The Los Angeles Dodgers twice came back from a five-run deficit to finish off their homestand with a 11-9 win over the Chicago Cubs. That extended the Dodgers’ winning streak to seven games and gave them their first season series sweep of the Cubs in franchise history.
Julio Urías hit two batters and was hurt by Gavin Lux not making a play in left field during a disastrous first inning. After Nico Hoerner’s RBI single gave the Cubs an early lead, P.J. Higgins broke the game open with a grand slam.
Higgins gave the Cubs four grand slams on the season, which leads the National League.
The five runs Urías allowed an 45 pitches he threw both represented the most of any inning in his career. Urías wound up completing just two innings in what represented his shortest start since getting five outs against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 19, 2020.
The Dodgers quickly went to work on chipping away at their deficit, with Will Smith, Justin Turner and Max Muncy each driving in a run in the bottom of the first inning. Turner’s RBI single extended his hitting streak to seven games.
After David Bote slugged a three-run home run off Phil Bickford in the third inning, the Dodgers again answered back in the bottom half.
Freddie Freeman’s leadoff double knocked Cubs starter Drew Smyly out of the game, and he later scored on Smith’s RBI groundout. Lux’s walk with the bases loaded pulled the Dodgers to within 8-5, and they drew closer when two more runs scored on Patrick Wisdom’s throwing error after fielding a routine ground ball that should have ended the inning.
Trea Turner then added to the Cubs’ woes with a go-ahead two-run single.
Freddie Freeman, who curiously was not among the Dodgers named to the National League roster for the 2022 All-Star Game, provided some breathing room with a solo homer in the sixth inning. Freeman provided more insurance with an RBI single in the seventh, and finished 4-for-5.
Dodgers bullpen shorthanded
With Evan Phillips and Craig Kimbrel unavailable due to recent usage, Urías’ short start placed further strain on the Dodgers bullpen.
Phil Bickford, Yency Almonte and Caleb Ferguson each threw a scoreless inning. Alex Vesia recorded five outs, but after finishing the seventh inning, David Price gave up a leadoff home run and failed to retire any of the three batters faced in the eighth.
That prompted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to turn to Brusdar Graterol, who completed a six-out save.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
