Dodgers: Chronicling Walker Buehler’s 14th Start vs. Rockies

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.

August 11, 2018

Season statistics coming into the game: (5-4, 3.63 ERA)

Season statistics after the game: (5-4, 3.32 ERA)

The Opponent: Colorado Rockies

Stadium: Coors Field

Days of Rest: 5

Catcher: Austin Barnes

Game Results

Innings Pitched: 7

Earned Runs: 0

Hits: 4

Home Runs: 0

Strikeouts: 6

Walks: 3

Pitch Count: 103

Batters Faced: 26

MLB.com Game Score: 74

History

Walker Buehler made just his second career start in Colorado on Saturday. He earned a no-decison in his first start at Coors Field on June 2, allowing four runs in five innings. He made two previous appearances in Colorado as a reliever in 2017.

Buehler entered his start on Saturday, coming off two superb outings. His ERA went from 3.92 after his game on July 25 to 3.63 heading into August 11.

This game was also the third time in the last four starts that Austin Barnes was catching Walker Buehler.

Performance

Walker Buehler continued his stellar pitching with his performance in Colorado. Despite not factoring in the decision, he lowered his ERA for the third straight game. Buehler’s ERA of 3.32 is the lowest it has been since June 8. This was the first scoreless start for Buehler since his combined no-hitter on May 4.

Unfortunately for Buehler, he could not earn his sixth win of the season. The Dodgers bullpen blew a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning as the Dodgers fell to the Rockies, 3-2.

The Highs

The best part of Buehler’s start was his ability to keep the ball on the ground. He allowed just four flyball outs, compared to six strikeouts and eight groundouts. The defense behind him converted three double plays.

All four hits off Buehler were singles and he did not allow a Rockies player to make it past second base.

Buehler also kept his high velocity throughout the game, reaching 98 MPH on his last pitch of the night.  

The Lows

https://twitter.com/Dodgersxyz/status/1028458921638289408

The low point in Buehler’s day came in the sixth inning on a collision with first baseman Max Muncy. He grimaced a few times after that incident but stayed in the game.

Control was also a slight problem for Buehler. He walked three batters, which was his highest figure since May 4.

Analysis

After three straight exceptional starts, Walker Buehler has proved that the rib microfracture is behind him. He initially went on the DL with the rib injury on June 12. In his first three appearances since that injury, Buehler allowed 12 runs in 10.2 innings. Over his last three outings, he has allowed three runs in 19.1 innings.