The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a win over the New York Mets for the second straight game, defeating them 8-3 in Clayton Kershaw’s return from the disabled list.
Max Muncy continued his impressive showing this season, hitting a towering home run off Mets ace Jacob deGrom in the top of the first inning. The long ball was Muncy’s 14th of the season, which is the most on the team.
The big blow of the game came in the top of the eighth inning though, when Matt Kemp stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out.
Kemp did not start the game against deGrom, but he certainly made his presence known as he launched a grand slam to deep left field, putting the game out of reach. Kemp has been on a tear for the Dodgers this season, and enters Sunday batting .323/.359/.560 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI.
Before Kemp’s grand slam, the Dodgers turned to a little small ball to score a run. With Cody Bellinger on third base, Kiké Hernandez dropped down a squeeze bunt and Bellinger slid in safely just before the throw came home.
Kershaw only went three innings in his first start back, which was expected considering he did not have any rehab outings beforehand. He gave up five hits and two runs with four strikeouts and one walk before giving way to rookie Caleb Ferguson.
Ferguson was outstanding in relief of Kershaw, tossing four shutout innings with six strikeouts to earn his first career Major League victory.
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