Photo by Kevork Djansezian (Getty Images)
POST-GAME BRIEFING
The Dodgers opened up today’s Sunday matinee looking to rebound from last night’s loss and take the rubber match of this weekend series against the rival San Francisco Giants. With a bright blue sky and the wind carrying the ball, the greatest rivalry in baseball didn’t disappoint. The Dodgers offense was silent for most of the game thanks to a solid pitching performance from Giants starter Kevin Gausman. However, the Dodgers got to him in the 7th inning, when AJ Pollock put a 2 out, 3-2 pitch over the left field wall, giving the Dodgers the 3-2 lead. Mookie Betts increased the lead in the 8th, depositing the second three-run homer of the day into the left field pavilion. The Dodgers went up, and eventually won, 6-2. Today’s win gave the Dodgers the series win; their fourth straight.
Walker Buehler pitched four solid innings to start the game, giving up 0 hits and striking out 3 while walking 2. However, he ran into trouble in the 5th. Pablo Sandoval opened the inning with a walk. With 1 out, Austin Slater was hit by a pitch, putting runners at 1st and 2nd. A wild pitch advanced both runners, who then scored on a two-out single by Mike Yastrzemski. Buehler made it into the 6th inning (5.2IP, 2R, 1H, 5K) before Dave Roberts brought in the bullpen. Caleb Ferguson, Jake McGee, Blake Treinen, and Kenley Jansen kept the Giants silent for the rest of the game, combining for 3.1 innings of 1H, 5K baseball.
As for the offense, after a slow start, the Dodgers started the 7th with back-to-back singles by Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner. After Max Muncy struck out, Pollock mashed a three-run shot to put the Dodgers up by a run.
One swing from AJ Pollock and the @Dodgers take the lead!#MLBNShowcase pic.twitter.com/YuFzGnSvYj
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 9, 2020
In the bottom of the 8th, Will Smith drew a lead off walk, which was immediately followed by a Kiké Hernandez double. After a Joc Pederson fly out, Mookie Betts sent the first pitch he saw into the left center pavilion, increasing the lead by three before Kenley Jansen slammed the door on the Giants in the 9th.
More @Dodgers power, courtesy of @mookiebetts!#MLBNShowcase pic.twitter.com/F4xrX2aPYi
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 9, 2020
SCORING PLAYS
Top 5th Mike Yastrzemski 2 run single (2-0 SFG)
Bot 7th: AJ Pollock 3 run home run (3-2 LAD)
Bot 8th: Mookie Betts 3 run home run (6-2 LAD)
DLD PLAY OF THE GAME
The play of the game is, without a doubt, AJ Pollock’s go-ahead dinger.
One swing from AJ Pollock and the @Dodgers take the lead!#MLBNShowcase pic.twitter.com/YuFzGnSvYj
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 9, 2020
DLD PLAYER OF THE GAME
Today’s player of the game is AJ Pollock, whose three-run homer in the bottom of the 7th secured the win for the Dodgers.
courtesy NBC News
UP NEXT
The San Diego Padres will travel north to open a four-game weekday series at Chavez Ravine. Dustin May is set to start for the Dodgers tomorrow. May has a record of 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA and 15 Ks. The Padres will counter with Garrett Richards, who is 0-1 with a 4.60 ERA and 16 Ks. Game time tomorrow is 6:40 pm, and will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and AM 570.
Edward M Bayer III has returned to DLD after a short hiatus. Follow him on Twitter at @insuradj02 and follow @DodgersLowDown for more.