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Dodgers Highlights: Miguel Vargas, Michael Busch & Chris Taylor Make Key Contributions Against Pirates

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame a five-run deficit for their biggest comeback of the season in an 8-3 victory against the National League-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers extended their winning streak to three games and prevented the Pirates from notching an eight consecutive win in the process.

Miguel Vargas’ two-run double with two outs in the first inning provided Noah Syndergaard with a lead before he threw a pitch, but the Pirates quickly were off and running. They scored a run in the bottom of the first and took a lead in the second inning.

On the verge of limiting the damage in the fourth inning, Syndergaard surrendered a three-run home to Andrew McCutchen. The seven runs and nine hits Syndergaard allowed over his four innings pitched both represented season-highs.

The Dodgers began their comeback in the fifth inning on Freddie Freeman’s RBI infield single.

They continued to rally in the sixth when James Outman doubled and Miguel Vargas drew a walk. Michael Busch collected his first career hit and RBI on a single into center field, and Austin Barnes later added a sacrifice fly.

Mookie Betts nearly put the Dodgers ahead on a three-run home run, but Jack Suwinski made a leaping catch at the wall to rob him and end the inning.

L.A. had better luck in the eighth inning when Taylor, who already had his first multi-hit game of the season, lifted a drive to deep left field that carried for what held as the game-winning, three-run homer.

Dodgers bullpen shines

Brusdar Graterol went on paternity leave, but the Dodgers bullpen welcomed back Evan Phillips, who was part of the group throwing five scoreless innings.

Caleb Ferguson escaped a bases-loaded jam and Shelby Miller converted the first save of his career.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com