Monday, May 26, 2014

Game 52 Thread: May 26 @ Reds, 5p

Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-2, 3.00) vs. Johnny Cueto (4-3, 1.86)

Today, on Memorial Day, we give thanks to the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our great country. Teams around the league wear gaudy digi-camo caps with the best of intentions. The bunting is hung and flags fly vibrant against the early summer skies in ballparks across America.

Here in Los Angeles, we celebrate the return of a team from a mediocre 5-4 road trip punctuated by a masterful no-hitter by Josh Beckett, the buzz around which is still evident in the sports world and on the lips of LA-area sports fans (though many were locked out of being able to view the first Dodger no-hitter in 18 years thanks to Time Warner Cable and carriers unwilling to make a deal with them).

Will the no-hitter be the spark the Dodgers have been looking for to help them build up a head of steam and string together some wins? Will good starting pitching be contagious and spread to the bullpen? And, what will the makeup of the outfield be by midseason with Kemp taking practice in left and Ethier again the subject of trade rumors?

Lots of unanswered questions, but this somehow feels like the time to start asking and answering them, with almost a third of the season in the books. Let's see how the team responds.

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