“You got a guy like Hiro, who basically kept us in the game,” manager Don Mattingly told the Dodgers’ official website. “We got some big hits, really, but we just weren’t able to scratch enough across.”
SUPPORT NOT PLENTIFUL FOR KURODA
It still shocks me every time I see Hiroki Kuroda’s ERA (3.01) and then look back over at his Win-Loss record (7-14).
It really shocked me even more when he turned down a chance to win to stay with the Dodgers, but to be honest, he really gained a lot of points in my book as a fan of the team as he showed his loyalty not only to his family, but to his team.
Over his last 14 starts, you would think that Kuroda’s frustration would build like no other. Kuroda is 2-11 with a 3.16 ERA with a combined run support of just 20 runs.
Then on starts where the Dodgers score three runs, the Phillies score four on nine hits like on Monday when Kuroda was “outdueled” by Roy Halladay.
Hiro is looking forward to facing the Astros today, against whom he owns a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 1.91 in six starts. He has received 3.82 runs of support.
SERIES SPLIT
After yesterday’s victory, the Dodgers have pulled even with the Astros as the teams have split the eight games they have played this season.
In their last series at Dodger Stadium back in June, the Astros scored 14 runs in the first two games. Since then, in the last three games, the Dodgers have outscored the Astros 8-1 (six runs coming yesterday).
Three of the last four games have been shutouts; two for the Dodgers (both 1-0) and one for the Astros.
DODGERS AWAIT THE ROOKIE
The Dodgers get their first look today at 20-year-old, who is going through his share of growing pains.
Lyles was rated as the Astros’ top-prospect before the 2011 season. Baseball America speaks very highly of him; saying that he has the best slider, changeup and control of any pitcher in the Astro system.
He is projected to be the Astros’ future ace of the staff.
On the road, Lyles is 0-3 with a 5.71 ERA.
In his last outing, Lyles set career highs as he allowed seven runs on 12 hits against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. Despite this, he did not factor in the decision.
ASTROS vs. KURODA
13-for-57 (.228), 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 3 BB, 7 K, .267 OBP, .316 SLG, .582 OPS
DODGERS vs. LYLES
First appearance vs. Dodgers
HISTORY
5/23: @ Astros 4, Dodgers 3
5/24: Dodgers 5, @ Astros 4
5/25: @ Astros 2, Dodgers 1
6/17: Astros 7, @ Dodgers 3
6/18: Astros 7, @ Dodgers 0
6/19: @ Dodgers 1, Astros 0
Game 1: @ Dodgers 1, Astros 0; W: Josh Lindblom (1-0); L: David Carpenter (0-2)
Game 2: @ Dodgers 6, Astros 1; W: Clayton Kershaw (14-5); L: Wandy Rodriguez (8-9)
Game 3: Today
Dodgers lead series 383-318
AROUND THE WEST
1. Diamondbacks (67-53) vs. New York Mets; Capuano (9-10) vs. Marquis (8-6)
2. Giants (65-55) @ Florida Marlins; Vogelsong (9-2) vs. Volstad (5-8)
3. Rockies (56-65) @ St. Louis Cardinals; Rogers (6-1) vs. Jackson (8-8)
4. DODGERS (54-64)
5. Padres (53-68) @ Cincinnati Reds; LeBlanc (0-2) vs. Willis (0-2)
Game 119
Houston Astros
(38-82, 19-42 away)
Los Angeles Dodgers
(54-64, 30-34 home)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
1:10 PM
Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, California
Condition: Mostly Sunny Game-Time Temperature: 78 F (Feels like 89 F)
Humidity: 63% Wind: 3 W
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: KABC 790, KTNQ 1020 (Spanish)
LAST 10 GAMES:
HOU: 2-8 (Lost 5)
LA: 5-5 (Won 2)
LINEUPs
Houston Astros
TBD
Los Angeles Dodgers
TBD
STARTING PITCHERS
Jordan Lyles (1-6, 4.88 ERA)
vs. Hiroki Kuroda (7-14, 3.01 ERA)
OVER/UNDER: 7
LINE: Dodgers -186
INJURY REPORT
HOU– 15-Day DL: Jordan Schafer (Finger), Fernando Abad (Shoulder), Enerio Del Rosario (Shoulder); 60-Day DL: Jason Castro (Knee), Brandon Lyon* (Bicep), Alberto Arias* (Shoulder)
LA – 15-day DL: Dee Gordon (Shoulder), Rubby De La Rosa* (Elbow), Kenley Jansen (Heart), Juan Uribe (Groin), Jonathan Broxton (Elbow), Vicente Padilla (Forearm), Jon Garland* (Shoulder); 60-day DL: Hector Gimenez (Knee); Restricted: Ronald Belisario (Personal)
* denotes that player is out for season.