The Los Angeles Dodgers received home runs from Will Smith and Miguel Vargas for a second consecutive game and again scored in the eighth inning en route to defeating the Milwaukee Brewers.
After the Brewers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Smith immediately put the Dodgers ahead with a two-run homer. That gave Smith four consecutive at-bats with a home run, tying a National League and American League record.
Smith also became the first Dodgers player with a home run four at-bats in a row since Adrián González did so during April of the 2015 season. The last overall player who had accomplished the feat was Jose Altuve in September 2023.
Andy Pages extended the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1 in the first inning by beating out a double play.
Homers in 4 straight at-bats, and 4 of his last 6 plate appearances? Will Smith did it.
(🎥: @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/bpeGcKvdIa— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 6, 2024
Shohei can fly on the bases.
(🎥: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/6rYVHHrWaT— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 7, 2024
The first career pinch-hit homer for Miggy V!
(🎥: @Dodgers) pic.twitter.com/QWBaasYY2c— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 7, 2024
Crushed. Career homer No. 199.
(🎥: @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/F5X1F0UShH— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 7, 2024
L.A. remained ahead as James Paxton allowed just two runs over his five innings of work. Coupled with Tyler Glasnow in the series opener, it marked the first time in nearly two weeks the Dodgers received at least five innings from a starter in back-to-back games.
Milwaukee then erased their deficit in the eighth inning on Christian Yelich’s game-tying home run against Evan Phillips. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts went to Phillips early because of the heart of the Brewers lineup due up, and said after the win he’d make the same decision even with knowing the result.
The Dodgers once again were quick to respond as Vargas delivered his first career pinch-hit home run. Shohei Ohtani then hit a 28th home run of the season and 199th of his career to create more separation for the Dodgers.
Alex Vesia entered in the ninth inning to convert his fifth save of the year.
Dodgers streaking
The Dodgers have a seven-game winning streak against the Brewers at Dodger Stadium, and overall have taken 14 of the last 20 head-to-head matchups.
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