The Los Angeles Dodgers chased National League Cy Young Award frontrunner Sandy Alcántara en route to a 10-3 victory that completed a sweep of the Miami Marlins and extended their winning streak at Dodger Stadium to nine games.
Alcántara nearly got through the first inning after a leadoff single and stolen base by Mookie Betts, but Will Smith’s two-out RBI single provided L.A. with an early lead. That marked the first time since June 24 that the right-hander allowed a run in the first inning.
Joey Gallo’s triple in the second inning was followed by a two-run homer from Cody Bellinger, and Max Muncy’s RBI single in the third extended the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0.
Prior to Sunday, Alcántara had not allowed a run in each of the first three innings during any start this season. His troubles extended to the fourth as Betts and Smith both drove in a run. Smith’s ground-rule RBI double knocked Alcántara out of the game with two outs in the inning. The six runs Alcántara allowed represented a season high.
The run support helped Ryan Pepiot settle in after a shaky first inning. He went into the start lamenting walk issues and started the afternoon by handing out a free pass on four pitches.
However, that wound up being just one of two walks Pepiot issued. He allowed a two-run home run but completed six innings for the first time and set a career high with seven strikeouts. The quality start also was a first for the Dodgers’ pitching prospect.
Dodgers get Gonsolin ERA crown
With Alcántara allowing six runs over just 3.2 innings, Tony Gonsolin became the ERA leader among qualified National League starters at 2.12.
Alcántara exited with a 2.19 ERA, and he’s followed by Julio Urías at 2.40.
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