An only name 1⁄3 of the season to get to this point, but Cody Bellinger finally had a great game on the plate AND the Dodgers are now in first place, thanks to their 7-4 victory over the Angels.
With the Rockies losing and the Dodgers winning, LA is now up by a game in the NL West.
When we talk about tonight’s game, we need to start with Bellinger. When he came into the game, he was one of the worst hits in all baseball. No, seriously. Among qualified hitters, his batting was average and OPS was close to the bottom. Now, although he had trouble getting around the plate, he made constant hard contact and his bar numbers were down. It was only a matter of time before things started to go. And last night they did it.
Entering the seventh inning, the Dodgers clung on to a tight 2-1 lead. With a first runner, Bellinger stepped to the plate. After a quiet night on the plate, Bellinger sent this 0-2 pitch into the stands for his third home game of the season.
Just two innings later, Bellinger was back on the plate. He showed the crazy power he has, this time opposite field for his fourth homer of the night.
Kershaw deals
The starting point for the Dodgers was Clayton Kershaw. It was a rough ride for Kershaw’s final tour. He threw only 4 1⁄3 innings, allowing four runs along with three homers. Yes, he shot back nicely last night.
Kershaw was dominant, throwing seven innings from one hit ball. The only goal he allowed came in the fifth inning, when Anthony Rendon continued the inning with a home team. He finished the night with seven innings, a rarity for a Dodgers starter in 2020. Not that they needed rest because they were so dominant, but eating innings was an added bonus for the Dodgers.
He also added six strikeouts and two walks.
The bullpen the three runes allowed, but hey, they were thankful.
Details from Friday
WP: Clayton Kershaw (2-1) 7 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 6 SO
LP: Patrick Sandoval (0-2) 6 IP, 4 ER, 5 SO
SV: Kenley Jansen (5) 1⁄3 IP, 1 SO
Home runs: Cody Bellinger, 2 (4), Anthony Rendon (5)
Box score
Next
The Dodgers will look for the series win tomorrow. Walker Buehler (0-0, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound. He will face Andrew Heaney (1-1, 4.26 ERA). First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. PT on SportsNet LA, Fox Sports West, and MLB Network (off-market).
