Max Scherzer didn’t turn in his sharpest performance but the Los Angeles Dodgers backed him with three solo home runs off Rich Hill en route to extending their winning streak to a season-high-tying nine games by defeating the New York Mets, 4-3.
Trea Turner opened the scoring by getting just enough of a fastball for his first home run since being traded to the Dodgers. Two batters later, Albert Pujols ambushed Hill’s first pitch for the 677th home run of his career.
Hill largely settled in from there until allowing a solo homer to Chris Taylor in the fourth inning.
Scherzer initially kept the Mets off the board despite a runner getting into scoring position in each of the first four innings. Then after retiring the first two batters faced in the fifth, Scherzer surrendered a home run to Brandon Nimmo, who at that point improved to 3-for-3 on the day and a triple shy of the cycle.
More trouble ensued as a double, hit by pitch and walk loaded the bases. Scherzer continued to battle and struck out J.D. Davis to get out of the jam and keep the damage to a minimum.
The Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out in the sixth and scored a run on Taylor’s walk. However, they failed to take full advantage of the opportunity and it kept the pressure on their bullpen.
Blake Treinen’s streak of not allowing an earned run ended at 23 appearances when Pete Alonso’s homer that cut the Dodgers’ lead to 4-3 in the seventh inning. AJ Pollock appeared to have a play on Alonso’s drive but jumped into the wall and watched the ball hit off the top of the fence and carry into the stands.
Kenley Jansen’s second appearance in as many days produced the same result and his save gave the Dodgers a sixth consecutive win in one-run games.
Dodgers payed tribute video for Hill
Back at Dodger Stadium for the first time since leaving the team in free agency after the 2019 season, Hill was treated to a tribute video and warm reception from fans on Thursday.
“I saw him in New York for a day, talked to him, chatted him up. First day in here, said hello quickly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Hill’s start. “He’s going to be ready to pitch and bring that energy. I expect our guys to match it and I’m expecting to beat him.”
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