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Ben Casparius is removed from the game by manager Dave Roberts after giving up five runs to the Chicago Cubs.
The Fourth of July was a big day for many in the United States, but it was especially a big day in sports. It was also a big day for the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers for different reasons.
On Friday, the Astros and the Dodgers kicked off the three-game series in Los Angeles with a brutal beatdown. Houston got the first win of the series, and it wasn’t close as the Astros came away with an 18-1 outcome. It isn’t often the Dodgers find themselves in an embarrassing position, but it was rough for their fans to watch.
The Dodgers Played Historically Bad at Home
Several of the players for the Houston Astros had big games, including first baseman Christian Walker. He was 4-for-5 at the plate, accounting for three runs, including a home run, four hits, four RBIs, and only one strikeout. Second baseman Jose Altuve also had a huge game at the plate, accounting for four runs, including two home runs, three hits, five RBIs, and two walks.
Overall, the Los Angeles Dodgers would allow 20 hits, 18 runs, with five of them being home runs, eight walks, and only strike out eight players at the plate. It was a historically bad performance for the Dodgers overall.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed his team’s performance and how they are ready to move on to Saturday’s game two matchup of the series.
“That was one you want to flush as soon as possible. I don’t think there were many positives from this night.”
The Dodgers suffered their worst home loss ever since moving from Brooklyn, New York, to Los Angeles in 1962. The team’s loss matches their worst loss at home since the 19-2 crushing defeat by the New York Giants in 1947. That Dodgers team had five players in consideration for league MVP, including the Rookie of the Year recipient, Jackie Robinson. They would also go on to appear in the World Series that season but lose to the Giants.
Long story short, the Dodgers have experience in shaking off horrible blowouts.
Ben Casparius Struggling Big-Time for the Dodgers
While the Los Angeles Dodgers might easily shake off this tough loss, it will be even harder for Ben Casparius. He made his third start in his young MLB career on Friday after playing much of the season as a relief pitcher. In his third start, Casparius allowed nine hits and six runs (with three of them being home runs) and delivered only three strikeouts in three innings (59 total pitches).
The last time Casparius took the mound, he was relieving Shohei Ohtani after two innings on Saturday, June 28, against the Kansas City Royals. Casparius would then allow eight hits, six runs (with one being a home run), one walk, and deliver four strikeouts in four innings. The Dodgers would go on to lose to the Royals 9-5.
Casparius started the season strong and showed he could make some quality, emergency starts at pitcher, considering they had problems with depth and injuries. Lately, he has been proving to be unreliable.
Roberts talked more about the disappointing performance, especially from Casparius.
“I don’t think Ben was good tonight. It seemed like they were on everything he threw up there.”
The Dodgers might have to make some changes in the pitching rotation if they want to ensure they don’t get outrun quickly.
Michael Hanich I am a long-time sports writer currently based in Mobile, Alabama. I have been making NFL Mock Drafts since I was 13 and continue to this day.
Husband and father to a toddler and a pug. More about Michael Hanich
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