The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame disappointment with losing Clayton Kershaw to left forearm discomfort and yet another four-run deficit to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers, 8-6, and keep their National League West hopes still alive.
Trea Turner provided the Dodgers with an early lead by lining a home run over the short fence in right field in the bottom of the first inning. However, Kershaw allowed three consecutive hits that tied the game in the second, and he was removed after Kolten Wong’s two-run double that gave the Brewers a lead.
The Dodgers’ deficit grew to 5-1 and remained that way entering the bottom of the fifth inning. Their rally began with singles from Austin Barnes, pinch-hitter Albert Pujols, and Mookie Betts loaded the bases with one out.
Corey Seager, currently the Dodgers’ hottest hitter, popped out. However, Eric Lauer was unable to get out of the jam as Turner tied the game with a grand slam. It gave the Dodgers 10 grand slams on the season, which tied a franchise record set by the 2004 team.
Trea strikes first! pic.twitter.com/6mnB0RJTzw
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 2, 2021
GRAND SLAM? TREA MAGNIFIQUE. pic.twitter.com/bFAgX6rSg5
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 2, 2021
HASTA LA VISTA, BEATY. pic.twitter.com/IF01oueVYj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 2, 2021
It was a stunning turn of events for Eric Lauer, who entered 6-0 with a 1.89 ERA in eight career starts against the Dodgers.
Matt Beaty completed the Dodgers’ comeback with a pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning. A wild pitch with the bases loaded brought in an insurance run, and Max Muncy’s RBI infield single created more separation.
After Joe Kelly allowed a run in the eighth inning, Kenley Jansen entered to complete a four-out save.
Dodgers running out of time
With the San Francisco Giants defeating the San Diego Padres, their magic number to clinch the NL West was trimmed to one. San Diego and San Francisco meet for a 1:05 p.m. PT start time on Saturday, therefore the Dodgers should know if their division chase remains alive by the time they take the field.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
