The Los Angeles Dodgers had a six-run first inning and never looked back in a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians that snapped a two-game losing streak. The victory also made the Dodgers the second team to 85 wins this season and moved them into a tie with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in baseball.
After walks by Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy loaded the bases, Tommy Edman gave the Dodgers a lead on his ground-rule, two-run double. Gavin Lux followed with a sacrifice fly and Miguel Rojas hit an RBI single that knocked Guardians starter Gavin Williams out of the game.
Andy Pages, starting in left field for the injured Teoscar Hernández, greeted Pedro Avila with a two-run homer.
Tommy Edman just hits.
(🎥: @SportsNetLA) pic.twitter.com/Ik6g4fLKmN— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 8, 2024
Pages caps off the inning with a blast!
(🎥: @Dodgers) pic.twitter.com/IFS4B9uwIf— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 8, 2024
The extra point is good.
(🎥: @Dodgers) pic.twitter.com/bIUN2FKBqW— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) September 8, 2024
Mookie Betts’ solo home run in the fourth inning extended the Dodgers’ lead to 7-2.
Although their offense went quiet after that, the Dodgers bullpen successfully kept the Guardians in check. After Ryan Brasier started as an opener, manager Dave Roberts called on six relief pitchers to get through the bullpen game.
There was the potential for Justin Wrobleski to fill a bulk innings role, but he only pitched the third and fourth. Brent Honeywell also completed two innings, and earned his first win of the season.
Dodgers magic number
The Dodgers’ magic number to clinch the National League West title is down to 15 entering the series finale on Sunday. They currently hold a five-game lead over the San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers winning the NL West would give them an 11th division title in the past 12 seasons.
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