The Los Angeles Dodgers took a first-inning lead and rode that to a 3-1 win and two-game series sweep of the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers extended their winning streak to five games and now are within 1.5 games of first place in the National League West standings.
Kevin Gausman entered his start having allowed more than two earned runs only once this season, which the Dodgers exceeded behind a patient approach and another power display. Max Muncy walked in the first plate appearance of his bobblehead night, then Justin Turner was hit by a pitch and Cody Bellinger also drew a free pass.
Chris Taylor capitalized on the bases-loaded opportunity by going inside-out for a two-run double down the right-field line and the Dodgers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning for a second consecutive game.
In Muncy’s second at-bat, he took Gausman deep to center field for a solo home run. It gave Muncy seven homers in nine games against the Giants this season. “If you’re one of the main characters that means you’re doing something good,” Muncy said before the game. “The Giants’ fans aren’t going to hate you if you’re doing bad, so for me that’s a pretty cool thing.”
Walker Buehler didn’t have an overpowering performance that’s come to be expected of him in big games, but he nonetheless turned in a strong start. The Giants only mustered one run and three hits and Buehler finished the night with seven strikeouts over 6.2 innings.
Buehler kept his streak alive of pitching at least six innings in all 16 starts this season. He nearly got through seven scoreless, but a Gavin Lux error kept the inning alive and Steven Duggar followed with an RBI double to knock Buehler out of the game at 113 pitches.
Joe Kelly got the final out in the seventh inning and retired the side in order in the eighth. Kenley Jansen hit the first batter faced and walked Buster Posey before working out of the jam to convert his second consecutive save.
Dodgers beginning road trip
After going 5-1 on their homestand, the Dodgers begin an eight-game road trip on Thursday with series against the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins.
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