Tim Rogers
The Dodgers played the Brewers today, March 23rd, and pretty much got dominated. However, there were some late-inning heroics led by the rookies that made the final game score of 9-6 seem closer than it was. In the last two games, the Dodgers have seen two of their stud pitchers give up a lot of home runs, but it is Spring Training. Before the 6th inning, it seemed I would not have anything to write about today. However…..
Knack Comes In And Dominates
Victor Gonzalez left the game in the 6th inning with the bases loaded and two outs. Landon Knack was brought in to replace Victor and promptly struck out Luke Maile. Knack came back out for the 7th inning and got a quick ground out. Next, he struck out the next two batters to finish up his outing.
Landon Knack's 3Ks. pic.twitter.com/Go8mXlJ9AA
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 23, 2021
Yesterday, it was 2020 first-rounder Bobby Miller having an excellent appearance and now the second-rounder, Knack makes a huge impression. I hope Clayton Beeter gets a chance next.
McKinstry Continues To Make His Opening Day Case
Zach McKinstry had two more hits today to raise his Spring Training batting average to .353. In continuing to show off his versatility, he played right field today. If anyone has earned an Opening Day spot it is McKinstry. I believe the only thing holding him back is the possibility that the Dodgers carry 14 pitchers, which would leave only 12 position players.
Other Contributors
During the ninth inning, the Dodgers rallied as DJ Peters, McKinstry, and Sheldon Neuse singled consecutively to aid in a four-run rally. The rally eventually fell short as an old friend, Leo Crawford, retired Miguel Vargas, and Andy Burns to end the game. Earlier in the 8th inning, Elliot Soto hit a single to right field in a 10-pitch at-bat..
Some Cuts
https://twitter.com/brookme3/status/1374406625948135437?s=20
I am surprised the Garrett Cleavinger was sent down. I thought he would at least go to the Freeway Series. Nick Robertson will probably end up at a pretty high level after being in rookie ball in 2019. I expect Double or Triple-A as he is someone the Dodgers seem to like. The other players will end up at Triple-A and could get a call to the Majors at any time.
No Game Tomorrow
The Dodgers do not have a game on Wednesday, March 24th. When they resume on Thursday against the Cubs, I will be there in person. I cannot wait.
