Max Muncy reclaimed the MLB lead in home runs to help lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. In finishing the series at Wrigley Field by taking three of four, the Dodgers have won two consecutive games for the first time since three victories in a row from April 3-6.
Cubs starter Marcus Stroman went into his fifth start of the season with a 0.75 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. He’d yet to allow a home run in 2023, but exited Sunday’s game after giving up three.
The first homer Stroman surrendered was to Mookie Betts, whose two-run shot tied the game in the third inning. Betts’ home run came in his first career start at shortstop at the Major League level.
After the Cubs pulled ahead in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Dodgers responded by relying on more power. Muncy added onto his scorching stretch with his 11th home run of the season, putting L.A. up 4-3 in the sixth inning. Muncy has hit 10 home runs in his past 13 games.
J.D. Martinez made it back-to-back home runs for the Dodgers. Betts provided more of a cushion in the ninth inning with a two-run double.
Of their 22 runs scored during the four-game series, 17 came via a home run.
Kershaw quality start
Coming off his 200th career win, Clayton Kershaw provided the Dodgers with a quality start.
He was again hurt by their defense, as Muncy’s two-base error to open the bottom of the first inning resulted in the Cubs taking a lead on Cody Bellinger’s RBI single. Seiya Suzuki then drove in Bellinger on a base hit.
Kershaw followed that by retiring 11 of the next 12 batters faced through the fourth inning. He had five strikeouts and issued just one walk during that span.
Yan Gomes led off the bottom of the fifth with a homer, which was the only earned run Kershaw allowed. He finished with six strikeouts and has pitched at least six innings in all five starts this season.
Next for Dodgers
With some momentum on their side, the Dodgers get to enjoy an off day Monday before their road trip continues with a three-game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates also have an off day Monday and head into the series on a seven-game winning streak and the second-best record in the National League at 16-7.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
