Dodgers get swept by Brewers courtesy of Jonathan Lucroy- August 2014

The LA Dodgers had a tough series vs the visiting Milwaukee Brewers as they got swept at Dodger Stadium. Jonathan Lucroy did most of the damage off Dan Haren hitting a 2 run HR in the first and then a bases loaded double to drive in 5 runs en route to a 7-2 win. Adrian Gonzalez made an error to keep the 2nd inning going to get Lucroy up to bat. He showed why he made the all star team as he is batting over .300 this season as a catcher.

This could be a playoff preview but the visitors looked tough beating Greinke and Kershaw in the first 2 games. With Ryu, Beckett and Hanley Ramirez out with injuries, the Dodger’s pitching staff and shortstop positions are a bit thinner but they still have the resources and talent this year to go far in the postseason. Picking up Roberto Hernandez and Kevin Correia has helped and they are still in first place over the slumping Giants as we enter the final stretch. Both Haren and Mattingly spoke highly of Lucroy and the Brewers saying they think they will meet again. Milwaukee has a lot of talent with former MVP Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Gomez, Khris Davis and Scooter Gennett all having very good years at the plate. Their starting pitching has been consistent and the re-emergence of closer Francisco Rodriquez has been a huge benefit.

The Dodgers have had some great play from Puig, Crawford, Gonzalez, Dee Gordon and Kemp lately while their pitching staff and relief are among the best in the league. It may come down to who is hot and healthy when October comes around for these two teams among some others in the National League. More at www.dodgers.com