With a 10-game winning streak in tow and winners in 16 of their past 17 games, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the opener a four-game Freeway Series. The first two contests will be played at Dodger Stadium before shifting to Angel Stadium midweek.
The Dodgers enter play Monday night having hit at least one home run in 17 consecutive games. The streak ties a Los Angeles record set by the 1960 team; only Brooklyn’s streak of a home run in 24 straight games in 1953 is longer in franchise history.
Odds figure to be in the Dodgers’ favor to make it an 18th game with a home run, as they face Ricky Nolasco.
The right-hander has surrendered 23 home runs this season, which is tied for the Major League lead. Nolasco’s 2.45 home runs per nine innings are worst in the Majors, while his 21.5 percent home run to fly ball rate is sixth-highest.
Nolasco is 2-9 with a 5.23 ERA, 5.96 FIP and 1.46 WHIP in 15 starts this season. He’s 1-5 on the road with an ERA that’s lower (4.56) than at home (6.08).
The Dodgers counter with Rich Hill, who is still looking to get on track this season. Hill did add a new pitch to his arsenal, which came after some discussion with Clayton Kershaw.
To his credit, even while struggling with command and pitching deep into games, Hill has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of nine starts. He’s 4-3 with a 4.73 ERA and 1.55 WHIP.
Justin Turner and Andrelton Simmons put a friendly wager on the Freeway Series, which their teammates will benefit from.
Who ever wins the series gets a pair of #PureBoosts for their whole team? pic.twitter.com/yioNKpX9FK
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) June 26, 2017
Albert Pujols is starting at first base and playing the field for only the fifth time this season. He last played the position May 27. Pujols, who earlier this season slugged his 600th career home run, is batting .239/.283/.382 with eight doubles, 11 home runs and 51 RBI.
The Angels are still without perennial American League MVP candidate Mike Trout as he recovers from thumb surgery.
Corey Seager is out of the Dodgers lineup a third consecutive game as he attempts to nurse his way through a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. Seager was said to be available as a pinch-hitter in each of the past two games.
The Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves ahead of the series opener, recalling Brock Stewart and Trayce Thompson, and placing Brandon McCarthy on the 10-day disabled list and optioning Ross Stripling to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Dodgers lineup:
2B: Chase Utley
LF: Chris Taylor
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Cody Bellinger
C: Yasmani Grandal
CF: Joc Pederson
RF: Yasiel Puig
SS: Kiké Hernandez
P: Rich Hill
Angels lineup:
CF: Cameron Maybin
RF: Kole Calhoun
1B: Albert Pujols
3B: Yunel Escobar
SS: Andrelton Simmons
C: Martin Maldonado
2B: Danny Espinosa
LF: Eric Young Jr.
P: Ricky Nolasco
