Mets at Dodgers
Cody Bellinger used both his bat and arm to help the Los Angeles Dodgers win the series opener and looks to inflict more damage on Tuesday in the second contest of their four-game set against the visiting New York Mets. Bellinger belted his 19th home run and threw out two baserunners - one at the plate and another at third base - as the Dodgers recorded a 9-5 triumph on Monday.
Bellinger has been a force all season, and his heroics on Monday helped Los Angeles win for the 10th time in 12 games. The Dodgers have scored 37 runs during their four-game winning streak and at least six in nine of their last 10 victories. New York was coming off a 6-1 homestand and recorded 15 hits in the series opener but stranded 10 baserunners. Adeiny Hechavarria went 3-for-5 with a homer and Amed Rosario also registered three hits as the Mets scored at least five runs for the seventh time in eight contests.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (New York), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (3-3, 3.63 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-1, 2.67)
Matz settled for a no-decision against Washington in his last start after giving up just one run and 10 hits over six innings. He served up three home runs while working a total of 9 1/3 total frames in his previous two turns - both losses. Matz, who turns 28 on Wednesday, is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers and has allowed two homers by Justin Turner (3-for-12).
Hill has put together two strong efforts, going 1-0 with 17 strikeouts while allowing one run and seven hits over 12 innings. The 39-year-old has given up five hits or fewer in four of his five turns and owns a solid 1.07 WHIP. Hill is 2-2 with a 7.45 ERA in eight career appearances (six starts) against the Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers activated RHP Joe Kelly from the bereavement list, placed Austin Barnes (groin) on the 10-day injured list and recalled fellow C Will Smith from Oklahoma City while optioning LHP Caleb Ferguson to the Triple-A club.
2. New York CF Juan Lagares was hitless in three at-bats on Monday and is just 1-for-24 over his last nine contests.
3. Los Angeles OF-INF Chris Taylor went 3-for-5 with a homer in the series opener and has gone 7-for-13 with four runs scored over his last four games.