The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates riding a six-game winning streak and having taken 16 in a row in their head-to-head meetings.
While the Pirates multiple impressive defensive plays, the Dodgers fell flat in a 5-1 loss. They were on the verge of being shut out before Edwin Ríos’ pinch-hit home run to lead off the ninth inning.
The Dodgers responded by tying an L.A. franchise record with eight doubles in an 11-1 win that sets the stage for a rubber match with the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.
Manager Dave Roberts is perpetually confident in his team, but given the disappointing loss on Monday, he was all the more convinced they would respond, via SportsNet LA:
“I just had a good feeling about our guys. We take pride in wining baseball games, winning series. [Monday] night was an ugly one, so I expected to see a different result tonight.”
With Tuesday’s win, the Dodgers remained in position to avoid their first series loss since dropping two of three to the Arizona Diamondbacks from April 25-27.
Following sloppy play that resulted in back-to-back losses to the Diamondbacks, Roberts said he expected the Dodgers to get back to a higher level of play. The team responded with a 7-1 stretch heading into the series at PNC Park, and by Roberts’ estimation had added motivation when facing the Detroit Tigers.
Dodgers lineup erupts
Justin Turner led the offense by going 4-for-5 with three doubles and four RBI. It was his first game with multiple extra-base hits since Sept. 13, 2021.
Freddie Freeman, Trea Turner, Gavin Lux, Austin Barnes and Cody Bellinger each had a double as well to help the Dodgers tie their L.A. record.
Meanwhile, making his first start in 13 days, Edwin Ríos hit a home run on the second consecutive night.
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