The Los Angeles Dodgers gave up a home run in the first inning for a fifth consecutive game but provided some thunder of their own late to snap a four-game losing streak with a 6-2 win against the Chicago Cubs. It was the Dodgers’ first victory in five games against the Cubs this season.
Kris Bryant got the Cubs going early with a home run off Tony Gonsolin that carried well up the pavilion in left-center field. That was the lone hit Gonsolin allowed over four innings in what was his longest start of the season.
He collected seven strikeouts and remained on a pitch count due to still recovering from right shoulder fatigue. Gonsolin anticipates being closer to a normal buildup in his next start.
He did exit with a lead thanks to the Dodgers manufacturing a run in the second inning and Zach McKinstry’s blast in the third. Cody Bellinger led off the second with a single — which was the Dodgers’ first hit in 10 innings — and he scored two ground balls later.
Zach attacks. pic.twitter.com/8iLgdEQmu1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 26, 2021
APOLLO 11. pic.twitter.com/gYMjCw6bfE
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 26, 2021
Muncy you later. pic.twitter.com/llnO2X5CFO
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 26, 2021
McKinstry then ambushed the first pitch he saw in the third inning for his fourth home run of the season and first since returning from the 10-day injured list at the end of May.
The Cubs pulled even on Joc Pederson’s sacrifice fly in the seventh inning but the Dodgers jumped back ahead behind two-run home runs from AJ Pollock and Max Muncy. While they provided the big swings, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited Gavin Lux for working a full count and drawing a leadoff walk before Pollock’s homer.
Tension began building for Dodgers
Mired in a losing streak and with a slumping offense, Roberts said Pollock’s blast infused a sigh of relief in the dugout.
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