Clayton Kershaw was efficient throughout the night and the Los Angeles Dodgers received contributions throughout their lineup, led by Cody Bellinger, in a 7-4 win over the L.A. Angels in the Freeway Series opener. The Dodgers have a three-game winning streak for a third time this season.
Kershaw had a no-hitter through four innings, then lost it on a leadoff home run to Anthony Rendon that cut the Dodgers’ lead in half in the fifth. Kershaw bounced back from that to retire the next eight batters faced.
The string was snapped by Rendon, who drew a two-out walk in the seventh inning. Rendon also walked in his first plate appearance and reached safely in all three meetings against Kershaw.
Facing Rendon was just about the only blemish for Kershaw as he got through seven innings for the first time this season, thoroughly bouncing back from his last outing and surpassing what was an impressive 2020 debut.
The Dodgers provided Kershaw with a lead in the third inning, receiving a bit of help from the Angels. After Austin Barnes’ leadoff single, Mookie Betts reached on Rendon’s error. Justin Turner broke the scoreless tie two batters later with an opposite-field RBI single.
Bellinger extended the Dodgers’ lead to 4-1 with a two-run blast in the sixth inning. L.A. added to it as the table was set when Edwin Rios led off the seventh with a double and Barnes’ base hit put runners at the corners.
Corey Seager then became the Dodgers’ second player to beat out a potential double play, resulting in a run. Bellinger’s second two-run homer of the night blew the game open. On top of Bellinger emerging from a slump, both long balls came against a left-hander.
Bellinger’s late home run helped ensure the Dodgers had some breathing room after Dylan Floro allowed a two-run base hit to Tommy La Stella in the eighth inning, and Brian Goodwin’s RBI double in the ninth.
Barnesy extends hitting streak
Barnes was among the Dodgers to get off to a slow start, but he’s now produced a four-game hitting streak. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was hopeful Barnes would benefit from regular starts while Will Smith recovers from a sore neck.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
