While the Los Angeles Dodgers appear destined to win a fourth straight National League West division title, there’s external pressure to clinch on the current homestand. Nostalgia has set in with it being Vin Scully Weekend at Dodger Stadium.
Scully was honored prior to first pitch Friday night in an hour-long ceremony, which certainly stirred plenty of emotions. The start time was delayed by 35 minutes though once play began it was business as usual for the ever gracious Scully.
There also didn’t appear to be any sort of emotion hangover for the Dodgers, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Jon Gray kept the Rockies in the game, while Ross Stripling was similarly pitching well after taking over for an injured Scott Kazmir.
But Los Angeles managed to get to Gray again in the fourth inning, with Joc Pederson and Andre Ethier combining for back-to-back solo home runs:
#JocPop No. 2⃣4⃣ ? pic.twitter.com/7hfVsQzLFz
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 24, 2016
Welcome back, Dre! ? pic.twitter.com/oGyZY7e8SK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 24, 2016
The home run was Pederson’s 24th this season, good for fourth on the team. He’s batting .245/.349/.492 entering play Saturday night.
It was Ethier’s first in what was just his second plate appearance at Dodger Stadium this season. Ethier made two starts shortly after coming off the 60-day disabled list and has primarily been used off the bench.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said Ethier is among the players who is being considered for a final spot on a potential postseason roster. The veteran outfielder may be facing an uphill battle given his leg isn’t fully healed and the strong play from Andrew Toles.
With their win and the San Francisco Giants losing on Friday night, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the NL West is down to two.
