LOS ANGELES-- Welcome to the Teoscar Hernández show as he drives in all three runs, leading the Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Giants on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.
Hernandez sparked the Dodgers' offense by hitting a solo home run to left field, tying the game in the top of the fourth inning. It was his 21st home run of the season, and he didn't stop there.
The Teoscar Hernández Show! pic.twitter.com/aRlbUeBVyR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 23, 2024
Hernandez then hit an RBI single to center in the sixth inning, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead.
He wasn't finished just yet.
The Dodgers had runners on first and second with two outs. Hernandez hit a single to center, scoring Kike Hernandez for the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Hernandez ended the night 3-for-4.
Hernandez has driven in 27 runs with two outs this season.
The Giants' offense managed only five hits throughout the night. Fitzgerald delivered the biggest hit of the night with a deep ball to left field off Yarbrough in the top of the 7th.
Ryan threw 73 pitches in his MLB debut on Monday night. He allowed four hits, three walks, and two runs. The only run he allowed was on a pitch that was mishandled by Will Smith, allowing the runner to score from third base.
Ryan's control wasn't there tonight, but his velocity was certainly impressive, reaching a peak of 98 mph.
He notched his first career strikeout in the third inning by catching Fitzgerald looking at a 96 mph fastball. This was Ryan's MLB debut, marking the first time in his career that he had pitched into the sixth inning of any game.
"There was definitely a lot of emotions up and down all day," Ryan said postgame. "I spent some time with the lord earlier today, I definitely prayed when I got on the mound."
Congratulations River on your first Major League strikeout! pic.twitter.com/oGHu8x3tFu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 23, 2024
Ryan had his family in attendance, including his brother, Ryder Ryan, who played last season with the Mariners and was a teammate of Teoscar Hernandez. Ryan's family provided him with some advice ahead of his MLB debut.
"Just have fun, it's been the same game since you've been a little kid."
Will Smith discussed Ryan's debut performance against the Giants after the game.
"His command of the baseball, attacking guys, he settled in after the first inning." Smith said after the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ryan will likely get another start soon. Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw joined the rotation this week.
The Dodgers announced on Monday that James Paxton has been designated for assignment, which was a shocking move given Paxton's 8-2 record with a 4.43 ERA this season.
Los Angeles now has a 7-3 record against the Giants this season. Blake Snell started for the Giants on Monday and was very efficient. He pitched six strong innings, allowing four hits, two runs, and recording four strikeouts.
Landon Knack (1-2, 3.23) is set to start for the Dodgers in their pursuit of a fifth consecutive win, facing off against Jordan Hicks (4-6, 3.79) on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.