The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared on the verge of being swept by the Miami Marlins on Thursday until the offense exploded for five runs in the top of the fifth.
The inning began with three consecutive singles from Julio Urias, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. Matt Beaty then added a single of his own to drive in Urias and give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead.
L.A. scored four more times in the inning, led by Chris Taylor’s RBI double and a ground ball off the bat of Zach McKinstry that brought home two more runs. “Yeah, the pitcher starts to feel pressure once guys get on base and then you’ve got bases loaded, I think we weren’t trying to do too much,” Beaty answered when asked if hitting is contagious.
“I think we got four singles in a row or something like that. We weren’t hitting the ball out of the ballpark but we were still able to come up with good at-bats and keep bringing guys up to put the pressure on the pitcher.”
By winning on Thursday, the Dodgers snapped a three-game losing streak and now return home with some momentum on their side. “We definitely wanted to win this one,” Beaty said.
“Obviously we swept the Nats and coming in here we had better expectations. But we just didn’t play great baseball, didn’t do the small things the last few days so today was good to get a W.”
The Dodgers finished their eight-game road trip with a 5-3 record, which by all accounts was solid considering the different time zones and multiple rain delays. “It was kind of a long road trip,” Beaty began.
“Two four-game series and on the East Coast where I guess we’re a little bit just used to the West Coast time zone. We had a couple rain delays in Washington and then a couple early games on the getaway days, but I think for the most part anytime you go 5-3 on a road trip, that’s not bad.
“Obviously could’ve been a lot better but I think we’re excited to get back out West.”
Price opening against Diamondbacks on Friday
Now back on the West Coast, the Dodgers will have to quickly shift their attention to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The teams begin a three-game series on Friday before breaking for the All-Star break.
Clayton Kershaw originally was scheduled to start in the opener but no longer will do so after being placed on the 10-day injured list with left forearm inflammation. Taking his spot on the mound is David Price, who will begin building up as a starter.
“I know obviously with Clayton going on the IL now, you’re looking at Walker, Julio, Gonsolin and I think that as we look out into the near future I think David Price, the idea of building him up starts to make more sense,” Roberts said earlier this week.
“And then outside of that we’ve got to kind of figure out, once we get to the break we’ll have a clearer picture. But like I said, our guys are always looking to put on a glove and certainly with what’s going on with our pitching, we’re very mindful of that.”
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