July 16th, 2023 at 9:30 am 
by Ron Cervenka The Dodgers have won six straight games and seven of their last 10. The Arizona Diamondbacks have lost three straight games and three of their last 10, the result of which now has the Dodgers in first place in the National League West by a full two games.
(MLB)
For the second consecutive day, the Dodgers got an outstanding start from their starting pitcher against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Queens.
On the heels of 26-year-old left-hander Julio Urías‘ brilliant six-inning/one-hit shutout in Friday’s 6-0 pounding of the Mets, 29-year-old Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin was every bit as effective in his one-run/one-hit outing in Saturday’s 5-1 Dodgers win.
The only head-scratcher in Saturday’s game is why Dodgers manager Dave Roberts once again pulled his starter (Gonsolin in this case) after only 5.0 innings pitched, the result of which prevented the popular Vacaville, CA native from recording what would have been – and should have been – his sixth win of the season.
“I can see where he’s coming from, for sure, but I wanted to stay out there,” said a respectful Gonsolin of his manager’s questionable decision. “I felt like I had one, two more innings at least. It was pretty efficient.”
Adding to the head-scratching, Gonsolin had made only 54-pitches (33 strikes), the fewest he has thrown in his thus far 15 starts this season.
As for the Dodgers insane offense, they scored their five runs on 11 hits, four of which were by Dodgers second baseman, recent All-Star, and future Hall of Famer Mookie Betts; including (wait for it…) his team-leading 27th home run of the season – a solo shot to right field in the top of the third inning – to give his team a then 1-0 lead
(Fox)
“Yeah, for sure,” Betts answered postgame, when asked if he’s feeling more consistent at the plate.”It’s more just the quality of at-bat and solid contact, swinging at the right pitches. You can’t control if you get hits or not. I feel like I’m doing those three things and maximizing my chances of getting hits and that’s really what I want to be consistent with.”
Keep on keeping on, Mookie.
Play Ball!
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I was shocked when Gonsolin did not come back out to pitch the 6th. I guess Doc had his reasons and we will just have to trust his judgement. At least our bullpen has been good for the last month. A good sign.
Mookie has been great, but, we need some other players to get hot and help out. Muncy especially since Doc insists on batting him cleanup.
Muncy absolutely crushed that pop up to third base. 😆
Why isn’t Busch up in place of Vargas. I get it that he’s a lefty with a Muncy comp, but I’d rather have Busch getting on base out of the 8 / 9 hole in front of Mookie than some scrub we’re giving ABs too instead of an extended look at a potential star in the minors. Vargas < Busch. Has been and continues to be. Should’ve got the leash instead.
You will get no argument from me on that one. I have long kidded that Vargas must have compromising photographs of Roberts. Maybe he actually does.
I can assure you that Jesse and I have had the Busch-over-Vargas discussion many times. Almost daily.
I don’t get why AF and the Dodgers keep bringing in other teams cast offs (Marisnick, Gallo) instead of giving their young players/prospects a shot.
I would not want to be a prospect in the Dodgers system.
Couple of points
1- all of the aforementioned guys Busch, deluca,Vargas were not very good. Vargas given by far the best shot.
2-Marisnick a no brainer you might catch lightning ⚡ in a bottle, worth a shot until you can make an actual move from now til 7-31. 2 weeks.
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