The State of the Los Angeles Baseball Rivalry

5/26/23 LV:

L Rays 9-3

Dodgers fans, we here at LA Xtown Rivals settled in for what turned out to be an electrifying night at the ballpark! The Tampa Bay Rays clashed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated showdown reminiscent of their epic World Series battle. Cooper Criswell, a young and talented pitcher, notched his first big league win after relieving Jalen Beeks in the second inning. Displaying composure beyond his years, Criswell expertly maneuvered out of tight spots, inducing impressive inning-ending double plays that left fans in awe.

The Rays’ pitching staff, consisting of eight talented hurlers, stifled the Dodgers’ offense, allowing a mere three hits in scoring positions. Their resilience and clutch performances were on full display, delivering crucial pitches when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Yandy Díaz, back in the lineup after a personal absence, wasted no time making an impact. With a thunderous solo homer and a scorching double, Díaz proved to be a key contributor to the Rays’ success.

Despite the Dodgers’ efforts, their star pitcher Noah Syndergaard struggled on the mound, surrendering six runs in six innings. Frustrated by his diminished arsenal, Syndergaard vowed to bounce back and regain his former prowess. The Rays’ offensive prowess continued to shine as Jose Siri added a two-run blast, extending their league-leading home run count to an impressive 99.

Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers showcased his hitting prowess with a continued 15-game hitting streak. However, even his contributions fell short as the Rays’ pitching staff held the Dodgers at bay. The Rays’ speed and aggression on the basepaths were also on display, stealing four bases to further solidify their dominance.

Defensive excellence took center stage with Chris Taylor of the Dodgers making spectacular plays, robbing potential extra-base hits with remarkable catches. Taylor’s versatility as a player was further highlighted with an RBI double to cap off his impressive performance.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate an enticing pitching matchup between the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow in the next game, promising another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry.

That wraps up tonight’s thrilling game, reminding us once again why we love the game of baseball. Stay tuned to LA Crosstown Rivals for more exciting action to come! This is Lucky Vincent, signing off.

5/22/23 LV:

Oh, what a thrilling comeback it was for our Dodgers! They faced an early 4-0 deficit against the Braves, but they refused to back down. Our superstar Freddie Freeman, in his triumphant return to Atlanta, showed his former team what they were missing. With a powerful swing in the fifth inning, Freddie launched a majestic three-run homer that catapulted the Dodgers to the win, 6-4.

J.D. Martinez, the man with the golden bat, was also on fire. He smacked two homers, one off Charlie Morton in the second inning and another off A.J. Minter in the seventh. Martinez’s impressive display of power helped secure his 20th career multi-homer game.

Our rookie pitcher Gavin Stone had a rough start, giving up five runs in four innings, but the bullpen came to the rescue. Evan Phillips threw a scoreless fifth, and Brusdar Graterol slammed the door shut in the end, earning his third save.

The game had its tense moments too. Marcell Ozuna’s bat accidentally struck catcher Will Smith’s helmet, leading to some heated exchanges between the players. However, cooler heads prevailed, and no further conflicts arose.

One year after his emotional return to Atlanta, Freddie Freeman was all smiles this time around. He acknowledged the warm reception from the fans, tipping his helmet in gratitude. Freeman, reunited with his former teammate Jason Heyward, expressed how surreal it feels to come full circle.

In unfortunate news, Clayton Kershaw was placed on the bereavement list to attend his mother’s funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kershaw and his family during this difficult time. He is expected to rejoin the team soon and make his next start on Saturday.

Next up, we have Bobby Miller making his debut for the Dodgers against Atlanta’s Spencer Strider. It promises to be an exciting clash of hard-throwing right-handers.

Stay tuned, Dodgers fans! The boys in blue are relentless, and they’ll continue to fight for victory with every swing of the bat and pitch on the mound. This is Lucky Vincent, signing off.

5/19/23 LV:

Hi everybody, “Lucky” Vincent here for LA Crosstown Rivals with a recap of the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and our beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we were hoping for as the Cardinals emerged victorious with a 10-5 win.

