Chronicling Buehler’s 11th Career start vs. Phillies

Dodgers Nation will be following Walker Buehler’s starts as he seeks to be the next elite Dodgers pitcher. The Dodgers have a history of dominant players on the mound from Sandy Koufax to Don Drysdale to Clayton Kershaw. As a former first round pick and a highly touted prospect, Buehler looks to be the next big thing in Los Angeles. All we can do is relax and enjoy the show.

July 25, 2018

Season statistics coming into the game: (4-2, 3.45 ERA)
Season statistics after the game: (4-3, 3.92 ERA)
The Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
Stadium: Citizens Bank Park

Days of Rest: 11
Catcher: Austin Barnes

Game Results

Innings Pitched: 4.2
Earned Runs: 5
Hits: 5
Home Runs: 2
Strikeouts: 5
Walks: 1
Pitch Count: 90

Batters Faced: 20
MLB.com Game Score: 34

History

Walker Buehler came into the game coming off a five inning no-decision against the Angels. He allowed two runs in that start and the Dodgers wound up winning, 3-2.

Buehler’s first career win came against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park last September after pitching a inning of relief.

Performance

Buehler’s start in Philadelphia on Wednesday was not as memorable for the 23-year-old. He failed to pitch through the fifth inning in a start for the first time in his career. His game score of 34 is Buehler’s lowest in any start in his career, as the Dodgers lost 7-3.

After solid start to the season, he has a 7.29 ERA since June 2nd.

The Highs

After laboring through 32 pitches in the first inning, Buehler threw just 34 pitches from the second through the fourth inning. He retired all nine batters he faced during those three efficient innings.

The Lows

Buehler lost it in the fifth inning. He allowed four runs, three hits, and a walk that inning. 

To Buehler’s defense, Scott Alexander did not help his starting pitcher. Alexander enter the fifth inning with two outs and two inherited runners by Buehler. Alexander walked Odubel Herrera and allowed a triple to Carlos Santana.

Analysis

If you exclude his fifth inning, Buehler threw the ball fairly well. Through his first four innings, he allowed just one run on two hits. The fifth inning has been Buehler’s kryptonite in recent outings. He has allowed a run in that particular inning in six of his last seven starts.