Game of the Week: June 29: SF @ LAD

[Commissioner Erick]

San Francisco Giants (49-28) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (50-28)


SF: Miguel Diaz (7-5, 4.64)
LAD: J.B. Bukauskas (3-2, 3.73)



Giants 5 Key Stats

3: The number of no hitters fired by Miguel Diaz the last season-and-a-half. No other pitcher in PBA hitter has thrown two.

1.032: Arturo Rivera’s OPS. Rivera leads the NL in OPS despite being a rookie.

.450: Sergio Maldonado’s average the last 11 games. Maldonado struggled offensively last year as a rookie, with a .632 OPS and he hit .197 in April. Since May 14 however, he’s batting .320, second to Vinny Escudero among NL Center Fielder’s in that time.

1: The number of times in seven games, San Francisco has scored more than three runs against the Dodgers this year. Aside from a 10-run outburst on May 22, the Giants have averaged 2.2 runs in six games.

8: The number of consecutive seasons San Francisco has had a different team leader in saves. With 14 saves already this year, Ryan DiSibio is on pace for that number to increase to 9.


Dodgers 5 Key Stats

4: The number of relief pitchers the Dodgers employ with an ERA of 1.60 and under. Nick Burdi, Giovanny Gallegos, Tim Schroeder, and Osiris Ramirez have helped fuel the third best bullpen ERA in the league. With Corey Taylor, who struggled in 29.2 innings, now in St. Louis, that number should get better.

23-8: The Dodgers record against NL West opponents this year. Los Angeles has taken care of business in its division, a major reason it’s in first place in the NL West.

3: The number of games Luis Robert has missed this year, all due to regular rest. Robert is batting .313 with 17 home runs and 56 RBIs this season.

44.8: The Dodgers’ ground ball percentage, lowest in the NL. The Dodgers will put balls in the air, but Alex Verdugo has the best Zone Rating among NL Right Fielders, and Jeren Kendall has the best Zone Rating among NL Center Fielders.

.716: The Dodgers’ OPS against left-handers. Los Angeles has a .789 OPS against right-handers, but lefties have managed to hold down their offense somewhat. They’ll have their work cut out for them against Diaz, who has made one excellent start against the Dodgers this year, and been rocked in the other.


Questions for the GMs:


For Dave Twibell, Luis Nunez has moved into your Center Field spot with Kelyn Klattenburger on the IL. How has he fared as a starter?

The Dodgers’ outfield defense is exceptional. Will that affect your lineup choices today?

Enrique Valdez’ defense was good in Arizona, but been remarkable this year. What has made him a Gold Glove candidate?

For Ben Vincent, Jeren Kendall is exhausted and Luis Robert’s a bit fatigued as well. However, Alex Verdugo has been ruled out with a herniated disk. Will you stick with Kendall and Robert in your lineup today?

Your team is better against righties than lefties. Is that concerning to you at all?

You traded for Tim Schroeder in 2024. He struggled in 2024, but has been great this year. What are your thoughts on that trade?



TRIVIA: Who is the only PBA Second-Round pick to lead his league in OPS?

[Commissioner Erick]

Trivia 1: Daniel correctly guessed Francisco DeJesus

[Ben_Dodgers]

Jeren Kendall is exhausted and Luis Robert’s a bit fatigued as well. However, Alex Verdugo has been ruled out with a herniated disk. Will you stick with Kendall and Robert in your lineup today?

That will be a game time decision, but Simon Muzziotti has been recalled from AAA, and I expect he'll get the start in place of Kendall today.

Your team is better against righties than lefties. Is that concerning to you at all?

A little, I guess. We have a winning record against lefties, and I think we're better against them than the past two years. There were a couple teams that vowed to go find more left handed pitching after we knocked them out of the playoffs last year. One of the big reasons I signed Luis Robert this year is to get another right handed bat in the heart of the lineup. I think that's paid off so far.

You traded for Tim Schroeder in 2024. He struggled in 2024, but has been great this year. What are your thoughts on that trade?

Schroeder was a serviceable if not inspiring back end starter in 2024. He had a pretty solid year in AAA last year, and really impressed in spring training this year. I didn't expect him to make the roster, but after Travis Tyre* suffered an injury, Schroeder won that slot with his spring performance. He has been exceptional out of the bullpen. Compared to 2024 he's cut his walk rate in half and nearly doubled his strikeout rate. I think the with the role change he's been throwing harder, and the extra couple MPH makes all the difference.

Incidentally, Tyre has completed his rehab and is joining the team for his major league debut today.

[Commissioner Erick]

Giants 6 - Dodgers 3


WP: M. Diaz (8-5)
LP: J. Bukauskas (3-3)
SV: R. DiSibio (15)


The San Francisco Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-3, at Dodger Stadium today. Leading the charge for San Francisco was first baseman Arturo Rivera. He was 2-5 with 2 home runs, while adding 3 RBI and scoring twice. San Francisco is now riding a 3-game win streak.

San Francisco grabbed the momentum in the top of the fifth, when Rivera, who is tied for 8th in the NL in hits with 92, hit a 2-run home run. His 21st home run of the season put the Giants out in front, 5-3.

Rivera told a San Francisco Times reporter that he was "gratified" with the win.


Questions for the GMs:


For Dave Twibell, you really held the Dodgers down after the first inning. What was the key?

DiSibio picked up save number 15. You've eschewed traditional closers in the past, but have changed course this year. Why?

Leo Nunez went 1-5 today. How has he looked since being inserted into the rotation.

For Ben Vincent, traditionally J.B. Bukauskas' weakness is homers, but the Giants haven't had much of a longball threat. Today, they clubbed four homers off him. How is this Giants team different to prepare for than prior clubs?

How did you feel Travis Tyre fared in his debut?

With Alex Verdugo and Jeren Kendall out, Jorge Ramos and Simon Muzziotti started and went 0-7. Do you feel that you might need some outfield depth?


TRIVIA: The Giants have had four platinum stick winners. Who is the only infielder to win the award?

[Ben_Dodgers]

I think the Giants have a lot more power in their lineup compared to past years, but they're still hitting for average as they've always done. Rivera is a star, and between him, Mitchell, and Klattenburger, that's about as dangerous a group as you'll find in the league.

Tyre did fine. Limiting the Giants to 1 run over 2 innings is awfully good debut. Giving up 2 walks is the only nit I have to pick, so we'll keep an eye on that. Historically he hasn't walked a ton of guys. I expect it was just nerves. I'm excited to have him in the clubhouse, too - he's a sparkplug!

Would I like a deeper outfield? Sure, but I only have so many roster spots. I think we've got it covered pretty well, though. I think San Francisco is the only team with a deeper outfield than the Dodgers.

[Commissioner Erick]

I screwed up the trivia question. Ben will get credit for guessing Shane Benes. Luke will get credit for Jonathan Arrauz. They will each get a half point.