Max Scherzer was limited to just six innings because of right hamstring tightness, but he was certainly dominant and the Los Angeles Dodgers received timely hitting from Justin Turner and AJ Pollock in a 4-3 win and sweep of the Atlanta Braves.
The San Francisco Giants suffered a fourth consecutive loss not long after the final out was recorded at Dodger Stadium, which gave the Dodgers sole possession of first place in the National League West by a half-game.
Scherzer allowed a two-out single in the first inning and then proceeded to retire 11 batters in a row. He ran into trouble when Eddie Rosario and Ehire Adrianza both singled in the fifth inning, but that brought up Braves starter Max Fried and resulted in a strikeout to end the inning.
Fried batting for himself was a bit of a curious decision considering Scherzer’s dominance and the Dodgers’ lead. Though, Fried turned in a quality start himself.
Will the real Max please stand up? pic.twitter.com/kl6BRLYUdR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2021
Fried tater. pic.twitter.com/h5yzhJI0Ww
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2021
That run came Justin time. pic.twitter.com/oVJHG8c7KV
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2021
Read 'em and sweep. pic.twitter.com/m0aS2A5nDi
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 2, 2021
Fried did surrender a home run to Max Muncy in the first inning, along with a solo shot to Austin Barnes in the third, but that was all L.A. could get off the southpaw in his six innings of work.
Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia each allowed a home run, but the Dodgers rallied in the bottom of the eighth. It started with Trea Turner’s leadoff double, which was nearly squandered. Justin Turner’s RBI single tied the game and Pollock followed with a game-winning base hit.
Dodgers’ one-run games record
Since losing to the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 12 and falling to 13-21 in one-run games this season, the Dodgers are now 21-21 in such contests.
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