Justin Wrobleski Tosses Gem, Dodgers Rely on Longball for Series Opening Win Against Phillies

Justin Wrobleski navigated the wheel on Friday night for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as his seven quality innings —plus four home runs— led to a series-opening win against the Philadelphia Phillies.  

Visit rouesnews.click for more information.

Wrobleski Shuts Down Phillies in Career Start

Wrobleski had the fastball dialed up in his win against the Phillies. 

Through seven shutout innings at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, the southpaw struck out a career-high nine batters.

All nine punchouts came via the heater. His fastball was by far his best pitch, generating a 54% whiff rate. 

Though he induced 16 swings and misses throughout his 21 outs recorded, his command and velocity were two of the standout points. 

Wrobleski sits at a season average fastball velocity of 94.9. He topped out at 97.3 mph and hit that on the radar gun multiple times.

In the blink of an eye, Wrobleski was through 5 2/3 hitless innings. Just a game earlier, Shohei Ohtani flirted with a no-hitter, but was removed after six scoreless innings due to a high pitch count and spotty command. 

On a 1-1 count, Kyle Schwarber caught Wrobleski's fastball at the knee's at took the ball 411 feet to dead center and spoil the no-no chance. 

Still, Wrobleski did not let up after the home run as he continued to mow down Phillies batters. 

Dodgers Hit Parade Led by 4 Home Runs 

Heading into this start, Phillies Starter Zack Wheeler had given up just one home run across 37 2/3 innings. 

The Dodgers would produce a crooked number against the 36-year-old veteran righty, as Los Angeles cranked four home runs. 

The first four Dodgers hits came via the long ball. 

With two outs in the first inning, Freddie Freeman fced off against a familiar foe in Wheeler. 

In his career, Freeman has a .389 batting average in 70 plate appearances. 

During the 71st, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer took the right-hander deep on a first-pitch fastball down the middle to kick off the scoring for Los Angeles. 

From there, the Dodgers hitting brigade began. 

Max Muncy cranked his 13th home run of the season in the second inning —tied with Andy Pages for team lead— and Shohei Ohtani hit his double-digit longball in the third. 

What's next? 

With the win, the dodgers improve to 37-20 on the season and have won six straight. 

Roki Sasaki toes the rubber on Saturday with a chance to take their fifth straight series.

Join the Community

Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!

Read full story at source