It’s no secret that Wednesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros carried some extra importance than a normal regular-season matchup after what transpired in 2017 and then the series opener with Joe Kelly being suspended for throwing behind Alex Bregman.
The Dodgers took the series opener, and while it wasn’t easy, they were able to come away with the two-game sweep at Minute Maid Park by clawing out a 4-2 victory in 13 innings.
The game was tied at one and both teams got their first experience with the new extra-innings rule, which begins with a runner on second base. The Dodgers struck first in the top of the 11th inning when Mookie Betts roped a double into the gap, bringing home Kiké Hernandez.
While that marked the biggest hit of Betts’ career in a Dodger uniform to that point, the lead did not last long as the Astros quickly answered back with a run in the bottom half on a single by Carlos Correa, sending the game to the 12th inning.
Houston, we have liftoff.
Tag us using #BudLightHomers & #Sweepstakes or RT this post for your chance to win an authentic 2020 HR ball! pic.twitter.com/pbRh9bEbZM
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 29, 2020
After a scoreless 12th, the Dodgers were back at it in the 13th as Edwin Rios led it off with a two-run home run to give his team a 4-2 lead. The leadoff home run marked the first in Major League history that accounted for two runs.
Not to be lost in the mix, Dodgers reliever Dennis Santana was fantastic closing out the victory to earn his first win of the year. He tossed 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing no hits while striking out four and walking two.
DENNIS. SANTANA. pic.twitter.com/PMJdrjom0Z
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 30, 2020
The Dodgers’ pitching staff performed well in both games, keeping a tough Astros lineup at bay. Alex Bregman, George Springer, Jose Altuve and Josh Reddick combined to go 0-for-28 in the series with a few walks, and L.A.’s bullpen toss 9.2 innings without giving up an earned run on Wednesday.
edWIN. pic.twitter.com/skCU6NCIIk
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 30, 2020
Seager hits first homer of season
For the first 10 innings, the only offense the Dodgers could muster was a solo home run to right off the bat of Corey Seager, his first of the season.
Seager finished the night 1-for-5, but he is swinging the bat well to start off the year, slashing .320/.393/.520.
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