The Los Angeles Dodgers mustered all of three hits but it was enough for a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the final game played in front of a limited capacity crowd at Dodger Stadium.
Phillies rookie Spencer Howard retired the first nine batters faced before walking Mookie Betts to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning. Betts was replaced on the bases by Gavin Lux, who grounded into a force out.
Howard was one out away from keeping a no-hitter through four innings but a fastball left over the plate was hit by Will Smith for a go-ahead home run.
Then An attempt to have Howard turn in his longest start of the season backfired as he surrendered a leadoff homer to Taylor in the fifth inning. The home runs were the first Howard allowed this season.
I hope they're prepared for the Prince of Bel-Air. pic.twitter.com/eAGTxt8IEE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 15, 2021
Send Chris Taylor to the All-Star Game.
🗳: https://t.co/BXKr9ILkke pic.twitter.com/tq98MoeRcT
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 15, 2021
Tony Gonsolin again lacked control in the first inning but still managed to hold the Phillies to just on run. Gonsolin wound up pitching into the fourth inning before giving way to David Price with two outs.
Price inherited runners on first and second and saw the Phillies load the bases when Taylor uncharacteristically booted a chopper to second base. Price worked out of the jam and the book closed on Gonsolin at just the one run allowed despite five hits and three walks.
“Ultimately I’ve got to stop walking guys and throw more competitive pitches,” Gonsolin said after the game. He finished with five strikeouts.
Dodgers bullpen shines
Price remained in the game to start the fifth inning, which was finished by Joe Kelly. The right-hander then paired with Victor Gonzalez to work a scoreless sixth.
Dodgers relief pitchers continued to pass the baton as Blake Treinen stranded a single in the seventh, Jimmy Nelson turned in a scoreless eighth inning, and Kenley Jansen converted a save in what was the second of back-to-back appearances.
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