The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants met for the first time since last year’s thrilling National League Division Series, and their matchup on Tuesday was more of the same from the two teams built by front offices with similar philosophies.
The Dodgers came away with a 3-1 win thanks in large part to a strong start by Julio Urías and timely hitting from Chris Taylor.
Urías went six shutout innings but only threw 65 pitches before being removed in favor of Brusdar Graterol. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained after the game he felt the Giants were having productive swings and making hard contact against Urías despite his low pitch count.
The left-hander was aided by Mookie Betts making an impressive catch in the first inning and exited with a 2-0 lead that was provided by Taylor’s two-run base hit with two outs in the second inning.
MOOKIE! pic.twitter.com/22vBScg9ds
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 4, 2022
2 carreras en el inning 2. ✌️ #SiempreLA pic.twitter.com/TLfMco5Byh
— Los Dodgers (@LosDodgers) May 4, 2022
Taylor later doubled and finished the night with two of the Dodgers’ three hits off Giants starter Carlos Rodón. Taylor has a four-game hitting streak and is 5-for-14 (.357) this season with runners in scoring position.
“I think he’s been our most consistent performer. I know things in his words, are just starting to click in the last couple days, but he just finds a way to earn a walk, get a base hit, get a big hit when we need it,” Roberts said.
“Got behind, got a pitch in the middle of the zone, down, and got a big hit. Just a guy that you’ve got to appreciate his consistency.”
Alex Vesia allowed one of two inherited runners to score in the seventh inning, but the Dodgers got it back in the bottom of the eight on a wild pitch.
Dodgers undecided on starter
While L.A. elected to move Urías up to take the ball in the series opener, the club has yet to reveal their starter for Wednesday’s game.
Tony Gonsolin is on line to make his normal turn in the rotation, but Tyler Anderson could do so as well, or the Dodgers may decide on a bullpen game.
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