The Los Angeles Dodgers received contributions throughout their lineup to help offset a short start from Clayton Kershaw in a 13-7 win over the San Francisco Giants.
Kershaw labored in the first inning and allowed four runs to squander an early 1-0 lead. He wound up completing just three innings and exited with the Dodgers trailing 4-3.
The start was Kershaw’s shortest since he pitched two innings against the New York Mets on May 23, which was interrupted by a lengthy rain delay that forced the Dodgers to make a change.
Saturday’s outing was atypical for Kershaw at Oracle Park, where he holds a lifetime 1.84 ERA across 200.1 innings pitched.
The Dodgers took their initial lead on Freddie Freeman’s RBI single off Logan Webb in the first inning. Their comeback began on Shohei Ohtani’s 49th home run of the season and Teoscar Hernández RBI double in the third inning.
Having already blown one opportunity with the bases loaded and nobody out, the Dodgers avoided a repeat of that in a six-run five inning.
Hernández delivered a two-run double, Michael Conforto extended the Dodgers’ lead with a sacrifice fly, Ben Rortvedt drove a pair in on his extra-base hit, and Mookie Betts capped off the big inning with an RBI single.
After Kirby Yates allowed three runs in the bottom of the fifth, the Dodgers responded with that many in the sixth inning. They did so on a wild pitch with the bases loaded and Miguel Rojas hitting a two-run double.
Though, the inning also included Max Muncy getting hit in the head by a 94.1 mph pitch from Matt Gage. Muncy remained in the game but was replaced at third base by Kiké Hernández to start the bottom of the sixth inning. It’s possible that was for defensive purposes as Muncy is dealing with lingering right forearm soreness after being hit by a pitch Friday.
Freeman added an RBI double in the ninth inning for good measure. Ohtani, Freeman and Hernández tied for the game-high with three hits each.
Dodgers bullpen upholds lead
While Yates gave up three runs, a stable of Dodgers relief pitchers rose to the occasion. Edgardo Henriquez was first to enter, and he struck out the side in the fourth inning.
Justin Wrobleski followed Yates with 2.1 clean innings and struck out four. Michael Kopech walked two batters — one of which came on a missed call — but pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Tanner Scott then entered in the ninth with a comfortable lead and easy opportunity to bounce back from allowing a walk-off grand slam in the series opener.
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 stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
