The Los Angeles Dodgers notched their 35th comeback win of the season and completed a sweep of the Kansas City Royals in the process.
The Dodgers had already clinched a second series win in a row against the Royals, but completed their first sweep since July 7-9, 2017. It’s the Dodgers’ first sweep since they won all three matchups against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field from June 22-24.
Dodgers 4, Royals 2: key takeaways
Mookie Betts’ hot hitting
Coming off a three-hit night, Mookie Betts provided more power for the Dodgers with a game-tying solo home run in the second inning. It marked the first time this season Betts had back-to-back games with a home run since he did so three in a row from June 23-26.
Home run surge
Following Betts’ lead, Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run homer that gave the Dodgers a lead in the third inning, and Hunter Feduccia extended it with a solo blast in the fifth. Feduccia’s home run was the first in his Dodgers career.
The Dodgers improved to 16-1 this season when hitting three or more homers. They last had three home runs in a game on June 29 against the Athletics.
Eric Lauer’s quality start
After getting hit hard by the Chicago Cubs his last time out, Eric Lauer gave the Dodgers more of what they have become accustomed to. He allowed two runs (one earned) over 6.1 innings and finished with six strikeouts.
The quality start was Lauer’s seventh in 10 opportunities. He also pitched six scoreless innings out of the bullpen during a game against the Twins on June 22.
The Dodgers are now 10-1 in games that Lauer pitches. They reportedly considered trading the left-hander at the deadline but kept him and Alex Call amid an expectation both players would contribute down the stretch.
Lauer’s 112 pitches thrown on Wednesday are the most by any member of the Dodgers’ staff this season.
Freddie Freeman injury scare
One batter after a pop-up skipped off Landon Knack’s glove to fall for an error in the eighth inning, Freddie Freeman went tumbling into the visiting dugout while trying to catch a foul ball.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer sprinted over to check on Freeman, who somehow avoided serious injury and initially remained in the game. Tommy Edman pinch-hit for Freeman to lead off the bottom of the eighth.
Brewers series next
Now having finished off a sweep of the Royals, the Dodgers continue their homestand with a matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, who just lost all three games to the San Diego Padres.
The Brewers still have the best record in the National League at 74-47, which is one game in front of both the Atlanta Braves and Dodgers.
Finishing with one of the top two records in the NL will come with a first-round bye in the postseason rather than needing to begin October baseball by playing in a Wild Card Series.
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