Despite rolling into hitter-friendly Coors Field, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bats went quiet as the club mustered their only run of an 8-1 loss in the ninth inning. The Dodgers need a win Tuesday night if they hope to win a third consecutive series.
They turn to Rich Hill, who takes the mound for only the second time since being traded to the Dodgers. After battling blister issues for well over a month, the southpaw regained his form and turned a dazzling debut at Chavez Ravine.
The 36-year-old held the San Francisco Giants to just five hits over six scoreless innings. Hill didn’t allow an extra-base hit, and added three strikeouts on an efficient 81 pitches.
Hill credited his success despite a long layoff to the ability to remain in the moment. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited the left-hander for increasing the intensity in the matchup against San Francisco.
Hill has faced the Rockies three times during his 11-year career, with all three starts coming at Coors Field. Pitching in the hitter’s park hasn’t resulted in the best outcomes for Hill. In 15.1 innings pitched, he’s allowed 15 runs on 18 hits, and issued 11 walks.
However, little should be taken from the outings since they came during the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons. In 15 total starts this year, Hill is 10-3 with a 2.09 ERA, 2.51 FIP and 1.07 WHIP.
The Dodgers face a left-handed starter for the second time in the past three games, and third in the past five. Tyler Anderson is coming off a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers despite only allowing two runs on three hits over five innings. He did set a career high by collecting 10 strikeouts.
Anderson has made nine of his 14 starts this season at Coors Field, which includes picking up a win against the Dodgers. On Aug. 3, the southpaw tossed seven innings of two-run ball, allowing six hits and one home run.
In Anderson’s home starts he is 4-1 with a 3.45 ERA. Overall, the 26-year-old lefty is 4-5 with a 3.69 ERA, 3.66 FIP and 1.21 WHIP. He faces a Dodgers lineup that’s heavy on right-handed batters.
As was planned, Corey Seager is not starting at shortstop. The scheduled night off was given further reason when Seager was struck by a fastball on his left wrist, which required x-rays. He’s replaced by Charlie Culberson.
Justin Turner, who is a lifetime 2-for-3 against Anderson, with one home run and two RBIs, returns after a night off. Rob Segedin starts in place of Adrian Gonzalez and bats cleanup. Carlos Ruiz makes his second start since being traded to the Dodgers.
The Dodgers recalled Casey Fien from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned Pedro Baez to Double-A Tulsa prior to Tuesday’s game.
Dodgers lineup:
LF: Kiké Hernandez
2B: Howie Kendrick
3B: Justin Turner
1B: Rob Segedin
C: Carlos Ruiz
RF: Josh Reddick
SS: Charlie Culberson
CF: Andrew Toles
P: Rich Hil
Rockies lineup:
CF: Charlie Blackmon
2B: DJ Lemahieu
3B: Nolan Arenado
RF: Carlos Gonzalez
C: Nick Hundley
LF: David Dahl
1B: Stephen Cardullo
SS: Cristhian Adames
P: Tyler Anderson
