The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a series win by outlasting the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, but the finale at Fenway Park took its toll. Chris Taylor suffered a fracture in his left forearm, and for the Dodgers tasked with moving on, they faced the challenge of doing so on little rest.
With Sunday’s game running 5 hours and 40 minutes, the Dodgers did not arrive at their Philadelphia hotel until after 4:30 a.m. local time Monday morning. First pitch at Citizens Bank Park loomed.
Nevertheless, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced confidence his club would not fall victim to any sort of drop off because of fatigue. Sure enough, the Dodgers went on for a 16-2 blowout of the Phillies, overcoming a bit of a sluggish start.
Cody Bellinger helped lead the way with two home runs, and afterward was candid in explaining how he attempted to combat any potential weariness, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I think it was more just kind of like a ‘Whatever’ attitude. I don’t know, it was different. You’re not hyped up. I mean, I drank two Red Bulls and took a lot of Advil, so I was feeling alright. But, I mean, I don’t know. I think it was just one of those days where you’re more relaxed.”
Bellinger’s first home run came in the fifth inning, giving the Dodgers a 7-1 lead. His second solo shot extended that to 8-1 in the seventh. The multi-home run game was Bellinger’s 11th of his career and fourth this season.
With the Dodgers facing a right-handed Phillies starter throughout the entire series, Bellinger figures to be in the lineup for at least two of the remaining three games. Entering play Tuesday, he has started in each of the past 15 contests.
While there was the All-Star break in between, Bellinger didn’t exactly get off his feet as he attended the Home Run Derby to support Joc Pederson and followed that up by starting in the 90th Midsummer Classic the following night.
Like he does throughout the course of the season, Roberts will be mindful of the lengthy game his club just played and find time to give his regular starters an opportunity for rest.
