The Los Angeles Dodgers are playing their second doubleheader in the past week, this time against the Cleveland Guardians to wrap up their series before heading to Boston.
The second game of the series began on Wednesday, but it was suspended in the top of the third inning by a rain delay and postponed until Thursday. The Dodgers held a 3-1 lead before play was suspended, with the game due to resume at 9:10 a.m. PT.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was frustrated by how matters were handled, as play was paused 30 minutes before rain started to fall. They are now put into another taxing situation for their pitching staff.
Clayton Kershaw pitched the first two innings, but he is now unavailable to resume throwing, so the Dodgers will rely on a bullpen game for the final 21 outs. Kershaw gave up a solo homer and struck out four in his outing.
The Dodgers took their lead when Mookie Betts extending his hitting streak to 11 games with a leadoff single that helped set the table before Freddie Freeman’s base hit put runners at the corners and Will Smith followed with a sacrifice fly. Max Muncy later doubled and Kiké Hernández hit a two-out, two-run double.
When the game resumes, Smith will be leading off the top of the third inning.
Dodgers Game 1 lineup
RF: Mookie Betts
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
DH: Max Muncy
LF: Chris Taylor
3B: Kiké Hernández
CF: James Outman
2B: Amed Rosario
SS: Miguel Rojas
Doubleheader Game 2
The previously scheduled series finale will begin roughly 30 minutes after completion of the first game.
Ryan Pepiot is set to take the ball when he is officially added to the roster as the 27th man for the Dodgers, which is made available to them because of the doubleheader.
Pepiot has made one start this season, giving up one run on three hits over five innings while striking out five. His last appearance came out of the bullpen during the doubleheader on Saturday.
Caleb Ferguson is expected to pitch as an opener ahead of Pepiot, just as he did against the Miami marlins.
The Guardians counter with Gavin Williams, who has been in the midst of a solid rookie season. The right-hander is 1-4, but he owns a 3.02 ERA in 59.2 innings with 63 strikeouts and a 1.21 WHIP.
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