James Paxton turned in one of his best starts of the season to help the Los Angeles Dodgers earn a 5-1 win over the Atlanta Braves that completed a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium.
The left-hander allowed just one run on five hits and collected three strikeouts over a season-high 6.2 innings pitched. He also had better command of his pitches and walked only two batters.
Paxton was encouraged by his performance and believes his hard work is starting to pay off, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“It felt great — I finally found some rhythm out there,” said Paxton, who improved to 4-0 with a 3.06 ERA. “We’ve been working hard between games trying to figure it out, and it just feels good to make some progress. … Walking guys always makes the game harder, so being able to get in the strike zone and not walk as many guys was nice.”
Amid his inconsistencies this season, Paxton has been working with Dodgers pitching coaches to get back on track. Not only did he make his longest start of the season, he managed to limit one of the best offenses in baseball to only two walks.
Paxton was working on a shutout before giving up three consecutive hits in the seventh inning, including a solo home run to Marcell Ozuna. Despite the 35-year-old not being able to finish the frame, the Dodgers have to be pleased with the progress he showed.
Paxton improved to 4-0 with a solid 3.06 ERA, 5.48 FIP and 1.55 WHIP in 32.1 innings pitched.
Dodgers win with James Paxton on mound
Despite his overall struggles, the Dodgers have won five of the six games Paxton has started this season. That’s good for second among Dodgers starting pitchers; the team has won seven of Tyler Glasnow’s eight starts.
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