The Los Angeles Dodgers were nothing if consistent during their three-city road trip coming out of the All-Star break, which concluded with an 8-4 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Sunday’s result fell in line with the two prior series that saw the Dodgers also take two of three from the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. Those instances unfolded like the Rangers series as well, with L.A. notching back-to-back victories before falling short of completing a sweep.
The Dodgers appeared primed to break that trend as they immediately jumped ahead on Max Muncy’s grand slam in the first inning. That gave Muncy a fourth consecutive game with an extra-base hit and at least one RBI.
Just as soon as the Dodgers took a lead, it began to slip away as Emmet Sheehan struggled against a Rangers lineup that leads baseball in several categories this season.
A pair of walks in the bottom of the first inning were cashed in when Jonah Heim cut the Dodgers’ lead in half with a two-out, two-run double. The Rangers then capitalized on two more walks in the second inning as they scored three runs to take a 5-4 lead.
Back-to-back singles to start the bottom of the third were followed by Leody Taveras hitting a two-run double. Sheehan nearly got through the fourth inning without allowing a run, but a two-out walk led to an Ezequiel Duran RBI double that chased the Dodgers’ starter from the game.
Alex Vesia stranded the inherited baserunner to close the book on Sheehan at eight runs on eight hits and five walks, all of which were career highs. Each of the five walks Sheehan issued came around to score.
Meanwhile, Martín Pérez settled in after Muncy’s grand slam to get through six innings without allowing another run. Pérez finished with six strikeouts, his second-highest total in a start this season.
Max Muncy ties Dodgers grand slam record
Muncy has three grand slams this season, which tied the Dodgers franchise record for most by one player in a single season.
It previously was accomplished by Kal Daniels (1990), Mike Piazza (1998), Adrián Beltré (2004), Matt Kemp (2009) and Chris Taylor (2017).
Taylor has two grand slams this season, both of which were hit on the road trip. The Dodgers as a team lead the Majors with 10 grand slams this year.
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!
