The Los Angeles Dodgers rebounded from a disappointing offensive performance in the series opener to pound out 15 hits en route to an 11-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. That was plenty of run support for Tony Gonsolin, who turned in another solid start.
The right-hander’s day began with a walk and base hit, but the Pirates then ran into a double play when Mookie Betts cut down Ben Gamel at home plate on his attempt to tag. The outfield assist was Betts’ second in as many games.
Gonsolin held the Pirates to just one hit and pitched five scoreless innings despite issuing four walks. He finished his outing by retiring the final seven batters faced and continued to excel with runners in scoring position, as opponents are now just 2-for-23 in such situations this season.
Gonsolin attributed his success with runners on base to having faith in his pitches and defense, via SportsNet LA:
“Just trying to throw my best pitches. Trusting my stuff, trusting my defense is going to make a play, and not trying to avoid contact or anything like that. Just kind of seeing what happens.”
With another efficient outing in the books, Gonsolin improved to 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through six starts this season. “I feel like I’ve been executing pretty well,” he recently said.
“Getting some soft contact early in counts is great. Just trying to execute pitches if I’m falling behind, or in general.”
Gonsolin helping lead Dodgers rotation
Heading into the season the perceived weakness for the Dodgers was in their starting rotation. Walker Buehler and Julio Urías are frontline starters, but there were questions with Clayton Kershaw’s health and how the backend of the rotation would hold up.
The group has been a strength so far this season, even with losing Andrew Heaney to the 10-day injured list as Tyler Anderson has filled in admirably.
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