The Los Angeles Dodgers saw Justin Turner and Max Muncy both leave early due to injury, and Josiah Gray surrendered three home runs in his MLB debut, but Chris Taylor and Will Smith led the way in an 8-6 walk-off win over the San Francisco Giants.
Taylor started at shortstop but again was in the leadoff spot of the Dodgers’ lineup due to Mookie Betts missing another contest because of right hip irritation. Taylor did his best to jumpstart the offense throughout the night, going 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs, one walk and three RBI.
It was the third multi-homer game of Taylor’s career, and second against the Giants. His two-run shot in the sixth inning pulled the Dodgers to within a run and in some sense set the stage for Smith’s heroics down the line.
Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers entered in the bottom of the ninth and threw eight balls in his first nine pitches to walk Taylor and Matt Beaty.
CT3 got all of that one. pic.twitter.com/mqYB7Yu6VX
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2021
CT3 AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/eQjusxkGNl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2021
THE PRINCE. pic.twitter.com/e9aqWzsca7
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2021
Smith fell behind in the count 0-1 before delivering his second career pinch-hit, walk-off home run. “Just trying to get a pitch I could drive and hit.” Smith said of the at-bat. “The 0-0 was actually a pretty good pitch to hit, and I took it.”
Turner, Muncy join list of Dodgers injuries
Turner and Muncy were each hit by a pitch from Alex Wood in the third inning, and ultimately exited in the sixth and seventh, respectively. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Muncy had trouble raising his right arm after taking a pitch to the shoulder blade.
Turner was diagnosed with a left knee contusion and is not expected to play Wednesday. Roberts added the Dodgers will take a wait-and-see approach with Muncy to determine his availability.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
