The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a 7-2 rout of the Milwaukee Brewers backed by four home runs, setting up a chance for the sweep on Wednesday.
Will Smith started the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning, his 16th of the year. The All-Star catcher has been in the midst of a long slump, but has been showing recent signs of a breakout.
The next inning, Shohei Ohtani moved closer to a 40-40 season with his 37th home run of the season to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. He also sits just seven stolen bases away from that milestone.
Wisconsin native Gavin Lux had friends and family in the stands, and he put on a show for them with a two-run homer to give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead. It was the continuation of Lux’s rebound from the first half of the season as he’s been on fire since the All-Star break.
The scoring continued when Smith singled and Miguel Rojas doubled to set the stage for Kiké Hernández, who followed with a sacrifice fly. Andy Pages then broke the game open for good with a two-run homer, his ninth of the season.
The four home runs from the Dodgers was the 10th time they’ve done that in a single game this season, more than any other team in MLB.
Every starting position player for the Dodgers also had a hit in the game with Smith leading the way with three. That marked the fifth time this season that every Dodgers starting player had a hit in a game.
On the mound, Gavin Stone was excellent, throwing five innings of one-run ball while giving up just three hits, striking out six and walking no one. It was a much-needed start for the right-hander, who had posted a 6.27 ERA in July regressed even more in his first August start.
The lone run he allowed was a solo shot by William Contreras.
Following Stone, Landon Knack entered the game to pitch the final four innings, allowing a run and earning the save. He is likely to be optioned on Wednesday when Walker Buehler is activated for his start.
Dodgers tie for best record in MLB
With the Dodgers winning and the Philadelphia Phillies losing, they added a full game to their lead for the best record in the National League. The Brewers have also been catching up to both teams, so the Dodgers added a full game between them as well.
In addition, they have clinched the season series against the Brewers, which could end up being important for playoff seeding down the line.
At 71-49, the Dodgers are the only team in the NL with at least 70 wins, and they are tied with the Cleveland Guardians for the best record in MLB.
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!
