LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers' offense backed an performance by right-hander Landon Knack as they defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-2 on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.
Knack, 27, pitched five innings, allowing only two hits, one run, and striking out six batters on 96 pitches. He earned his second win of the season (2-2, 3.07 ERA), contributing to the Dodgers' five-game winning streak.
On the other hand, right-hander Jordan Hicks struggled with his control, throwing 92 pitches in 3 2/3 innings. He gave up five walks and four earned runs in the loss.
NL Player of the Week back at it again. pic.twitter.com/VsptYA0HUH
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 24, 2024
Gavin Lux immediately got going from where he left off, doubled to the right, Freeman and Hernández scored the first runs of the game.
Lux was thrown out at third base while trying to stretch a double into a triple to end the first inning. Lux has changed his mental approach, which has elevated his performance since the all-star break and led to him winning National League Player of the Week.
.@kirsten_watson spoke with Gavin Lux (2-for-4, 2 RBI) about his recent performance at the plate. pic.twitter.com/RfIPSLvZLK
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 24, 2024
The two runs of the game for the Giants came from Tyler Fitzgerald, who smashed a solo home run into the Dodgers bullpen. Fitzgerald has now hit a home run in five consecutive games. The most recent Giants player to achieve that was Barry Bonds in 2004. Followed by an RBI single in the ninth inning.
Shohei Ohtani went hitless on Monday night, but he hit a double to right field, bringing in Cavan Biggio and Jason Heyward. In the bottom of the eighth, he singled to center, scoring Andy Pages.
That's Shohei's 60th extra-base hit of the season! pic.twitter.com/QhYqF0fMX2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 24, 2024
Ohtani finished the night 2-for-5 with three RBIs after striking out in his first two at-bats, raising his batting average to .314.
Dodgers' right-handed reliever Brent Honeywell pitched two scoreless innings, throwing 16 strikes out of 22 pitches. Since joining the team, Honeywell has pitched seven scoreless innings and retired 19 of 22 batters faced.
The Giants loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with two outs while Evan Phillips was on the mound, and he managed to save the game. Phillips has been struggling recently, having allowed seven runs in his last three appearances. On Monday, Dave Roberts mentioned that he was considering replacing Phillips as the closer and possibly giving him a chance to be the setup guy.
Roberts took a risk but was rewarded with a win on the ground ball hit to end the game.
The Dodgers' offense has tallied 24 RBIs with two outs in their last 8 games, leading MLB. On Tuesday, the Dodgers managed to score all five runs with two outs.
The Giants will start the 2021 Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, who will be making his season debut after being traded from the Mariners during the offseason. The Dodgers will go with Tyler Glasnow (8-5, 3.47 ERA) on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.