Game Preview: Dodgers Try to Rebound Behind Buehler Start
Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers
Time: 7:10 PM PT
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Milwaukee Record: 62-47
Los Angeles Record: 59-48
How are the Dodgers Doing?
The Dodgers finally returned home for the first time in the second half of the season. Fans got their first live look of Manny Machado, who gave spectators a show, hitting a home run and reaching base three times in his home debut.
The rest of the Dodgers offense failed to capitalize in their 5-2 loss to Milwaukee. They left 11 runners on base, including five in scoring position. They still remain in first place in the NL West with a 0.5 game lead over the Diamondbacks.
Why is this Game Important?
The Dodgers are not facing the same Brewers team they saw two weeks ago. This Milwaukee ballclub now features Eric Thames, who is fresh off of the disabled list and the newly acquired Mike Moustakas. With the trade deadline on Tuesday, both teams may add another piece, perhaps an arm, before the end of this four-game set.
Pitching Matchup
Walker Buehler (4-3, 3.92 ERA) vs Wade Miley (1-1, 2.01 ERA)
After appearing as a possible All-Star and front-runner for the NL Rookie of the Year to begin the season, Walker Buehler has trended in the wrong direction over the past month. He has allowed five home runs over his last 10.2 innings of work. He will face a Brewers lineup, which ranks third in the National League with 135 home runs.
Wade Miley will face the Dodgers for the second time since the All-Star break. Miley earned a no-decision the last time the Dodgers saw him, after throwing six innings without allowing an earned run. He has thrown 81.2 innings against the Dodgers, which is more innings than any other team he has faced in his career.
Matchup of the Day
Manny Machado vs Wade Miley
Manny Machado relieved much of the pressure on Monday after going deep for the first time at home as a Dodger. Machado has now reached base in all 11 games since joining his new team. Facing Miley in the past, Machado is 4-10 in his career with a home run.
Vegas Odds
Odds Sharks
Los Angeles: -174
Milwaukee: +164
FiveThirtyEight
Dodgers: 63% chance of winning
Brewers: 37% chance of winning
Fun Fact
Brewers’ manager Craig Counsell’s last game was an NLDS game on October 16, 2011, between the Brewers and Cardinals. That game was also the Brewers last time playing in the postseason.
