The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to get anything going against Aaron Nola, but a rain delay helped change their fortunes in a 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies to open a road trip. The Dodgers’ victory snapped the Phillies’ winning streak at eight games.
After Nola struck out seven and allowed just one hit across four scoreless innings, Corey Seager opened the scoring against the Philadelphia bullpen. Seager led off the fifth inning by going the other way for his first home run since coming off the 60-day injured list.
L.A. then added to their lead in the sixth inning when Trea Turner scored on Will Smith’s base hit to right field. Turner’s speed again was on display as he beat Bryce Harper’s throw to home plate and capped it off with a slide that had social media buzzing.
“I’ve been doing that a long time,” Turner said after the win. “It’s just how I slide, I guess. I try not to hit the ground very hard, because it usually doesn’t feel great.”
Can't touch this. pic.twitter.com/8FqqWrx8EV
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 11, 2021
Trea smooth with it. pic.twitter.com/RdOCsMNVP9
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 11, 2021
Muncy to the second deck! pic.twitter.com/wiXCB067Ke
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 11, 2021
AJ Pollock’s two-run single extended the Dodgers’ lead, and after they left the bases loaded in the seventh and eighth innings, Max Muncy provided some insurance in the ninth with a towering home run to the second deck in right field.
Prior to having his start cut short because of the rain delay, Max Scherzer did his part to match Nola as he collected six strikeouts over 3.1 innings.
“I thought it was good while it lasted,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Scherzer’s performance. “It was going to be a fun one.”
Dodgers bullpen backs Scherzer
Unexpectedly pressed into action early, the Dodgers’ bullpen shouldered the load, beginning with Alex Vesia turning in another impressive appearance.
He was followed by scoreless work from Corey Knebel, Justin Bruihl, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen and Conner Greene.
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