The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame an early deficit to defeat the Chicago Cubs, 7-1, to complete a series sweep at Wrigley Field and extend their winning streak to six games.
Walker Buehler pitched seven innings and finished with six strikeouts. Buehler again relied heavily on his cutter and allowed just one run, which in some part was aided by Will Smith’s throw back to the mound inexplicably went over Buehler’s head.
It allowed Rafael Ortega to take third base two batters after he led off the bottom of the first inning with a double. Ortega then scored on Willson Contreras’ two-out single.
The Cubs’ 1-0 lead held until Contreras was involved in a mishap when he made contact with Max Muncy’s groin in the fourth inning. Muncy was checked on by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer before remaining in the game.
He drew a walk that loaded the bases with one out and it was followed by Justin Turner’s sacrifice fly tying the game. Cody Bellinger beat out a grounder for a go-ahead RBI infield single before the Cubs could get through the inning.
Three consecutive singles by Gavin Lux, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman loaded the bases with nobody out in the fifth inning. The Dodgers’ rally was stalled a bit as Trea Turner grounded into a double play. They did benefit from a second run scoring on a wild pitch.
Freeman added a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning to create more separation, and two more runs scored in the ninth on Nico Hoerner’s error.
Dodgers notes
Betts extended his hitting streak to nine games, which includes five multi-hit efforts during that span.
Buehler set a season high with 15 swings and misses.
Cody Bellinger, who had been mired in a slump since being named National League Player of the Week, led the Dodgers with three hits. Bellinger has eight multi-hit games this season, which matches his total from last year.
The Dodgers scored their runs on two sacrifice flies, an infield single, double play, wild pitch and fielding error.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
