The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped their three-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over the L.A. Angels in the Freeway Series opener, but it wasn’t without a late scare that involved home plate umpire Nate Tomlinson.
With one out in the top of the ninth, Mike Trout shattered his bat on a four-seam fastball from Craig Kimbrel that fell into center field for a bloop single.
However, a shard of the bat found its way between the opening of Tomlinson’s facemask. Tomlinson immediately went down to his knees and grabbed his face as blood trickled down.
Trout initially was reluctant to run to first base after he realized what had happened and made sure to check on Tomlinson.
The game was delayed for nine minutes as Tomlinson was attended to by Dodgers athletic trainer Nate Lucero. Tomlinson eventually walked off the field under his own power and was replaced by second base umpire Laz Diaz.
“Never seen that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the game. “Remember that Steve Yeager one in the throat? But in the mask, broken part of the bat, that was really scary. I heard that it hit his nose, so that’s the best-case scenario. Very scary moment.”
Tomlinson made his debut as an MLB umpire in 2020 and came into the season with 20 career games under his belt. He was taken to the hospital after Tuesday’s matchup but fortunately avoided a serious injury as he only has a cut above his eye and nose.
Alan MacKay filled in for Tomlinson at third base for the Freeway Series finale.
Dodgers offense picked up by Gonsolin
The Dodgers lineup continued to sputter against the Angels, but they were again picked up by Tony Gonsolin, who allowed just one hit over 6.1 scoreless innings. “Just attacking guys,” Gonsolin answered when asked what has made him so successful this season.
“I made a point in Spring Training to just throw strikes and see what happens. I try to give whoever is hitting my best stuff, and whatever happens, happens.”
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