On Friday night the Los Angeles Dodgers snapped a streak of consecutive losses in extra innings at 11, then came back with another victory in 10 innings to put themselves in position to sweep the New York Mets.
With Justin Bruihl, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen unavailable due to recent usage, the Dodgers figured to heavily lean on Walker Buehler. He responded by taking a no-hitter into the fourth inning before surrendering a two-out home run to Michael Conforto.
That was the lone run Buehler allowed as he struck out 10 over seven innings. He’s now logged at least six innings in 23 of 24 starts this season.
While a gem, Buehler’s performance was being upstaged by Taijuan Walker throwing a no-hitter. That was until Will Smith provided yet another clutch home run in the seventh inning to break it up and tie the game.
Will Smith breaks up the no-no with a 444 ft. solo
. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/brWwig5HzK
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 15, 2021
Belli with a big go-ahead double in extras! #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/NJcro8Vntw
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 15, 2021
It marked a second consecutive game Smith hit a home run, and now 17 of his 40 career long balls have come in the seventh inning or later.
After Buehler pitched out of a jam in the seventh inning, Alex Vesia and Phil Bickford combined to get the game into extras.
Cody Bellinger’s RBI double with one out in the 10th proved to be the difference, and after Bickford recorded two outs in the bottom half of the inning, Corey Knebel entered to finish out the game.
Dodgers expect Turner back
After not playing since last Sunday because of left groin discomfort, Justin Turner pinch-hit in the 10th inning and played two outs on defense in the bottom half as well.
Heading into the game Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Turner would likely be in the lineup for the series finale at Citi Field.
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