Lance Lynn overcame early struggles to deliver a quality start in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 7-4 comeback win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The right-hander’s first pitch of the game was ambushed by Alex Verdugo for a line-drive home run into the bullpen area in right field. Trevor Story then extended the Red Sox lead to 3-0 by lifting an inside pitch over the Green Monster for a two-run homer in the second inning.
Lynn largely settled in from there and gave the Dodgers an opportunity to slowly chip away at their deficit. His final line was six-plus innings, 10 hits, four runs (three earned), one walk and one strikeout.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attributed Lynn’s inconsistent start to his long layoff in between outings, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It was a long layoff for him. He’s not gonna say it, but it’s something he’s not accustomed to,” Roberts said of the seven days of rest Lynn had since his last start. “I thought it took him a little bit to get into his groove, and once he did you could see the throws were better, the command was better.”
Lynn’s start at Fenway Park came on three extra days of rest after last taking the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 17. He was lined up to face the Cleveland Guardians in the series finale at Progressive Field, but the Dodgers opted to give him more rest instead.
That likely was due to Lynn being among the MLB leaders in innings pitched and his importance to the Dodgers rotation come time for the postseason. The 36-year-old is a perfect 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 31 innings across four starts since joining L.A.
Lance Lynn: ‘Little bit of everything’ going right with Dodgers
Lynn was in the midst of one of his worst seasons with the Chicago White Sox prior to being acquired by the Dodgers last month and believes the change of scenery has been beneficial.
“I think just better results, better luck and great defense behind me,” Lynn said of the differences between pitching for the Dodgers and White Sox. “A little bit of everything. It’s been fun out here, especially pitching in front of the home crowd. Three of my four have been here.
“It’s fun to pitch at this ballpark. I’ve always enjoyed it, but it’s definitely a lot better as a home player.”
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