The Los Angeles Dodgers had a lackluster performance on Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres, falling 4-1 at Petco Park to drop to 49-42 on the season.
Dodgers 38-year-old starter Rich Hill got outpitched by rookie 23-year old Eric Lauer as Lauer tossed 8.2 innings of one-run ball, coming one out shy of his first career complete-game shutout.
Rich Hill did not pitch bad, making it through seven innings, but he gave up four runs, all of which came in the fifth inning when he gave up a three-run home run to Austin Hedges and then a solo shot to Wil Myers. He gave up eight hits and a walk while striking out seven.
Despite not giving up any runs in six of the seven innings he pitched, Hill was still unhappy with his outing as the Dodgers took the loss, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It was just two pitches that they hit out,” Hill said. “Complete frustration on my part right now. That’s the way it is.”
The loss dropped Hill to 2-4 on the season to go along with a 4.64 ERA and 1.36 WHIP while striking out 58 and walking 18 in 54.1 innings across 11 starts. His 1.8 home runs per nine innings rate is by far a career-high for the 14-year veteran.
The 2018 season certainly has not been Hill’s best with the Dodgers whether it be due to his blister issues or ineffectiveness. With Walker Buehler scheduled to return, the Dodgers could go to a six-man rotation.
So Wood still has some time to prove that he can turn things around, but if he continues to struggle, it is possible that he would be the odd man out in the starting rotation.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.