The Los Angeles Dodgers snapped a three-game losing streak with their 1-0 win over the Colorado Rockies and road that momentum into taking the series finale as well. Strong starting pitching remained a theme, and the bullpen joined those efforts the past two games.
On Saturday, Tony Gonsolin logged his longest outing of the season, giving up just two hits in 5.1 shutout innings with seven strikeouts against two walks. He was followed by Alex Vesia, who retired four of five batters faced.
The final seven outs were handled by Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen, who combined to allow only one baserunner in 2.1 innings with three strikeouts.
For Jansen, his scoreless outing snapped a string of three consecutive blown saves. That earned him resounding boos from the crowd at Dodger Stadium.
“The first part of it is I was just really excited the way he was received,” manager Dave Roberts said of the cheers Jansen got from Dodgers fans after converting his latest save.
“That’s what makes the Dodger fans the best fans in all of sports; supporting these guys. I know Kenley fed off of it. I really do believe that. He was really good. To have him throw the baseball, close out a one-run game was big for all of us.”
Following Jansen’s second straight blown save and first of two against the San Francisco Giants last week, Roberts was critical of Dodgers fans for booing the organization’s all-time saves leader. “It does. It does,” Roberts answered when asked if he was bothered by that treatment.
“This guy is a lifelong Dodger. The fans certainly have a right to voice their frustrations. I get that. But I do believe this guy, born and raised as a Dodger, what he does, he cares about the Dodgers and fanbase, and he’s shown that on the field and off the field.
“No one hurts more than he does, to be quite honest. He’s worked really hard to get back, should’ve been an All-Star this year and he’s had a fantastic season.
“There was a hiccup the other night and to have one at home, he was looking forward to pitching at home. I’m disappointed to hear that. Certainly. He’s not going to say it, but I am.”
Jansen emphasizes mental aspect of bouncing back
When reflecting on his recent rough stretch, Jansen credited meditation and maintaining a positive mental outlook for helping him bounce back against the Rockies and being key for success moving forward.
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