The Los Angeles Dodgers picked up where they left off in the series opener by slugging three home runs en route to a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Prior to Friday’s matchup, the Dodgers recalled Ryan Pepiot from Triple-A Oklahoma City for his third career MLB start and optioned Phil Bickford as the corresponding roster move.
Similar to his first two big league outings, Pepiot again battled command troubles. However, he managed to pitch into the fifth inning before giving way to Brusdar Graterol with the bases loaded.
Pepiot would up allowing just one run on three hits and collected five strikeouts against three walks over 4.1 innings.
After the game, the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect noted he felt much more comfortable in his third MLB start, largely due to his familiarity with the Diamondbacks, via SportsNet LA:
“Definitely a lot better than the last two. Definitely felt like there were less jitters; still there, but felt a little more comfortable when I was out there. We had a great plan going into the game. Faced these guys the last time I was up, so really great game plan going against them and I had great support behind me.”
Pepiot also pointed out that he had better control of his fastball in his second career start against the Diamondbacks:
“Yeah. I think everything mechanically felt a lot better. Even when I did miss, I was able to come back in and make a pitch.”
Pepiot’s final line on Friday was similar to his first start against the Diamondbacks two weeks ago, when he allowed three runs and two hits, issued three walks and collected five strikeouts in four innings of work.
Through three MLB starts, Pepiot has posted a 3.18 ERA, 5.44 FIP and 1.50 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against 11 walks in 11.1 innings pitched.
Pepiot: nerves impact command in Dodgers starts
After yielding five walks in his first career MLB start against the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this month, Pepiot blamed his lack of command on nerves and mechanics. He also said a similar feeling factored into some walks during his Dodger Stadium debut.
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