The Los Angeles Dodgers finished off a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 6-3 win in eight innings as the game was called due to rain.
The win was the Dodgers 13th in a row over the Pirates — with their last loss to Pittsburgh coming June 6, 2018.
Julio Urias earned the win after going six innings while allowing three runs on six hits. Phil Bickford tossed one scoreless inning to record the save.
Mookie Betts opened the scoring for the Dodgers in the top of the first inning with a leadoff home run. He finished the game 2-4 and scored two runs.
Right down the middle? Mookie will make you pay. pic.twitter.com/vRTIWI8zbl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 10, 2021
Betts also made an impact with his defense as he was able to turn a double play to prevent the Pirates from taking a 2-1 lead in the second inning.
WOW, @mookiebetts. pic.twitter.com/aBCk6YB9Aj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 10, 2021
Clutch Culichi. pic.twitter.com/ymrPGQ3dpm
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 10, 2021
“I was just trying to do everything I can to stay on my feet,” Betts said. “I knew once I got to a point where I could catch it, I tried to get myself ready to throw.
“I felt the spin was going to be the easiest way to keep my momentum so I could get something on the ball instead of trying to stop and redirect to throw it to home. I felt like the spin was the best way.”
After the game, Betts said he was happier with his web gem than the leadoff homer.
“It kind of stopped some momentum there, Julio was able to pitch with nobody on and get through that inning still being up one,” Betts explained. “I definitely enjoyed the homer, but for today, defense was best.”
As the Dodgers lead 2-1 in the top of the third, the Pirates intentionally walked Austin Barnes to load the bases and face Urias with two outs. On a 2-2 count, Mitch Keller and the Pirates learned that Urias is a pitcher who rakes as he drove in a pair of runs with a single.
The Pirates rallied to score two runs in the bottom of the inning, which made the score 4-3, but they failed to score after that while the Dodgers added two more runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
Dodgers host Rangers before Reopening Day
The Dodgers now return home as they are set to face the Texas Rangers in their final series with a limited number of fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium.
After the weekend series with Texas, the Dodgers will host the Philadelphia Phillies beginning on June 14. “Reopening Day” follows, as Dodger Stadium will be able to host a full crowd for the first time since 2019.
The first 25,000 fans in attendance to Reopening Day will receive a Justin Turner bobblehead.
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