The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their homestand with a 3-1 win over the San Francisco Giants to maintain a lead in the National League West standings.
It was the first meeting between the two teams since Game 5 of last year’s NL Division Series. Carlos Rodón turned in another strong start for the Giants but was tabbed with his first loss of the season.
Chris Taylor delivered a two-run single in the bottom of the second that wound up serving as the game-winning hit, and later added a double to finish with two of the Dodgers’ three hits off the left-hander.
“They’re a complete team,” Taylor said of the Giants. “They obviously didn’t win 100-something games last year by accident. They’re a complete team, they’ve got good pitchers, a good bullpen, and obviously the lineup puts good at-bats together as well.”
Despite the loss, the Giants once again look like one of the Dodgers’ biggest threats in the NL West this season. “I’m expecting 18 more good games,” Taylor said. “Every time we step on the field with them it seems like it comes down to the last out.”
With every game seemingly having a playoff feel, Taylor finds enjoyment playing the Giants. “No, I think it’s fun,” he answered when asked if it is mentally exhausting playing close games with the Giants.
“These series are why you play these games. The crowd was awesome and it was just a great game. It’s exciting playing in this rivalry. It’s definitely fun to play in these games.”
Taylor: Dodgers beating Giants early in season ‘important’
Although there are still months ahead in the season, Taylor believes every win against the Giants is crucial. Particularly after the NL West race last year went down to the wire.
“I think so. We know they’re probably going to be up near the top and in contention at the end of the year, so yeah these games are important,” he said.
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