The Los Angeles Dodgers struggled to generate run support for their pitching staff early but were saved late by Billy McKinney and Max Muncy in a 2-1 comeback win against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After Justin Bruihl worked as an opener in his first career Major League start, Dodgers pitching prospect Andre Jackson entered in the second inning for his MLB debut. He held the Pirates to just two hits and got through four scoreless innings despite issuing four walks.
Jackson was aided in pitching through traffic by collecting six strikeouts, and also a tremendous throw from McKinney to prevent a runner from going first to third base on a single.
The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning, when a Cody Bellinger throwing error after fielding a sacrifice bunt attempt resulted in the Pirates taking a 1-0 lead. Wilmer Difo appeared to be running well inside the baseline, but it was not called nor a reviewable play.
Blake Treinen eventually took over for Brusdar Graterol and kept the damage to just one run. That proved key as L.A. immediately responded in the bottom half of the inning with McKinney tying the game.
Welcome to the show, Andre Jackson. pic.twitter.com/kZX1s7ADGZ
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 17, 2021
An all-out effort from Billy McKinney! pic.twitter.com/zfP1C19Rcb
— MLB (@MLB) August 17, 2021
First home run as a Dodger for Billy McKinney. 💣 pic.twitter.com/AoroxXSuix
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 17, 2021
The @maxmuncy9 bat toss >>>> pic.twitter.com/K3omcj7t3l
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 17, 2021
The home run was McKinney’s ninth this season but first with the Dodgers. “I was just looking for a good pitch to hit,” he said after the game. “Obviously, I’ve been trying to get my swing going. That felt great.”
After Treinen worked a perfect eighth inning, Muncy provided the Dodgers with a decided lead on his solo shot to right field. The home run was Muncy’s third in the past two games.
Dodgers’ record in one-run games
Along with struggling in extra innings this year, the Dodgers have also been lackluster in contests decided by one run. However, they now have won their past three one-run games.
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