The Los Angeles Dodgers earned their sixth consecutive win with another comeback against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning on a Yan Gomes’ sacrifice fly, but that was short-lived as Will Smith lined a two-out RBI single into center field during in the bottom of the sixth to drive in Trea Turner to tie the game.
Chicago then jumped ahead in the seventh inning when Turner fielded a grounder at the edge of the infield grass but made a low throw to home plate. The ball short-hopped Austin Barnes and kicked away, allowing Patrick Wisdom to slide in safely.
But the Cubs’ lead once again didn’t last long as Jake Lamb hit a game-tying home run in the bottom half of the seventh inning. It was his second straight night with a home run and Lamb’s first time with a long ball in back-to-back games since Sept. 27-29, 2017.
Another night, another clutch hit from Will! pic.twitter.com/GRy61TPw2M
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 10, 2022
Stay hot, Jake! pic.twitter.com/Cstom0JAhc
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 10, 2022
"Freddie, Freddie, Freddie!" pic.twitter.com/QyBPgc88B1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 10, 2022
Nasty stuff for the W. pic.twitter.com/IbJfXhaGbn
— MLB (@MLB) July 10, 2022
Lamb’s latest home run led to L.A. building a rally in the inning, which began with Gavin Lux and Cody Bellinger hitting back-to-back singles. Bellinger’s was of the infield variety and partly a result of sliding into first base.
Austin Barnes tried to execute a sacrifice bunt, but Lux was thrown out at third base, keeping runners on first and second. However, Betts followed with an infield single to load the bases for Freddie Freeman.
The Dodgers took their first lead of the game when Freeman singled to right field to drive in Bellinger and Barnes, putting L.A. up 4-2.
That was all they needed as Evan Phillips and Craig Kimbrel combined to finish out the game. Kimbrel earned his 15th save of the season.
Clayton Kershaw posts All-Star caliber start
Clayton Kershaw began his night by striking out the side in the first inning and he efficiently faced the minimum through four. The only earned run he allowed came in the fifth inning on Gomes’ sac fly.
With his pitch count under control, Kershaw reached the eighth inning for the first time this season. He retired the first two batters faced and was on the verge of setting the Cubs down in order, but Max Muncy committed an error at third base.
That ended Kershaw’s night at 102 pitches over 7.2 innings, both of which were season highs. His 10 strikeouts were the second-most this year. Kershaw recorded an out in the eighth inning of a start for the first time since June 27, 2021, which also came in a home start against the Cubs.
Make sure to follow Dodger Blue on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
