The Los Angeles Dodgers scored four runs in the first inning and that was all they needed in the game as Max Scherzer dominated the St. Louis Cardinals in a 5-1 win.
The Dodgers opened the scoring in the first on a single from Mookie Betts that drove in Trea Turner, who reached on a leadoff ground-rule a double and was moved over to third base on a single from Max Muncy.
L.A. added another run when Justin Turner grounded into a double play that allowed Muncy to score. With two outs, Corey Seager drew a walk and the inning was capped off by a two-run home run from Chris Taylor, which was his 20th long ball of the season.
Despite the four-run outburst, the offense was mostly shut down the rest of the way but they did pick up one more run in the third inning when Seager drove in Betts on a single to increase their lead to 5-0.
CT3 woke up like this. pic.twitter.com/Bssubht1Qw
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 6, 2021
13 Ks? @Max_Scherzer put on a show in his hometown. pic.twitter.com/zaulykie4I
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 6, 2021
After being limited to 76 pitches in his last start because of right hamstring tightness, Scherzer was brilliant against the Cardinals. He threw eight innings while allowing only one unearned run on six hits, and striking out 13 and walking none.
The only blemish to his line came in the sixth inning when Tommy Edman scored on a passed ball by Austin Barnes.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called on Joe Kelly to close the game out in the ninth and he fired a perfect inning while striking out one.
NL West race update
After the game, the Dodgers still remain one game behind the San Francisco Giants for first place in the National League West.
The Giants had a 10-5 victory over the fourth-place Colorado Rockies and have two more games at Coors Field before taking on the fourth-place Chicago Cubs.
The Dodgers head back home after three more games with the Cardinals, and will welcome the San Diego Padres to Dodger Stadium.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
