The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a 5-1 win over the San Diego Padres to extend their lead in the National League West standings to 3.5 games, led by a dominant performance from Tony Gonsolin.
The right-hander went a career-long 7.2 innings, allowing just one run on four hits and collecting eight strikeouts. “It was nice,” Gonsolin said of pitching into the eighth inning for the first time.
“I knew I was being pretty efficient, I wasn’t going to let Doc take me out after the seventh. It felt nice to go back out there.”
Protecting a two-run lead in the top of the eighth, Gonsolin allowed a leadoff single to Trent Grisham that brought Manny Machado to the plate as the tying run.
The 28-year-old responded by striking out Machado and C.J. Abrams to cap off an excellent outing. “It feels good,” Gonsolin said of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts letting him stay in the game to face Machado.
“Me and Doc have been on the same page, for the most part, all season. It’s great and I like that the confidence is there.”
Gonsolin became the first 10-game winner in the NL this season and is the first Dodgers pitcher to begin a season 10-0 since Alex Wood in 2017. The outing also marked an eighth time in 15 starts this season Gonsolin has gone at least six innings.
With a potential All-Star Game start looking likely, Gonsolin is keeping his focus on the present. “There’s no need to get ahead of myself,” he said. “I threw well toady, I’m going to celebrate today and then the goal is to win tomorrow.”
When asked if it has become difficult to not think about potentially starting the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, Gonsolin gave a simple answer. “Not at all,” he said.
Gonsolin becoming more confident with each start
Gonsolin believes he has grown more confident with each start this season. “Yes and no,” he said when asked if he pitched with the same composure at the start of the year. “I feel like I didn’t believe in myself as much as I do now. But overall, kind of.”
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
