Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Nationals Manager Dusty Baker Surprised By Dodgers’ Success Against Reynaldo Lopez’s Fastball
Dodgers News

Nationals Manager Dusty Baker Surprised By Dodgers’ Success Against Reynaldo Lopez’s Fastball

Eric Avakian
July 20, 2016
3 Min Read
Howie-kendrick-chase-utley-1
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a statement in the face of adversity on Monday with their 8-4 victory against the Washington Nationals. Los Angeles is now 4-0 this season against the top team in National League East, and trail the San Francisco Giants by 4.5 games.

Tuesday’s game was filled with welcome-to-the-big-leagues moments for Nationals righty Reynaldo Lopez, who made his Major League debut. Chase Utley began the Dodgers’ string of hits with a leadoff home run in the first inning.

Howie Kendrick followed with a base hit and Justin Turner doubled before Lopez could record the first out, which came on an Adrian Gonzalez line drive that was only caught because the Nationals were in a shift.

Joc Pederson, who was reinstated from the disabled list on Tuesday, tacked on a two-run single before Lopez could get out of the inning.

After the game, Nationals manager Dusty Baker expressed some surprise over the success the Dodgers had in hitting Lopez’s fastball, via Bill Ladson and Alex Putterman of MLB.com:

“The Dodgers didn’t miss many fastballs. For a guy that throws as hard as he does, you expect them to miss more fastballs,” Baker said. “He had a quite a few strikeouts, but the strikeouts came from his offspeed, slider or his changeup. You don’t know if the Dodgers were seeing something or the kid wasn’t pitching inside enough.”

Lopez credited the Dodgers for keying in on his fastball:

“I just had a better feel for my pitches and was learning the hitters a little better, therefore it just came to me a little better,” Lopez said. “I felt like the location of the fastball was very good but they were anticipating fastball and jumping on that fastball right away so after the first few innings it seemed like I started mixing up my pitches better, and it worked out.”

Lopez at one point retired eight consecutive batters, collecting six strikeouts, and striking out the side during that span. He ultimately allowed six runs on 10 hits and had nine strikeouts over 4.2 innings of work.

Lopez’s nine strikeouts were the second-most by a Nationals pitcher in his Major League debut since 2005. The young right-hander’s stay in the Majors was brief as Lopez was optioned back to Triple-A on Wednesday.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Dusty BakerLos Angeles DodgersReynaldo LopezWashington Nationals
ByEric Avakian
Eric Avakian is a journalist from Burbank, Calif., serving as a staff writer at DodgerBlue.com. Eric was a June 2016 graduate from the Business Administration department at Cal Poly Pomona. Eric also serves as a staff writer at Lakersnation.com and previously served as a staff writer for Dodgers Nation. Contact: Eric@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Corey Seager
FeaturedRumors

Dodgers Rumors: Corey Seager Rejected Contract Extension

November 30, 2021
November 30, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Argues Wrong ‘Narrative’ Has Formed With Disciplined Approach

December 8, 2019
December 8, 2019
Giants Rookie Ty Blach Outduels Clayton Kershaw, Shuts Out Dodgers
Game Central

Giants Rookie Ty Blach Outduels Clayton Kershaw, Shuts Out Dodgers

October 1, 2016
October 1, 2016
Mookie Betts
FeaturedGame Central

Opening Day Recap: Balanced Dodgers Lineup Leads To Comeback Win Against Diamondbacks

March 30, 2023
March 31, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어