After returning home for the first time in a couple of weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers got back in the win column by coming from behind to defeat the Miami Marlins, 2-1.
Hyun-Jin Ryu was on the mound for the second time since the break and the National League All-Star Game starter did not look sharp early. He walked three batters in the first three innings, including walking two in the same frame for the first time since last September.
The Marlins got a run in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Jorge Alfaro, but then Ryu settled in from there and turned in another strong performance to earn his 11th victory of the season.
Ryu retired 11 of the final 12 batters faced, with the only one reaching base being on an error by Corey Seager. He struck out the side in the seventh to finish out his night with seven strikeouts while allowing four hits and three walks.
The Dodgers were finally able to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth inning after loading the bases on a single by Alex Verdugo and walks by Justin Turner and A.J. Pollock.
Seager drove in the first run on a fielder’s choice and then an error by Starlin Castro allowed another run to score, giving the Dodgers a decided 2-1 lead.
Los Angeles’ bullpen has received plenty of scrutiny in recent weeks, but they stepped up in a big way on Friday night.
Kenta Maeda made his first relief appearance of the season after having his last start cut short due to a rain delay, and he struck out two in a perfect eighth inning.
Kenley Jansen then came in to close it out in his first appearance since blowing a save against the Philadelphia Phillies. He too was flawless, striking out the side to earn his 24th save of the season.