Dodgers Pregame: Scott Baker Goes For Series Win Versus Snakes

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Joc Pederson found inspiration from a war hero before the game in which he hit the first Dodgers grand slam since 2013. His teammates also replaced his usual walk-up song with the boy band Hanson’s “MMMbop” which brought a smile to the rookie’s face before he proceeded to slam one out. I think Joc needs to walk-up to Hanson every night from now on. Joc was only four-years old when MMMBop came out in 1996, but here he is vying for Rookie of the Year.

Scott Baker (0-1, 3.86) vs. Jeremy Hellickson (1-3, 5.24)

Carlos Frias pitched well and picked up the victory. The Dodgers send their next spot starter out on Saturday night as they look for the series win against the D-backs. Scott Baker lost his last time out against the Padres, but he wasn’t all that terrible. He allowed 3 runs on 4 hits (2 homeruns) with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. Baker’s recipe wasn’t a total success, but perhaps he will be able to pick up his first win in Blue against the Snakes. Baker is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in 2 career starts against the D-backs.

Only four current D-backs players have ever faced Baker. Aaron Hill has hit a homerun and has 6 hits in 13 at bats against the 33-year old right-hander.

The D-backs will be sending right-hander Jeremy Hellickson to the mound on Saturday. He lost last time out to Pittsburgh after allowing 4 runs on 7 hits with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. He is 0-1 with a 12.00 ERA against the Dodgers in one disastrous career start back in 2013 at Dodger Stadium when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays. He only lasted 3 innings in the August 11th Dodger win.

Adrian Gonzalez has hit 2 homeruns against Hellickson.

Lineup:

Pederson CF
Turner 3B
Kendrick 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Van Slyke LF
Ethier RF
Grandal C
Hernandez SS
Baker P

More from Dodgers Way

The Dodgers are now very comfortably in first place and three games ahead of San Diego and Colorado. The Dodgers lead the MLB with 35 homeruns. Balls are flying out of Dodger Stadium. Is it global warming? Is the drought and dry air a factor in all the long balls? Or is the lineup just that much more productive? It’s hard to say, but I’m really enjoying watching all the homeruns. Here’s to more!

Go Blue!