The Los Angeles Dodgers jumped out ahead early and created separation during the late innings of an 8-4 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks that clinched a postseason berth for the ninth consecutive season.
Tony Gonsolin exceeded expectations by going five scoreless innings, which was one more than Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated was the plan. Gonsolin held the Diamondbacks to two hits and collected six strikeouts.
He didn’t allow a baserunner until issuing a leadoff walk in the third, and the Diamondbacks were without a hit until Ketel Marte’s single to open the fourth.
By then the Dodgers had spotted Gonsolin a cushion, beginning with back-to-back doubles from Max Muncy and Trea Turner resulting in a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Muncy then hit a two-run homer in the third, which like Justin Turner from over the weekend, came while using Albert Pujols’ bat.
Going yard with Tío Albert's bat. pic.twitter.com/vtNAN3b7LB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 15, 2021
Dr. Trea. pic.twitter.com/y2YAcFvcBR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 15, 2021
Will Smith. That is all. pic.twitter.com/VpOg8ln0El
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 15, 2021
Turner added to his night with a solo home run in the fifth inning and Will Smith followed suit in the sixth. While that just appeared to create a bit more separation, both blasts wound up proving key.
They ensured the Dodgers still held a 6-4 lead despite Justin Bruihl surrendering a three-run home run in the seventh inning.
L.A. then responded in the bottom of the seventh with Justin Turner and Smith each contributing a sacrifice fly.
Dodgers, Giants jockeying for postseason
The San Francisco Giants and Dodgers are the only teams to have clinched a postseason berth so far this season, and the two rivals continue to battle for National League West supremacy.
That still remains in favor of the Giants, who are 2.5 games ahead in the division standings.
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