The Cardinals have been on quite a tear lately, winning 11 of their last 14 games after a rough start to the season. Their newest addition, Oscar Mercado, had a fantastic day, going 3 for 4 and driving in five runs. He’s been making an immediate impact since his St. Louis debut just a few days ago.

The Dodgers got off to a rocky start as Clayton Kershaw struggled on the mound, giving up three runs in the second inning. Mercado delivered a two-run double to cap off the Cardinals’ rally. It was a tough outing for Kershaw, who allowed four runs over 3 2/3 innings and gave up three doubles in the second, a first in his illustrious career.

Mercado wasn’t done yet, adding a two-run single in the fifth inning. The Cardinals have been on a roll lately, winning their last four series and scoring double-digit runs on multiple occasions since early May.

Paul DeJong joined the offensive showcase with a three-run homer in the seventh, extending the Cardinals’ lead to 10-3. He also scored four runs in the game, matching his career high.

On the Dodgers’ side, Max Muncy had a frustrating day and was ejected by third base umpire Paul Emmel after arguing a called strikeout in the fourth inning. It was a disappointing moment for Muncy and the team.

As for the pitching, Drew VerHagen came in relief for the Cardinals and retired seven consecutive batters after replacing starter Jack Flaherty in the fourth inning.

While it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, the Dodgers have had a strong start to the season and will look to bounce back. We’ll be rooting for them as they head to Atlanta for a series against the Braves.

That’s all for now. Until next time, this is Lucky Vincent, wishing you a great day and reminding you to keep the faith in our Boys in Blue.

5/19/23 LV:

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round for a thrilling recap of Friday night’s clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. In a game filled with excitement, Mookie Betts unleashed a three-run bomb, while Tony Gonsolin and the Dodgers’ bullpen combined their talents to stifle the Cardinals’ offense, resulting in a resounding 5-0 triumph.

Gonsolin, who has been steadily making his way back from a spring training ankle injury, took the mound and delivered a masterful performance. With just one hit surrendered and two walks allowed over five innings, he showcased the All-Star form that defined his 2022 season. This victory followed his recent five-scoreless-innings gem against San Diego, setting the stage for another remarkable outing.

After a remarkable offensive display the day prior, in which the Cardinals flexed their muscles with seven homers and a whopping 16 runs, they were unable to replicate that success on this occasion. Mustering a mere two singles, their bats were silenced by the combined efforts of Brusdar Graterol, Shelby Miller, Caleb Ferguson, and Tyler Cyr, who followed Gonsolin on the mound and shut down the Cardinals’ hopes.

Taking the mound for the Cardinals, Steven Matz faced a formidable challenge. Over the course of 4 2/3 innings, he conceded six hits, including four doubles. The sole run he allowed was unearned. Matz has not tasted victory for St. Louis since September 17 of the previous year when he made a relief appearance. His most recent triumph as a starter dates back to July 23, 2022, against Cincinnati.

The Dodgers took the lead in the fifth inning when Chris Taylor crushed a double to deep left field, bringing Mookie Betts home. Betts reached base on a throwing error committed by third baseman Nolan Arenado. With two outs on the board, Matz believed he had struck out J.D. Martinez, but to his dismay, the pitch was called ball four. Seizing the opportunity, Taylor ripped a line drive into the corner, snapping his hitless streak and forcing Matz out of the game.

But Betts wasn’t done making his mark on the contest. In the eighth inning, he wasted no time, launching the first pitch he saw from Chris Stratton into the left field bullpen for a majestic home run. It marked Betts’ 10th long ball of the season, further solidifying the Dodgers’ status as the National League’s home run leaders, tied with Atlanta with 75 round-trippers. Later in the inning, Will Smith added to the Dodgers’ lead with a run-scoring single following Freddie Freeman’s double, stretching the advantage to a comfortable 5-0 margin.

In other notable moments, Paul Goldschmidt continued his thieving ways, swiping second base in the third inning. He now boasts an impressive streak of 30 consecutive stolen bases without being caught, currently the longest active streak in all of Major League Baseball. Furthermore, as a team, the Cardinals have successfully executed 20 consecutive stolen bases, resulting in a league-leading stolen base percentage of 87.5%. This marks their best single-season performance in franchise history, surpassing their 2021 team’s success rate of 80.2%.

