The Los Angeles Dodgers put together an all-around performance on Saturday night to defeat the Los Angeles Angels and secure a Freeway Series split after dropping the opener.
Shohei Ohtani homered for the second time in as many nights, but manager Dave Roberts walked away with a different focus on his club’s lineup.
That’s because the bottom of the Dodgers order — which has struggled throughout the season — was incredible on Saturday night. Miguel Rojas, Gavin Lux and Cavan Biggio combined to go 6-for-12 with Lux hitting a homer and an RBI single.
It is a stark change from a 7-9 that ranks 21st in wRC+ (80). Their 4-6 ranks first (120 wRC+) and their 1-3 is tied for first with the New York Yankees (160 wRC+).
This type of game is huge for what Roberts wants to see out of the Dodgers, as he is hoping that they can be dangerous from 1-9 as the year progresses, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:
“To get those guys at the bottom, collectively, then it just makes our offense tough to navigate,” Roberts said. “You just don’t want to be too top heavy as we have been for a good part of the year.”
The Dodgers have had a top-heavy lineup all season, but it was the injury to Max Muncy that exposed just how serious that issue is.
L.A. won’t be able to make a run to the World Series if their 7-9 batters continue to produce at a well-below league average level. Their 7-9 have produced at the same rate as the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics this season.
Some of the other elite teams in the league — the Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles — have 7-9 batters with a collective wRC+ of 91, 93 and 98 respectively. The Dodgers should hope to be at least at this level by the time the postseason comes around.
Tyler Glasnow felt sharp in Dodgers win
Another part of the Dodgers’ victory over the Angels on Saturday night was the dominant start from Tyler Glasnow. The first-year Dodgers starter tossed seven innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
He felt efficient and sharp in the victory as he put together one of his best starts of the season thus far.
Make sure to follow Dodger Blue on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
