The Los Angeles Dodgers will keep their roster unchanged from the 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners but tweak their batting order for a chance to even the series. The team managed 13 hits and hit multiple home runs in the game, including a late two-run shot from Mariners' Dominic Canzone that proved decisive.
Dodgers’ starter Eric Lauer is set to pitch again. The left-handed pitcher, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays, has a 3.35 ERA in his last eight starts and has yet to lose a game since joining the team. His most recent performance against the Phillies was unimpressive but enough to secure the win, as he allowed three runs in 5.1 innings.
Shohei Ohtani remains at the top of the batting order, with Andy Pages hitting second. Freddie Freeman holds the No. 3 slot at first base, while Max Muncy remains cleanup at third base. Mookie Betts follows at fifth, with Tommy Edman at second base batting sixth.
Kyle Tucker hits seventh in right field, followed by Teoscar Hernández in left field at eighth and Dalton Rushing as the designated hitter and ninth batter. The adjustments aim to build off their offensive output in the previous game and carry it into Wednesday's contest.
The Mariners will send right-hander Emerson Hancock to the mound. Hancock has posted a 3.16 ERA over 19 starts this season and struck out 97 batters. His performance has drawn trade interest across the league.
With momentum on the line, the Dodgers hope their power game can resurface and give them the chance to force a decisive rubber match on Thursday.
For Wednesday's game, the only notable change in the batting order is Mookie Betts batting sixth and Tommy Edman moving up to fifth. The first four batters remain unchanged, and the 7-9 spots in the lineup are the same as Tuesday’s game.
Mookie Betts, batting sixth, is having a down season offensively, with a .228 average, 13 home runs, and an OPS+ of 90 in 70 games played. His struggles this season may be influenced by an earlier oblique injury, although the Dodgers still maintain an 11-game lead in the NL West.