The Los Angeles Dodgers cruised to a 17-1 blowout win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, tallying 21 hits and four home runs in what was one of the most lopsided games in Dodger Stadium history.
Matt Kemp carried the offensive load with a 5-for-5 showing at the plate, while the pitching combination of Alex Wood and Caleb Ferguson proved just as impactful as well.
Wood allowed only one run in six innings pitched before handing the ball to Ferguson, who compiled three scoreless innings of his own to not only close out the Dodgers’ victory, but additionally record his first career Major League save as well.
After the game, Ferguson appreciated the fact that he accomplished the milestone on his 22nd birthday, per Michael Duarte of NBC Los Angeles:
“Awesome. To be completely honest with you, I didn’t realize it until after the game. But it’s awesome, especially on my birthday.”
After an initial rough start in the starting rotation, Ferguson has progressively improved with each outing on the mound.
The left-hander recently shifted to the bullpen to make room for the return of Clayton Kershaw from the disabled list and has fully taken advantage of his new opportunity.
In his last three appearances, Ferguson has allowed only run in nine innings pitched while accumulating 10 strikeouts to only one walk. His early success as a reliever could ultimately pave the way in him remaining on the 25-man active roster for the foreseeable future.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is encouraged by the growth Ferguson has made, specifically praising his curveball and the way he attacks hitters.
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