DLD Recap: The “Cat Man” Tames The Padres As Dodgers Even Up Series

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Dodgers 

POST-GAME BRIEFING

Dodgers’ starter Tony Gonsolin had the Padres’ hitters guessing the entire night. He went seven strong innings and the only run he surrendered was on a bunt single by outfielder Trent Grisham in the third.

A pivotal game two of this series saw the Dodgers offense look more alive, thanks, in part, to the return of Justin Turner. Back from his IL-stint, the Dodgers DH contributed immediately with an RBI-single in the top of the first to give them an early 1-0 lead. In the fifth, Edwin Ríos hit a solo home run, which provided his team a two-run cushion.

It was a nail-biting finish in the bottom of the ninth as closer Kenley Jansen loaded the bases with only one out. The lack of recent success for Jansen may have had fans worried, but the big man regained his composure striking out Will Myers and Jake Cronenworth to secure the 3-to-1 victory.

SCORING PLAYS

• TOP 1st: Justin Turner RBI single (1-0)
• TOP 3rd: Cody Bellinger RBI single (2-0)
• BOT 3rd: Trent Grisham RBI bunt single (2-1)
• TOP 5th: Edwin Ríos solo HR (3-1)

DLD PLAY OF THE GAME

The DLD Play of the Game goes to Edwin Ríos with his solo home run that would help add to the Dodgers’ lead. With such a low-scoring affair in tonight’s game, his home run really helped put the Padres away and gave them less of a chance to come back.

Rios says adios to this one!pic.twitter.com/I0VlptKd9Q https://t.co/BPlzpLbaCX

— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) September 16, 2020

DLD PLAYER OF THE GAME

The DLD Player of the Game goes to the “Cat Man” himself, Tony Gonsolin. He went seven innings, which is the longest outing in his career, allowing one run on four hits while striking out two. He came up big tonight in what was a huge second game of this series that the Dodgers really needed to win to stay on top in the division. The lead over the Padres in the NL West is 2.5 games and the magic number has shrunk to nine.

Tony Gonsolin just finished the best start of his career. Going up against one of the best and hottest offenses in baseball and holding them to 1 run in 7 innings pitched. Great job @goooose15!!

— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) September 16, 2020

UP NEXT

The Dodgers will look to wrap up this series tomorrow with Dustin May (1-1, 2.81 ERA, 1.128 WHIP) on the mound. It’ll be interesting to see how he responds after taking a batted ball of his foot in his last outing in Arizona.

The Padres will counter with Adrian Morejon (2-0, 2.53 ERA, 1.125 WHIP) . He’s made two starts for the Padres this season. In his first game he only went 4.2 innings while giving up three runs and striking out eight. His second outing was more impressive going six scoreless innings and striking out six. Game time is at 1:10 PT.

Jacob Cisneros is a writer for Dodgers-LowDown. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram @_JacobCisneros.