The Dodgers' offense scored six runs in the first inning after being shut out the night before. They defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-2 on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.
Right-hander Gavin Williams induced a groundout from Shohei Ohtani, but then issued three consecutive walks to Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy.
The Dodgers delivered a crucial hit when Tommy Edman smacked a ground-rule double, followed by Gavin Lux's sacrifice fly to bring Muncy home. Miguel Rojas then singled to left to score Edman.
Andy for two! pic.twitter.com/XXXDTOMur6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 8, 2024
The Dodgers continued their strong performance after the Guardians made a pitching change, bringing in right-hander Pedro Avila. The Dodgers took advantage of the change as Andy Pages hit a two-run home run to deep center field, measuring at 432 feet.
Cleveland made another move in the bullpen, bringing in right-hander Scott Barlow. In the fourth inning, Mookie Betts hit a home run to left field off Barlow. Betts has six home runs and 23 RBI in 24 games since returning from injury.
The Dodgers are 15-8 in those games, with an overall 16 home runs and a .306 batting average this season for Betts.
There's no guarding Mookie. pic.twitter.com/oFzmVJk7ud
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 8, 2024
Dave Roberts chose to start right-hander Ryan Brasier for the first innings in a bullpen game. Brasier allowed one hit and no runs on 16 pitches. Right-hander Michael Grove followed with one inning, allowing two runs.
David Fry reached first base on a catcher's interference call, followed by right fielder Lane Thomas, who hit a two-run home run to center.
Left-hander Justin Wrobleski entered the game for two innings, allowing three walks, one hit and striking out two batters. Wrobleski was originally scheduled to start the full game, but Roberts decided on Saturday afternoon to go with the bullpen.
The Dodgers utilized all of their bullpen arms, with Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia and Michael Kopech pitching shutout innings. Right-hander Brent Honeywell came in for the final two innings and sealed the win for the Dodgers against the Guardians.
With the victory on Saturday, the Dodgers are now leading the Padres by five games and the Diamondbacks by six and a half games in the NL West division.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty (11-6, 3.01 ERA) will start for the Dodgers on Sunday to close out the series, while the Guardians will send their own right-hander Tanner Bibbe (11-6, 3.56 ERA).