The Los Angeles Dodgers scored nine runs in each of their two victories against the Philadelphia Phillies when the clubs met at Dodger Stadium just over one week ago. Los Angeles erupted for a season high-tying 15 runs in Tuesday’s win at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies starter Vince Velasquez twice took his share of the offensive onslaught and after his latest loss to the Dodgers, marveled at the depth in their lineup. In fairness to the Phillies, the Dodgers have hit well against most clubs since the All-Star break.
While Chase Utley provided plenty of sock in the series opener — hitting two home runs, including a grand slam, and finishing with five RBIs — he handed the baton to Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner on Wednesday night.
The Dodgers were again held in check through the early stages before breaking out and never looking back.
Gonzalez got them on the board with a go-ahead, three-run homer in the fourth, and added a two-run blast in the seventh:
.@Adrian_ElTitan is TWO* good.
*spelling intentional ?https://t.co/4VAlT7BTCq
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 18, 2016
The multi-home run game was Gonzalez’s first since he did so July 17, 2015 on the road against the Washington Nationals. In between his pair of homers Wednesday night, Turner lifted a skyscraper for a solo home run in the fifth:
WAY UP. ⚾️☝️https://t.co/tXc51ISMuk
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 18, 2016
The home run was Turner’s 22nd of the season and ninth since the All-Star break. After a slow start to the season, Turner has more than rebounded and leads the team in home runs and RBIs (69).
The Dodgers’ 7-2 victory increased their lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West to 1.5 games.
