The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Baltimore Orioles on the Fourth of July for the start of a three-game series against the American East leaders. Given the holiday, first pitch was scheduled one hour prior to a traditional weekday start, and a fireworks show followed.
While Julio Urias struggled through what’s expected to be his final outing in the near term, allowing five runs in just 3.1 innings, the Dodgers picked up the young lefty.
Yasiel Puig and Yasmani Grandal hit back-to-back solo home runs as part of the Dodgers’ comeback effort, and the bullpen combined to throw 5.2 scoreless innings in their 7-5 victory.
Prior to the game there was a ceremony that involved two bald eagles flying to center field. One of the birds went off course and exited Dodger Stadium, which sent handlers rushing to track him down.
Dodgers legendary broadcaster Vin Scully was off course calling the game, and as in usual Scully fashion, he shared some Fourth of July Facts, including who actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776:
Scully is in his 67th and final season as the voice of the Dodgers. While he is only calling home games and a few key road games, the Dodgers are taking every opportunity to honor him. Vin Scully Appreciation Night which is scheduled for Sept. 23, the final home Friday night game for the Dodgers.
The humble Scully has declined invitation to both this year’s All-star game in San Diego and a trip to Yankee Stadium when the Dodgers play the New York Yankees later this season.
