On the same night New York Yankees starter Corey Kluber gave MLB a second no-hitter in as many days, Clayton Kershaw and Matt Peacock had early bids for history as well. They both eventually gave up a hit, and the Los Angeles Dodgers took advantage of good fortune in a 4-2 comeback win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks’ first hit of the game was an Eduardo Escobar two-run home run that broke up the scoreless tie in the fourth inning. Up to that point the Diamondbacks’ two baserunners had come via a hit by pitch and walk.
Those were the only runs Kershaw allowed, as he worked around a Nick Ahmed leadoff double in the fifth inning. He retired the side in order in the sixth, but still was removed after that. Kershaw was only at 83 pitches, but his spot led off the bottom half of the inning with the Dodgers trailing 2-1.
Kershaw and manager Dave Roberts had an animated conversation in the dugout before continuing it in the tunnel. They both returned to the dugout without any further issue.
Roberts’ decision nearly paid immediate dividends as Luke Raley led off with a pinch-hit single. Max Muncy’s base hit put runners at the corners with one out, but they were stranded by Justin Turner and Yoshi Tsutsugo.
While he didn’t come through in that scenario, Tsutsugo collected his first hit and RBI with the Dodgers on an opposite-field base hit in the fourth inning. That was the lone run Matt Peacock allowed thanks to Taylor Clarke working out of the jam in the sixth.
Clarke remained in the game to start the next inning, only to be removed after walking Chris Taylor. Joe Mantiply entered and promptly walked Gavin Lux, and the Diamondbacks then were let down by their defense.
Albert Pujols’ blooper to shallow right field went off Pavin Smith’s glove on his attempt at an over-the-shoulder catch, dropping for a single that loaded the bases. Will Smith pinch-hit two batters later and had his line drive to right field go off Josh Rojas’ glove, bringing in two runs.
Mookie Betts drove in some insurance with an RBI ground-rule double before the Diamondbacks could get out of the inning.
The Dodgers’ win was their third in a row, they improved to 7-1 on the homestand and will head out on the road trip having won all three series regardless of Thursday’s result.
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