Let us not forget the defensive brilliance on display as well. Center fielder James Outman showcased his athleticism in the sixth inning, leaping high into the air to rob Goldschmidt of a potential home run that would have found a resting place in the right field bleachers.

In terms of roster moves, the Dodgers made a transaction by selecting the contract of right-handed pitcher Tyler Cyr and opting to send Andre Jackson to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Turning our attention to the health of the players, it’s worth noting that Dodgers right-hander Michael Grove, who has been recovering from a right groin strain, has been engaging in batting practice sessions at the training facility in Arizona. However, he is not yet ready for a rehab assignment after departing his April 20 start in the fourth inning.

As for the Cardinals, right fielder Tommy Edman was absent from the starting lineup due to lower abdominal soreness but made a pinch-hit appearance in the eighth inning, only to strike out. This setback came after a collision with center fielder Lars Nootbar, who valiantly ventured into deep territory in pursuit of a long drive that Edman ultimately caught.

And there you have it, folks! A captivating recap of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ commanding 5-0 triumph over the St. Louis Cardinals. We bid you farewell, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of exhilarating baseball action.

5/20/23 LV:

Ladies and gentlemen, what a thrilling game we witnessed at Dodger Stadium tonight! Thank you for checking in at LA Crosstown Rivals, your source for Los Angeles Pro Sports Standings and Scores. Did you know we’re on Instagram and Facebook? Follow us to keep on top of your favorite LA crosstown rivals.

The St. Louis Cardinals came out swinging and delivered a resounding blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nolan Gorman, a young talent on the rise, stepped up when it mattered most, launching a majestic three-run homer off Victor González in the eighth inning. That swing of the bat propelled the Cardinals to a 6-5 victory and lifted them out of the NL Central cellar for the first time in nearly a month.

The drama didn’t end there, my friends. The Dodgers fought tooth and nail, rallying with two runs in the ninth to create a nail-biting finish. But in a crucial moment, with the potential tying run on second base, Mookie Betts couldn’t connect, taking a called third strike from Giovanny Gallegos. The crowd held its breath as that full-count fastball painted the outside corner. With that, the Cardinals emerged triumphant, leaving the Dodgers to ponder what might have been.

St. Louis has been on a tear recently, winning 10 of their last 13 games after enduring an eight-game losing streak. Their resilience has propelled them into fourth place in the division, just ahead of the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals had languished in last place since April 26, but tonight’s victory, fueled by Gorman’s heroics, signifies a turning point for this team.

It was a moment of pure joy for Gorman, who admitted the electric atmosphere in the stadium fired him up. His home run, his second against left-handed pitchers in his young career, traveled a mighty 400 feet into the Cardinals bullpen in right field. What a way to celebrate the first anniversary of his major league debut! Manager Oliver Marmol showed confidence in Gorman, allowing him to face more lefties, and the young slugger seized the opportunity with great poise and power.

Miles Mikolas took the mound for the Cardinals and delivered an impressive performance, allowing just three runs and six hits over a season-high seven innings. He showcased great control, keeping the ball down when needed and elevating it at the right moments. Mikolas’s strong outing, combined with the offensive firepower led by Gorman, proved to be the winning formula for St. Louis.

Let’s not forget the Dodgers’ J.D. Martinez, who displayed his own power with a clutch three-run homer in the sixth inning. However, it was not enough to overcome the Cardinals’ surge. Noah Syndergaard, the Dodgers’ starter, battled through five innings, surrendering three runs and four hits, ultimately earning a no-decision. The Dodgers will look to bounce back tomorrow as they send Clayton Kershaw to the mound to face the hometown hero Jack Flaherty of the Cardinals.

This game had everything a baseball fan could hope for—tense moments, remarkable displays of talent, and the thrill of victory and defeat. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love this game. Until next time, folks, this is Lucky Vincent signing off from Dodger Stadium.