The Los Angeles Dodgers maintained their lead in the National League West standings behind a 3-1 win over the San Francisco Giants in the first meeting between the two teams since Game 5 of last year’s National League Division Series.
The Giants received another strong start from Carlos Rodón, as he allowed just two runs over six innings. However, Rodón walking Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger led to what wound up being the difference.
A wild pitch allowed both runners to move into scoring position with two outs in the second inning, when Chris Taylor delivered a two-run single. Taylor later hit a double and finished with two of the Dodgers’ three hits off Rodón.
Julio Urías wasn’t dominant but still navigated his way through six scoreless innings. He received help from Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger each making impressive defensive plays.
Despite only retiring the side in order in two innings, Urías threw just 65 pitches. He didn’t issue any walks, which has been a focal point this season and was a source of frustration after his last start.
Urías fastball velocity remained below his career average and the left-hander largely was forced to rely on the heater and curveball throughout the night. Those factors presumably played a significant part in Urías not being allowed to face a right-handed heavy Giants lineup for a third time.
Justin Turner’s throwing error compounded an infield single to lead off the seventh inning, which Brusdar Graterol followed by walking Brandon Crawford. Graterol gave way to Alex Vesia with two runners in scoring position and one out.
Vesia allowed one inherited runner to score on a sacrifice fly, but Daniel Hudson and Craig Kimbrel each threw a scoreless inning to seal the win.
L.A. scored an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth to provide Kimbrel with some breathing room.
Dodgers rivalry with Giants
The rivalry between the Dodgers and Giants dates back several decades and to their time in New York, but last season added a new wrinkle when they met in the postseason for the first time.
“It’s a great series, a great rivalry. I think it’s very taxing physically and mentally, because they do such a good job of matching up,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game Tuesday night.
“On the surface, it’s great quality baseball. A lot of talent on the field, but under the hood there’s a lot of cat and mouse, trying to get matchup advantages.”
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