San Francisco Giants need confidence and rhythm facing the Dodgers

By Nick Vezmar

Apr 1, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Bruce Bochy #15 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates a two run homerun of Pablo Sandoval #48 to trail 2-3 to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 25: Drew Pomeranz #37 of the San Francisco Giants delivers a pitch during the spring game against the Chicago White Sox at Scottsdale Stadium on February 25, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

San Francisco Giants vs. LA Dodgers – Game One

Pomeranz (Career vs. LAD: 1-4, 3.48 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) vs. Urias (Career vs. SFG: 0-1, 1.89 ERA, 1.26 WHIP)

On Monday evening, we get to see Drew Pomeranz in his first start in a San Francisco Giants uniform. He looks like he’s recovered from his arm ailments which dropped the velocity on his fastball last season, making him more hittable. He had a good Spring Training and has eyes on a bounce-back season. He will need to do so against the NL Champs, where he doesn’t have much experience against the current lineup.

Russell Martin has the most success against him, going 2-for-6 with one home run and two RBI. His last appearance at Dodger Stadium was three years ago with the Padres, where Pomeranz went seven shutout innings with six strikeouts.

Julio Urias is making his first start of the season, and his first start since 2017. In his last start against the Giants, Urias went five shutout innings, but his bullpen blew the game leading to a 4-1 loss. Brandon Belt is 3-for-6 with a home run, a double and three RBI against the left-handed starter.

Although Urias has been more effective as a reliever, his career numbers are better as a starter. This will likely be the only time we see Urias as a starter since both Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill are on the injured list.