Mookie Betts immediately provided a spark for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who solved their woes against Eric Lauer for a 6-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The teams now meet Wednesday afternoon for a rubber match that concludes the Dodgers’ road trip.
Lauer entered the night a career 7-1 and with a 2.37 ERA in 11 starts against the Dodgers. He faced a 1-0 deficit just two pitches into the game as Betts his 39th career leadoff home run.
Lauer’s troubles continued as he walked Freddie Freeman, who stole second base and later took third on an errant pickoff throw. Will Smith’s sacrifice fly doubled the Dodgers’ lead.
James Outman’s double in the second inning led to a run on Miguel Rojas’ two-out single. Smith then connected for a solo home run off Lauer in the third inning. The southpaw wound up completing just 3.2 innings.
Miguel Vargas broke the game open with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The three home runs gave L.A. 61 on the season, passing the Atlanta Braves for most in the National League. The Dodgers improved to 10-1 this year when hitting at least three home runs in a game.
The early run support helped alleviate pressure on the Dodgers pitching staff in what became an unexpected bullpen game. A stable of relief pitchers at one point combined to retire 13 batters in a row.
That streak was snapped when Shelby Miller surrendered a home run to Rowdy Tellez with one out in the seventh inning. Miller allowed a second solo homer to Victor Caratini.
Dodgers win, but Noah Syndergaard injury a concern
The Dodgers provided Noah Syndergaard with extra rest between starts to continue ironing out mechanics and get a mental break. However, Syndergaard’s night came to an end after just one inning due to an apparent blister on his right index finger.
The Dodgers announced Syndergaard’s exit was due to a cut on his finger.
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