The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 6-3 loss on Friday, but have a shot to get a leg up on their National League West opponent with Noah Syndergaard on the mound in Saturday’s matchup.
The Dodgers’ offense failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities with runners on base after working nine combined walks, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position to go alongside 10 strikeouts as a club. Clayton Kershaw was less than stellar but managed to work six decent innings before allowing two solo shots in the sixth that gave the Diamondbacks the lead.
Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers sit atop the NL West through their first eight games with a 5-3 record, and their +25 run differential is good for third in Major League Baseball.
Syndergaard gets the ball for his second start of the season after facing the Diamondbacks in his last turn through the rotation. The right-hander flashed eye-popping stuff in his Dodgers debut, tossing six innings, while allowing just one earned run while notching six punchouts.
After enduring a difficult Spring Training, Syndergaard’s first outing validated a lot of his process over-production approach leading into the regular season. Pitching to contact while also missing bats was a recipe that worked, but facing the same team in as many turns through is a difficult ask.
Although he isn’t touching the upper-90s with his fastball, Syndergaard graded out in the 97th percentile in hard hit percentage and 92nd in chase rate, much in part to improved characteristics on his sinker, slider, and changeup.
He’s opposed by Zach Davies, who in his last start against the Dodgers, allowed just one earned run over five solid innings while striking out four. In his career against L.A., he’s posted a 3.07 ERA in 15 starts, some of his best numbers against any MLB opponent.
Will Smith is a bat to look out for in Saturday’s matchup. Smith has a career .400 batting average in 15 at-bats, including three homers and six RBI against Davies.
Miguel Rojas remains out of the Dodgers lineup as he continues to recover from left groin tightness.
Dodgers lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
DH: J.D. Martinez
LF: James Outman
2B: Miguel Vargas
CF: Jason Heyward
SS: Chris Taylor
Diamondbacks lineup
3B: Josh Rojas
2B: Ketel Marte
DH: Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
1B: Christian Walker
LF: Corbin Carroll
RF: Jake McCarthy
C: Gabriel Moreno
CF: Alek Thomas
SS: Geraldo Perdomo
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