throw out base stealers.
Whatever it is, I don’t remember Yogi, Johnny, Fisk, Munson, Posey and the boys retrieving balls from the screen as much as I see now days. It might be my memory and not today’s catchers? Thoughts?
All of the things you mentioned probably contribute, especially higher velo and more spin. Is there more swing and miss these days than in Yogi’s day? That might be contributing as well.
Your point about JHey’s ability (or lack thereof) to duplicate last year makes me wonder about CT3. Maybe he’ll be able to make it back from the dead as well, if only for long enough to help us on some level.
I agree about the catching mechanics. And Jefe’s, STB’s, point about velocity and spin is a good one and in my opinion emphasizes the need to be better prepared to block those wild pitches. I would think the pitchers would be demanding it. I know I would. It can be done only with both feet properly placed underneath the body. You can relax with the bases empty, but with runners on? … you’re giving bases away and that is a cardinal sin in baseball defense.
I also agree about Heyward. He’s a good man to have around but his offensive production capabilities are limited. Yes, we need better hitters, especially in all the corner positions.
Another consideration on the number of balls to the screen may be more reliance on breaking balls, especially in “fastball counts”. Is that such a thing anymore? It’s risky business to try to get a swing and miss with a breaking ball in the dirt with a runner on 3rd. The catcher has to be trusted but then again, I see more chase pitches get to the backstop. Maybe chase off the plate with something other than a breaking ball in the other batter’s box?
We can speculate as to why but it’s useless, unnecessary run scored.
But start with catchers on their feet, as you mentioned, and block and not pick the wild pitch.
Fastball counts is still referenced but I don’t see it as a thing anymore. I think it’s more the sequence now. Up down in out change of speeds.
A good pitcher to watch when it comes to spotting pitches is Yamamoto. With the exception of a curve he deliberately spots at the top of the zone, his breaking stuff all starts center cut and drops off the table. Anything bouncing over the plate, which most of his chase pitches do, is easier to block.
The winning formula: Pitching and Defense. One more saying: Speed never slumps.
The Dodgers are not a slow team. Smith is fast for a catcher and Freeman is fairly fast for a first baseman. Muncy and Kike’ comparatively fast for third basemen. Lux, Outman, Ohtani and Betts can steal a base.
AZ might have the type of offense that gives the Dodgers challenges. Let’s not forget Arizona Diamondbacks launched four home runs in the third inning en route to a win in Game 3 to sweep the Dodgers in the NLDS.
I am not worried in the least about Freeman. Freddie has always been a very good hitter in the second half of the season. He also hits better on the road than at home by a little bit. I believe the bench is thin. I also think Lux is beginning to feel more comfortable at the plate. The only reason he has hit as high in the lineup as he has is because Muncy is out. Once Max is healthy, the first six in some order will be Freeman, Ohtani, Betts, Smith, Hernandez and Muncy. Every one of those guys has 20 plus homer power. Then you finish with Lux, Pages, Heyward. I would think at this point, Vargas or Pages goes down when Max is activated. Rojas, Kike and Barnes will be your main bench guys. The only way Vargas or Pages stay with the team is if they decide to finally cut ties with Taylor. I think letting Chris go at this point is the best option for him because he is going to see very little playing time. Barnes is going to be in the lineup once a week at least and we are going to have to live with that. They might try to find another outfield option come the deadline, but I also think that is a longshot.
Before last season began, I thought Rojas was the perfect stand in at SS until the FO could materialize a long term starter. His career batting avg was good enough for me not to worry about. Yet, he choked at the plate, something he never did before. Inserted into an all or nothing team, he was lost and was horrible at hitting. This season, we have seen him revert back to what he was, a decent hitting, great fielding SS. I believe he should be given the reps, but I also believe Mookie should be moved back to RF. If we are concerned about long term wear and tear to Mookie, the OF is a better place for him. We all know Mookie can play anywhere and would be the first in line to volunteer to fill a spot, but in the best interest of this team, he is gold in RF. The lack of 2B/SS is the FO’s fault. They want to put a bandaid on a wound that is too big for it to heal properly. The farm is not an answer for us. We must work a trade to acquire either a long term SS or 2Bman, or both. We’ve plenty of trade assets but the FO better be on the case before disaster strikes.