The Los Angeles Dodgers started off the second half of the season with a victory, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers, 6-4, in the three-game series opener at Miller Park.
Manny Machado made his debut for the Dodgers after being traded from the Baltimore Orioles over the All-Star break, and he made an immediate impression on his new club by singling to right field in his first at-bat.
Machado’s night was just beginning, as he wound up reaching safely in four of five plate appearances on the night, going 2-for-3 with two singles and two walks. Brewers starter Wade Miley clearly did not want Machado to beat him, pitching around him for most of the night.
The big hit for Los Angeles came in the top of the ninth inning, when they were clinging to a 3-2 lead.
With two runners on, Kiké Hernandez stepped to the plate and provided the Dodgers with some big insurance runs by hitting a three-run shot to straightaway center field. The homer was Hernandez’s 17th on the season, which ranks second on the team and is by far a career high.
Those insurance runs proved to be much needed because the Dodgers gave up two runs in the ninth inning before Kenley Jansen shut the door for his 28th save of the season.
Rich Hill earn his third win of the season as he had Brewers hitters off balance all night with his curveball. He wound up tossing six innings of one-run ball, striking out nine.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.