It took going to extra innings, but the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a series sweep of the San Francisco Giants while playing through the rain on Sunday in a game that included a 21-minute weather delay.
Dodgers starter Andrew Heaney was only able to throw 65 pitches over four innings due to the delay, which led to manager Dave Roberts using five relief pitchers to get through the ninth, but the game was still tied.
The Dodgers took a 4-2 lead in the top of the 10th and Andre Jackson was given the first chance at the save, but he allowed one run and loaded the bases with two outs. With the left-handed hitting LaMonte Wade Jr. due up, Roberts then called on Justin Bruihl.
With a 3-2 count, Wade hit a 79 mph slider to the right of Freddie Freeman, who ranged over to field it and tossed the ball to Bruihl at first base to secure the win.
That earned Bruihl his first career save, and after the game that took more than four hours to complete, the Dodgers celebrated the accomplishment by giving him a shower of drinks and condiments, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“Beer shower!” Dodgers players shouted as they returned to the clubhouse, eager to commemorate Bruihl’s milestone moment with a celebration.
“There was beer, ketchup, milk, a bunch of other stuff dumped on me,” Bruihl said with a smile.
“I took a nice hot shower after.”
Bruihl was given a spot on the Dodgers’ 2022 Opening Day roster but he was later optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He is currently in his fourth stint with the team this season.
The left-hander was originally signed by the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Prior to the 2021 season, he had never pitched above High-A before quickly rising through the system and making his Major League debut on Aug. 8.
From there, Bruihl appeared in 21 regular season games while posting a 2.89 ERA, 3.97 FIP and 1.07 WHIP in 18.2 innings and tossing two scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series.
This season, Bruihl has pitched to a 3.74 ERA in 21.2 innings.
Dodgers’ David Price has not decided on retirement
David Price is in the final year of his contract and previously noted he was contemplating retirement after the 2022 season but added it depends on what his children want him to do. Bob Nightengale of USA Today then reported on Sunday that Price made the decision to retire.
However, following the report, Price said he hasn’t officially decided on what his future holds. The 37-year-old is currently on the 15-day injured list due to left wrist inflammation.
Make sure to follow Dodger Blue on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
